HC Deb 03 June 1907 vol 175 cc299-300
MR. J. RAMSAY MACDONALD (Leicester)

I beg to ask the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether the interviews which Dinuzulu is having with the Governor of Natal are of the nature of examination into his conduct during the late rebellion; whether the Governor of Natal has received the sanction of His Majesty's Government for carrying on this examination; and whether he will report its result to the Government.

MR. CHURCHILL

The Governor as Paramount Chief possesses large powers under the Code of Native Law, and in the exercise of his authority would be justified in putting any questions which he might consider necessary. Dinuzulu himself applied to see the Governor who will report by mail to the Secretary of State, and pending the receipt of his despatch I cannot say exactly what occurred.

*MR. G. GREENWOOD (Peterborough)

Did Dinuzulu attend these interviews as a free agent, and was he warned beforehand that any statement he might make would be taken down in writing and might be used against him?

MR. CHURCHILL

I should imagine that in asking to see the Governor it was that his desire to come to a definite understanding.