In August 1961 James resigned from all appointments and resumed his studies at the Faculty of Law, at the University of Singapore. James stated in his press conference held at his offices in the Fullerton Building that one the causes of his discontent was that there was no democracy within the PAP. He also declared his sympathy for the PAP “rebels” in their fight against the PAP leadership.
“I had one day in Harry’s office, after the PAP split and Barisan Sosialis was formed, we were chatting about the events and I told Harry, ‘How long are you going to rule from this office? When the next elections are held, you will be swept away.’” Perhaps this was statement that set in motion the events that led to Operation Cold Store.