CO537-5132 — Page 55

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529287/11/4

1.

MOTE BY COLONIAL OFFICE AND FOREIGN OFFICE,

MALAY A

Attitude to be adopted in publicity towards Communism

in Malaya and China.

Communist successes in China have in some measure instilled

in the Chinese in Malaya a feeling of pride in the achievements

of the Communist armies and of satisfaction that China will

have a strong Government respected in the Counsels of the

Nations. Recognition of a Communist Government in China will

confirm this attitude of the Overseas Chinese and unless the

publicity connected with it is handled carefully, the

consequences may become serious by;

2.

(a) confusing the mass of the Chinese population in

Malaya by making them feel that recognition implies

approval of Communism,

(b)

(c)

boosting the morale and strengthening the resistance

of the Communist bandits in Malaya,

increasing the difficulties which the Malayan

•

administrations expect when Chinese Communist Consuls

are appointed.

The problem has been carefully considered by the Commissioner

General, the High Commissioner for the Federation of Malaya and

the Governor of Singapore, in consultation with H.M.Ambassador

to China, and the officers Administering the Governments of

North Borneo and Sarawak during the Conference of His Majesty's

Representatives at Bukit Serene on the 2nd 4th November.

Discussions have also taken place between the Foreign Office

and Colonial office, and Mr. Dening of the Foreign office who

took part in the Bukit Serene talks, has again been consulted.

It has now been agreed in London that the following line should

be taken.

-

3. The Chinese Communist Government must be distinguished

from the Communist terrorist movement in Malaya, and it should

not be suggested that the latter receives any aid from the

Chinese/

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