Communist Terrorism Chapter 7
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Questions and Answers

What led to the British announcement to withdraw its defense forces from Singapore in 1967?

  • The need to refocus on rebuilding Britain’s economy. (correct)
  • A decision to form an alliance with Singapore.
  • Increased military threats from neighboring countries.
  • The successful defense against Japanese invasion.

    • How many battalions did Singapore have at the time of its independence?

  • Two battalions (correct)
  • Five battalions
  • Three battalions
  • Four battalions

    • What did Singapore rely on for its security after the British withdrawal?

  • A larger standing army of volunteers.
  • A nuclear weapons program.
  • Strong diplomatic relations with other countries. (correct)
  • Increased economic support from Western nations.

    • What does the term 'deterrence' mean in the context of Singapore's security strategy?

    <p>To prevent attacks by showing military capability and readiness.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one significant impact of the British military withdrawal from Singapore?

    <p>Worsening unemployment due to job losses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes a regular soldier from a conscript in the military?

    <p>Regular soldiers serve voluntarily, while conscripts are required to serve.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these describes the function of an embassy?

    <p>To represent a nation's interests in foreign countries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What major event occurred in Singapore in the early 1960s due to external military pressure?

    <p>The Konfrontasi conflict with Indonesia.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a common initial reaction to National Service by young men and their families?

    <p>Anxiety and uncertainty regarding its implications.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why were men from less well-to-do families particularly affected by National Service?

    <p>They were expected to earn money quickly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What immediate financial impact did National Service have on families?

    <p>Families lost potential income from young men not working.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was likely to happen to young men’s entry into the workforce due to National Service?

    <p>Their entry would be delayed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a contributing factor to the anxiety surrounding National Service?

    <p>The loss of immediate income for families.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What resulted from the peace agreement in 1954 regarding Vietnam?

    <p>The division of Vietnam into North and South</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a major factor in Singapore's defense strategy during British colonial rule?

    <p>Reliance on the British Empire for security</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor contributed to the escalation of the Vietnam War?

    <p>The commitment of U.S. military resources to support South Vietnam</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Singapore fear during the Vietnam War?

    <p>The spread of fighting to other regions in Southeast Asia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what year did South Vietnam fall to North Vietnam, marking the end of the Vietnam War?

    <p>1975</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which British military site in Singapore was converted into an airport?

    <p>RAF Changi</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Before the British withdrawal, what was Singapore's primary military role?

    <p>Serving as a major naval base for British interests</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a consequence of French colonial rule ending in Vietnam?

    <p>The continuation of conflict between North and South Vietnam</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main challenge faced by conscripted men during National Service in Singapore?

    <p>Managing their anxieties being away from home</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which event did Winston Choo participate in during his military career?

    <p>The Konfrontasi</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant change for Singaporeans with the introduction of National Service?

    <p>Experience with military life for most Singaporeans</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who was the first Chief of Defence Force of Singapore?

    <p>Winston Choo</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the impact of National Service on families in Singapore?

    <p>They experienced anxiety about their sons' well-being.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What were the components of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) by the end of the 1970s?

    <p>An army, an air force, and a navy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role did the People's Defence Force (PDF) play in Singapore's defence?

    <p>It was formed entirely by part-time volunteers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who among the following was NOT typically associated with the PDF's formation?

    <p>Full-time military officers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was significant about Jek Yeun Thong's political career?

    <p>He served as Prime Minister in the early 1980s.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary benefit of the SAF and PDF collaboration?

    <p>A larger pool of manpower to meet defense needs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary threat that Singapore faced from the Malayan Communist Party?

    <p>Acts of terrorism by communist groups</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant event marked Singapore's first encounter with international terrorism?

    <p>The hijacking of the ferry boat <em>Laju</em></p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the outcome for the hijackers of the Laju ferry after negotiations?

    <p>They were granted safe passage to Kuwait</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which individual led the Singapore government officials during the Laju hijacking negotiations?

    <p>S. Nathan</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which violent act committed by communist groups in Singapore occurred in 1970?

    <p>The killing of a seven-year-old girl in Changi</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a factor contributing to the instability of Southeast Asian countries during the 1960s and 70s?

    <p>The Vietnam War</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following was NOT a consequence of the communist threat in Singapore?

    <p>Political unification of communist groups</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which decade did communist groups continue to carry out acts of violence in Singapore, despite a reduced threat?

    <p>1960s</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What year was the National Service Ordinance introduced by the British in Singapore?

    <p>1954</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main reason for the introduction of National Service in Singapore in 1967?

    <p>To quickly build a credible defence force</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does conscription refer to in the context of National Service?

    <p>Mandatory recruitment into military service</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of reservist duties after completing National Service?

    <p>To receive occasional military training and be prepared for emergencies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What concern did Dr. Goh Keng Swee express regarding the British military presence in Singapore?

    <p>It would make citizens overly reliant on foreign protection</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How long were conscripted men required to serve in full-time National Service?

    <p>Two years</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Dr. Goh Keng Swee advise regarding the timing of building defense forces?

    <p>It should be planned immediately without delay</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary function of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) after the introduction of National Service?

    <p>To protect against external threats</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the purpose of developing Singapore’s defence industry?

    <p>To supply the SAF with locally made equipment and supplies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which weapon was among the earliest supplied by Chartered Industries of Singapore?

    <p>M16S1 rifle.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role did Dr Goh Keng Swee play in Singapore’s defense?

    <p>He initiated the establishment of the Chartered Industries of Singapore.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Dr Benjamin Sheares known for before his presidency?

    <p>His career as an obstetrician.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why was the CIS established?

    <p>To produce ammunition and weapons for the SAF.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a primary reason Singapore established new military ties with countries like the United States?

    <p>To gain access to advanced military technology and training</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main function of the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA)?

    <p>To ensure consultation among member countries in the event of an armed attack</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which countries were involved in the establishment of the FPDA in 1971?

    <p>Singapore, New Zealand, Malaysia, Australia, and Britain</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the FPDA contribute to defense cooperation in the 1970s and 1980s?

    <p>By facilitating regular military exercises and consultations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary importance of the FPDA today?

    <p>To contribute to regional peace and stability</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role did women initially play in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)?

    <p>Supply and clerical roles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of National Service (NS) in Singapore?

    <p>To defend the country</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why was the inheritance of British military equipment a challenge for Singapore?

    <p>It was mostly obsolete</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant step was taken to ensure Singapore's military independence?

    <p>Establishing a home-grown defence industry</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What advantage does National Service provide to Singapore society?

    <p>A common experience among diverse groups</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many women are currently serving as regular personnel in the SAF?

    <p>1,500</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What kind of roles can women serve in today within the SAF?

    <p>Tank commanders and fighter pilots</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential weakness of depending on foreign countries for military equipment?

    <p>Potential vulnerability in times of conflict</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Communist Terrorism

    • Singapore faced threats from various communist groups, despite a diminished risk of a unified communist takeover by the 1960s.
    • The Malayan Communist Party (MCP) had splintered into smaller factions, still posing internal security threats.
    • Police operations revealed significant stockpiles of weapons like pistols and grenades among these groups.
    • Notable violent acts included the murder of a seven-year-old girl in Changi (1970) and an assassination attempt on Singapore's Commissioner of Police (1976).

    International Terrorism

    • On January 31, 1974, Singapore experienced its first international terrorist incident, when foreign terrorists hijacked the ferry Laju.
    • The terrorists previously attacked the Shell oil refinery on Pulau Bukom, aiming to disrupt oil supply to South Vietnam.
    • Following negotiations, hostages were released in exchange for safe passage to Kuwait, with a government team led by S. Nathan facilitating the exchange.

    The Vietnam War

    • The Vietnam War (1954-1975) arose after a 1954 peace agreement divided Vietnam into communist North Vietnam and non-communist South Vietnam.
    • Continuous fighting ensued as both North and South Vietnam sought to reunify under their respective governments.
    • The conflict impacted regional stability and raised concerns for neighboring countries, including Singapore.

    British Military Withdrawal from Singapore

    • Singapore relied on British military protection since 1819, which included significant troop presence from Britain, India, and Australia, supplemented by local volunteers.
    • After World War II, Singapore's role as a crucial military base expanded, creating modern airbases and a naval base.
    • In 1967, Britain announced the withdrawal of its defense forces, completing the pull-out by 1976, which exacerbated Singapore's security challenges.

    Singapore's Defence Challenges

    • At independence, Singapore had minimal military capability (two infantry battalions) and faced doubts about its defense against possible aggression.
    • The threat perception grew as regional instability increased due to the Vietnam War and British military withdrawal.
    • Singapore undertook a security approach based on deterrence and strong international diplomatic relationships for support.

    National Service Introduction

    • In 1967, Singapore introduced National Service (NS) to develop a credible defense force after lacking military resources post-independence.
    • NS aimed to conscript young men for two years, followed by reservist duties to build a sizable military manpower pool.
    • Despite initial resistance, NS has established a foundation for Singapore's military, uniting diverse groups of citizens.

    Development of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)

    • The SAF expanded post-NS introduction, evolving into a robust military force, supplemented by the People's Defence Force (PDF) of volunteers.
    • Military training during NS posed challenges for conscripts and their families due to the unfamiliar military lifestyle and responsibilities.

    Establishing a Home-Grown Defence Industry

    • The need for self-reliance in military capabilities led to the establishment of the Chartered Industries of Singapore (CIS) to produce local military equipment.
    • The SAF inherited outdated equipment from Britain and pursued diversification by procuring modern technology from countries like the U.S. and France.

    Strengthening Military Cooperation

    • Singapore enhanced ties with Commonwealth nations and the USA for defense collaboration and access to military resources.
    • The Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), formed in 1971 with Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Britain, established a framework for mutual defense and regular military exercises.
    • This cooperation proved vital during the tumultuous events across Southeast Asia in the 1970s and 1980s, contributing to regional stability.

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    Description

    Explore the impact of communist terrorism as discussed in Chapter 7. This quiz highlights the historical context of Singapore's response to threats from the Malayan Communist Party and the subsequent splinter groups that emerged. Assess your understanding of the ongoing challenges posed by these factions.

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