CAB129-33 — Page 131

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bandit activity appears to have been reached in November when there were 278 attacks. The figure fell to 232 in December and to 198 in January and Pageth of rose continued during Bagaak32 of 48e

monthly civilian fatal casualty rate was 31 in January as opposed to a monthly average of 48 in June/December. Total civilian fatal casualties were 387 up to 24th February, of whom 269 were Chinese and 30 European.

(c) Siamese Frontier

(a)

One of the most difficult problems has been the ease with which bandits could retire across the frontier into Siam and subsequently recross into Malaya. The Siamese Government have all along expressed their willingness to co-operate and steps have been taken to translate this willingness into effective action. Two conferences between Siamese and Malayan officials have recently been held and a jointly planned operation was carried out early in February. Although this achieved no spectacular results, it is hoped that it marks an important step towards establishing a regular and direct liaison between the Security Forces on both sides of the frontier.

Government action against Bandits

The main difficulty is that the mass of the Chinese population, and in particular the "squatters' for the most part illegal settlers in areas bordering on the jungle - has been unwilling or unable to co-operate actively with Government. This is not because the Chinese are in sympathy with Communism or the bandits, but because they are so easily intimidated into providing shelter, supplies and money and withholding information about bandit movements.

The squatter problem is being vigorously tackled. Some squatters are being resettled in areas where they will be under close police super- vision. Four of the worst areas have been dealt with under a new Emergency Regulation which enables the High Commissioner to deport the inhabitants of certain areas who have persistently declined to co-operate with the Security Forces against the bandits. These repatriations are being carried out with humanity but with thoroughness. During the first two months of this year, over 1,600 persons have been repatriated. Compensation is paid for animals that cannot be removed and the most careful investigation is made to see that relatives are given the opportunity of accompanying repatriates if they so wish. This action has led to more co-operation between the squatters and the authorities. The Government also has under urgent consideration con- structive proposals recently submitted by a Federal Committee for the settlement of squatters on land and bringing the areas under proper administration and this holds out a real prospect for these people of an alternative to Communism.

The payment of "protection money" by all sections of the Chinese community is still a dis-

action

Page 132488aken against persons into 133 ist in

turbing feature of the situation. ασε

intaken known paying this blackmail; some 300 detentions have

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