MALAGASY NATIONAL POLICE

However, we have never experienced any particular internal security.
threat from our resident Chinese population. Our coast lines and borders
with Mexico and Canada extend for more than 15,000 km. All the planes
and ships of the world could not possibly completely secure such a large
area. For instance, during World War II, the Germans were able to land
successfully two parties of saboteurs on our east coast in spite of all
our detection devices, patrols and other counter measures. One of these
landings actually took place only 30 miles from New York, our largest
city. These saboteurs were readily apprehended by our internal security
forces."
4. Mr. Ramanitra retorted that he fully understood Mr. Thurston's
explanations, but that he would like to have at least the means of pre­
venting major infiltrating forces from establishing undetected beach­
heads in isolated points of the island. For example, he added, recently
a Russian boat which was supposedly engaged in-oceanographic work along
the northern part of the east coast left Tamatave informing the port
authbrities that it was proceeding back to Russia. The Malagasy Police
were unable to follow the course of this boat which one day showed up
around Nossi-Be.
5. There followed a discussion of the communications system of the
Malagasy Police and all participants agreed that this was a basic need
which should be provided for as soon as possible, and prior to the im­
plementation of any other program.
6. Mr. Ramanitra specifically stated that their radio communication
system consisted of 8 or 10 antiquated American transceivers of 1947
vintage (war surplus) which were supplied by the French. These sets are
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