Records Of The Foreign And Commonwealth Office And Predecessors, FCO 24/542 - Release From Prison Of Lim Chin Siong And Wong Chui Wan, Political Detainees In Singapore, And Entry Into UK
01/01/1969 to 31/12/1969
Record file concerns the release of Lim Chin Siong, Secretary General of the Barisan Sosialis' the only major political personality to be thrown up by the Singapore left wing' (Financial Times) and detained since 1963, to travel to the UK to be treated for a mental condition. Concern by the British government about their status - would he be allowed back into Singapore, even though he is a Singapore citizen? Also concern that Britain would become the 'dumping ground' for difficult Commonwealth security cases'. Singapore had presented the problem at short notice. Question as to his citizenship as he was born in Johore. Left Singapore on 28 July 1969. Official reason Singapore gave for his departure was to further his studies. Newspaper articles on the case. Wong Chui Wan, described as Lim's girlfriend also being released from detention and would probably wish to join him in the UK - she has applied to enter as a visitor for one month. She arrived 6 November. Both have asked for extensions of their 'visas'. UK government is concerned that the Singapore security authorities that it can arrange, at short notice, and without difficulty, entry into Britain by former detainees. High Commissioner in Singapore tries to be reassuring. Some pages have been retained by the department. Need to apply under FOI
FCO 24/542
English
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