Merdeka Talks

And now, Sir, I want to tell hon. Members that the question of re-opening talks with the Colonial Office has not been set aside. Two months ago I had already been in touch with the Colonial Office informing them that I would be visiting London in the middle of December to fix an agenda for the talks to take place in February next year. I have only a few days ago been in further communication with the Colonial Office with a view to expediting these talks. The present indication is that the Secretary of State has a full programme right up to late February. He has, however, indicated that he would be pleased to see me in December, as previously asked for. I am therefore not yet in a position to name a definite date for the resumption of talks, but this Government has decided that if the talks are successful the new constitution should come into being in August next year, with fresh elections. The new constitution should come into being in August next year with fresh elections. This is in reply to the accusation of our opponents that this Government is anxious to remain in office. This Government, is not anxious to remain in office. This Government, while in office, intends to bring peace and security to Singapore and nothing is going to deter it. We will face the electorate when the time comes and it is for them to pass judgment on our present action. I have already stated in this Assembly that if fresh talks should fail, the purpose for which this Government accepted office would have come to an end, and there might be elections earlier than August, 1957.

Mr D. S. Marshall (Cairnhill): If it please you, Mr Speaker, Sir, do I understand the Chief Minister to say that it is the firm intention of the Government to seek full and fresh elections, if the constitutional talks are successful, not later than August next, irrespective of the date of the talks?

The Chief Minister: Sir, the hon. Member understands aright.