SOUTH-EAST ASIA COMINFORM HAS STRATEGIC PLAN

Grey River Argus, 2 September 1948, Page 5

SOUTH-EAST ASIA COMINFORM HAS STRATEGIC PLAN

FOR EIGHT COUNTRIES LONDON, September 1. According to the Rangoon correspondent of the News Chronicle, documents seized in Burma disclose that a general strategic plan exists directing all Communist activities in South-East Asia. The correspondent says: British and American observers in Burma believe that Bangkok is the centre of a South-East Asia Cominform, and that the directing mind behind the Communist organisation is a leading Burmese Communist named Goshal, whose nominal position is political adviser to Thakin Than Tun, the insurgent Burmese Communist leader in Bangkok. Communists , have been found in possession of an order of the day which lays down the following targets for Communist activity in South-East Asia:—

“In Burma, activity against British investments and Thakin Nil’s Government.

“In Malaya, activity against British planters and dredge managers, against.all local sultans co-operating with the British, and against the Malayan Federation as a form of Government.

“In . Indonesia, activity against Dutch and British plantations, oilfields, shipping, and all native headmen who co-operate with the Dutch or the British, and opposition to any form of Government which might lead to a peaceful settlement with the Western European Powers as trustees.

“In Indo-China, activity against all Annamese collaborating with France and against the Kings of Cambodia and Laos.

“In China, activity against the Chiang Kai-shek Government and measures to clear the way so that the Chinese Communist forces can link up with the Communists in Vietnam (Indo-China). “In Hong Kong, measures to disrupt trade and local business and to establish Communist propaganda newspapers and radio transmitters. “Tn India, measures to increase political strife between India and Pakistan and the promotion of riots”.

Terrorists Extend Murder to Island Of Penang (Rec. 11.30) SINGAPORE, Sept. 1 The terrorism last night spread to Penang when the body of Doctor Ong Chong Keng, a Chinese unofficial member of the Federal Legislative and Executive Concil was found with three bullet wounds in the head. Dr Ong was lured from his surgery when a small boy asked for attention for his sister, who he alleged was ill. Police later found his body lying on a lonley path.. Dr Ong was a wellknown supporter of the British campaign against the Communist terrorists. , , , Penang has hitherto been regarded as a haven from terrorism, and many European women and children have been evacuated to that area from the danger areas on the mainland. SIAM INSURRECTION RANGOON, August 31. Burma Government forces in the Karenni hill tracts on the North-East frontier adjoining Siam captured the insurrection leader, U Ba Thun. The rebels, who are now retreating, naa advanced to within 20 miles of Loikan. . . A Government communique forecasts the crushing of the Communist rebellion in Burma by early October. The situation is showing an all-round improvement. Pro-Government sources also expect the capture of Prome within 48 hours.