CO537-6578 — Page 73

(11) The opportunity of active, constructive co-

operation whether through elections, or trade

unions, or social service. At present the

politically and socially active group is

limited in number and situated in the higher

age-groups.

But it is those under 21 who are

the majority of the people and who are at the

age when activity most appeals. This the

Communist understand when they give a grenade

to a youngster whose wish for significant

action is made to fit into a pattern of 'liberation'

in which he can be made to appear as a hero to

his circle of intimates. On our side, every

form of constructive and self-educating activity

must be encouraged whether in clubs or sports

organisations, or groups like the Boy Scouts,

or in recruiting for the Police or the Services;

and the English-language qualifications should be

lowered as far as possible to bring as many

Chinese-speaking recruits as possible into their

orbit. Once they are inside the incentive

to learn English will soon manifest itself.

appeal to these groups should be to action, and to

the defence of the country in which their future

lies.

The

Even though there is not the full response

in recruiting, there is the feeling of opportunity

of action which helps to eliminate social

frustrations, and the constant reminder that

the future of Singapore will be of direct effect

on themselves. Similarly the development of

professional groups for all ranks of a professional

group (such as in the Insurance Institute of Malaya),

gives a new sphere of interest and democratic activity

for the many and of responsibility of office for the

few.

Similarly,