Communists Plan To Seize Malaya

Chronicle (Levin), 21 June 1948, Page 5

Communists Plan To Seize Malaya

{N.Z.P.A*-

-.Reuter,

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Recqiybd Sund^y, 7. p.m. ' " SiNGAPORE, June 19. "I have ^een docinp.pntary prqpf that Malayan Gpmmunists plan to sejze the qquittry by revoiutiqn,"" says Repter's ^ingappre corresppudenet. "They intend to make a "^ooond Indonesia" ef Malaya, employing murder, arson apd intimidation to paralyse the cpun-t-yy's economy.. The recent murders are the opening move. ' 4 The Oommunists hope, in a protraeted armed struggle, eventually to gain world recognition as a nationalist uqdy seeking independence. "It is now elear they recently dec)ared war on British rule and a decision will be gained only after a drawn out hit and run jungle eaqipaign like the one they fo.ught • sa successfully against the Japanese. during the occupation. '*War has been declared When the strength of the British militarj' forces in Malajrn are at the lowest ebb. Since the end of tlie second world struggle practically all the British battalions have been repatriated to England for ilemobilisation and ihe security of the country is now entrusted tq two recently arrived Gui'kha brigades, "The Communists have D'ained men and arms in pjpntyy Tlie authorities thus far haye disqovored only three of fifteen arrps dumps believed scattered throughout the cquntry. '(The Communists know how to exploit the Peninsula 's vast distance.i and how thin, on the ground, the military and police foj-ces are beeom.ing in an attempt. to protect all individuals. "