§ 74. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if German planters, ranchers, and missionaries, settled for many years in German East Africa, and against whom no charges have been brought, are being expelled from the former German dependency and their propery confiscated without compensation; and whether these alleged proceedings have the sanction of the League of Nations, from which the British Government presumably holds a mandate for administering that country?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Lieut.-Colonel Amery)Article 122 of the Treaty of Peace provides that the Governments exercising authority over the late German Colonies may arrange for the repatriation of German nationals and the disposal of their property. Under the terms of this Article steps are being taken for the re- 256 patriation of the German nationals remaining in the Tanganyika territory, but exceptions may be made in cases where the Administrator considers this desirable. As provided in Article 297 of the Treaty, steps are being taken to liquidate the estates in the territory belonging to German nationals. Under the same Article the owners will have a right to be compensated by the German Government.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIf we do not respect the rights of property of the Germans in East Africa, how can we insist upon the Russians respecting our rights in their country?
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYI do not think that arises out of the question.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODAre we to understand that these unfortunate German settlers are absolutely ruined, and their property is sold? Who buys their property?
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYTheir properties are sold by public auction, and they have a right of redress through the German Government.
§ Lord R. CECILIs there not a great deal of misgivings amongst British residents in East Africa?
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYNo, Sir. I have not heard of it. No doubt there may be cases of considerable hardship.
§ Captain W. BENNDo we understand that the Government is seizing the property of religious missions?
§ Mr. BILLINGIs it not a fact that the German missionaries were the principal German agents during the War?