Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-04-22
Singopore's Races Unite
For independence Fight

fore returning to Singapore to be-
come an auto salesman. Later he
worked his way through London
University, where he studied law.
He was a Japanese prisoner Of
war for nearly four years during
the war. After vi day he resumed
his law practice and soon became
one of this colony'S top criminal
lawyers.
Answer Is Near
Whether Marshall can win his
biggest fight may be known in the
weeks coming up. He heads a 1S-
man delegation to London to talk
independence with British govern
ment officials in a series of con-
ferences starting tomorrow.
The big issue centers around the
question Of how many people in
Singapore really want independ-
ence.
The two major English-language
daily newSpaperS-one British
owned. the other Chinese-owned-
in Singapore have been tearing into
Mr.. Marshall and his independence
movement for months.
One responsible British official,
recalling the rally-riot of last
March l8 which broke out when q
group Of Parliament members ar
rived here from London, says:
II would have been much more
impressed if I had seen more adult
faces and not so many schoolboys."
Questioned about the authentic
ity of nationalist feeling here, Mr..
Marshall turns vehement.
No responsible official fails to
see that the largest mass of the
people want independence now"
he roars. The British have thrown
up a large smoke screen. but the
fears are of a minority of the
people"
But the fact remains Mr.. Mar
shall has not called a referendum
to test the peoples sentiments. He
cites a lack of time and funds as
the reasons for not holding one.
There is mixed opinion about
the outcome If such a referendum
were to be held.
Many responsible citizens fear
coercion from the Communist ele-
ment which is strong, vocal and
well organized despite the fact it is
outlawed here. The Communists
are among the chief hackers of in
dependence and are generally rec
oenized as the behind-the-scen
leaders in Singapore's past riots.
The Communist interest in indie
pendence has been a big handicap
for Mr.. Marshall. The British sug-
gest his real target should be COM
muniSm, not colonialism. But from
the standpoint of political ex-
pediency, Mr.. Marshall couldn't
switch to that tack.
AS a result, he is frequently
called dupe Of the Communists.
It's difficult. of course, to find a
communist here who labels himself
as such. Most well-informed people
say the Reds lead most Of the labor
unions and are the real power in
the Peoples Action Party.
Inc party denies it. It's leader.
Lee kuan Yew, Malay-born Chi
nese lawyer who was educated in
Britain, is member of Mr.. Mar
shalis independence delegation to
London.
Comedies Danger
Mr.. Marshall himself comedies
that Communist groups might be
able to stampede the electorate and
take over II Singapore actually at
tanned independence.
But If were a doctor" he SAYS.
i would not refuse to operate on
patient just because there was A
chance the operation might be
fatal"
He points out his Socialist Labor
Front Party is Communist and
Will fight to prevent giving liberty
70 those who seek to destroy it,"
But there are serious doubts on
the part OF many western educated
Chlnese and Malays here as to Mr..
Marshalls ability to fend off Com
munist infiltration indefinitely.
These people see the Communists
supporting the limited independ-
ence movement temporarily and
then Immediately pressing for the
complete custer of British forces
which would be here for Singapores
defense.
British military sources say fiatly
that they intend to keep troops
here indefinitely as part Of their
commitment to the Southeast Asia
Treaty Organization.
Right now an estimated $4,000
Commonwealth soldiers are in Ma
layan jungles to the north fighting
against Communist rebels. Military
authorities say these troops could
be diverted 10 Singapore In case OF
large scale riots or demonstrations
resulting from the final decision in
London on independence.
Meanwhile the situation here is
tense. No one really knows what
the answer will be. But Britishers
are crossing their fingers and
hoping that Singapore does not
turn into another Cyprus.