This photograph shows a group of silent Chinese hold banners reading "We Want Citizenship Rights, We Want Independance and Franchise Rights" as British Colonial Secretary Alan T. Lennox-Boyd leaves Singapore Airport by car on his arrival from Borneo in August 1955. Mr Lennox-Boyd arrived to meet with Singapore Governor Sir Robert Black and Singapore Chief Minister David Marshall, who were in the middle of a dispute. The dispute was settled by Sir Robert's agreeing to be guided by the wishes of the premier of Singapore. 1955 (the year this photograph was taken) was a milestone year in Singapore's decolonisation history. Its first major General Elections was held, with the Labour Front government led by David Marshall winning the most number of seats. A coalition government with Marshall as Chief Minister was then formed, but it was not until 1959 did Singapore attain the self-government that the demonstrators in the photograph were demanding.
