INDONESIAN CRISIS (Statement on Government stand)

Mr Lee Choon Eng asked the Chief Secretary if he will make a statement on the stand of the Singapore Government towards the Indonesian crisis; and what steps the Government has taken to prevent Indonesians having political connections with the Indonesian crisis from entering this country under the guise as businessmen.

Mr E. B. David: Sir, the present disturbances in Indonesia are purely an internal affair and the Singapore Government will abstain from any act which may be construed as, or may appear to be, interference in the internal affairs of another state. It is not the intention of the Government to deny right of entry into Singapore to persons who are in possession of valid travel documents so long as their presence is not prejudicial to the peace and orderly government of Singapore.

Mr Lee Choon Eng: Is the Chief Secretary aware that these persons coming in as businessmen are in fact having political connections with the Indonesian crisis?

Mr E. B. David: I do not suppose, Sir, it is confined to Singapore that persons moving on business purposes also have political convictions.

Mr Lee Choon Eng: Sir, is the Chief Secretary then aware of the private meetings of these businessmen in certain places in Singapore about the Indonesian crisis?

Mr E. B. David: Sir, I have no information of such private meetings. If the hon. Member would care to furnish me with any information which showed that these were in any way a threat to the good government and order of Singapore, I would be very happy to investigate it.

Mr Lee Choon Eng: Sir, is the Chief Secretary then aware that there is an organisation in Singapore which is called the Island Development Organisation which functions in connection with the Indonesian crisis?

Mr E. B. David: No, Sir.

Mr Lee Choon Eng: Will the Chief Secretary then care to investigate if there is such an organisation called the Island Development Organisation, and whether it is registered or not?

Mr E. B. David: If the hon. Member will furnish me with the necessary information, Sir, I would be happy to investigate.

Mr Lee Choon Eng: Thank you.