BANISHMENT OF TSHEKEDI KHAMA (Hansard, 19 June 1951)

§ VISCOUNT STANSGATE
My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS (THE EARL OF LUCAN)
My Lords, with the 'noble Viscount's permission I will answer this Question rather fully. As the noble Viscount is no doubt aware from statements which have been given publicity, 122 my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations has had long discussions with Tshekedi Khama in London, mainly about the effect on the latter's personal interests of his exclusion from the Bamangwato Reserve in accordance with the decision set out in the White Paper on Bamangwato affairs (Command 7913). My right honourable friend made certain proposals to Tshekedi Khama which would have given the latter access, under certain conditions and undertakings, to his property in the Reserve. Tshekedi Khama did not see his way to accept these proposals, and has claimed full liberty of action and movement in the Bamangwato Reserve. This my right honourable friend has been unable to grant, as he is satisfied, from statements of the tribesmen themselves, from reports from his officers and from his own study of the situation on the spot, that Tshekedi Khania's unconditional return to the Bamangwato Reserve would be resented by a large majority of the inhabitants. Tshekedi Khama has, unfortunately, achieved great unpopularity with them, and it is only in his absence that progress can he made with the establishment of a new native authority composed of Africans. The advice of the local officers, which is supported by statements by tribal representatives, is that to grant Tshekedi Khama's request for full liberty of movement and action in the Reserve would lead to non-co-operation arid might result in disorders.
My right honourable friend was therefore faced with a situation in which he had to balance the private rights of an individual against the public good of the tribe. In reaching his decision he has been actuated by one motive—namely, the welfare and the constitutional progress of the Bamangwato people. This decision is, in effect, merely a confirmation of the action which Tshekedi Khama himself took voluntarily, when he left the Reserve with a number of followers in 1949 and declared publicly that he did so to avoid the danger of division and dissension in the tribe. This danger is certainly not less to-day than it was in 1949. My right honourable friend is unable to agree to Tshekedi Khama's request for a further inquiry into this and connected matters. He has himself given the whole matter most careful and exhaustive consideration, and a 123 further inquiry would merely unsettle the inhabitants of the Reserve and arouse again their fears about Tshekedi Khama's future. When the Resident Commissioner recently announced His Majesty's Government's decision to adhere to the White Paper, the people welcomed this, and the Government's intention to establish Councils. The satisfactory rate of tax collection during recent months is evidence of the tranquillity of the Reserve. His Majesty's Government trust that Africans elsewhere will take note that the Government's sole aim and motive is, as I have stated, the welfare and the constitutional progress of the Bamangwato people as a whole, in a matter on which they have expressed strong and consistent views.

§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY
My Lords, I am not always in agreement with the noble Viscount, Lord Stansgate, but I must say that on this particular occasion I have very strong sympathy, as I am sure a great many noble Lords have, with the preoccupations represented by the Question which he has asked this afternoon. Nor do we suggest that these preoccupations are in any way relieved by the answer which we have heard. So far as I know, Tshekedi has not committed any offence. It is not even suggested to-day that he has committed any offence. On the contrary, he is a most highly respected member of the community; and yet, apparently, he has been banished without any inquiry at all, and the Government are not even now prepared to grant an inquiry. The noble Earl used the words "further inquiry," but, so far as I know, there has been no inquiry into this particular question. All Tshekedi asks, as I understand it, is that he should be allowed freely to enter the territories of the Bamangwato Tribe in order to attend to his private affairs on his own property, and even that permission has been refused him. The noble Earl said that certain conditions were laid down by the Government. I do not see why any conditions should have been imposed. Tshekedi has not committed any crime or any offence of any kind, and the Government's decision appears to me to be entirely contrary to the principles of British justice, as we have always understood them in this country. I would most earnestly beg the 124 Government to reconsider their decision and to allow Tshekedi free entry to look after his own affairs, which is all he asks.
I would add one word. It seems to me that this is pre-eminently a question which your Lordships should debate at an early date. We on this side of the House and, I am sure, the noble Viscount also, would like to see such a debate arranged. I hope very much that the Government will make it possible for facilities to be granted for such purpose.

§ VISCOUNT SAMUEL
My Lords, before the noble Viscount speaks again. may I say that we, on these Benches, think it desirable that this matter should be properly ventilated in this House, in view of the concern that is felt on this matter in most parts of the country?

§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR
My Lords, I think it is obviously an appropriate matter for a debate, and if the noble Viscount, Lord Stansgate, will be good enough to put down a Motion, with no day named, we will, through the usual channels, arrange an early date for a discussion.

§ VISCOUNT STANSGATE
My Lords, I am most grateful to the noble Marquess opposite, and to the noble Viscount, and I accept with gratitude what the Lord Chancellor has said. I will put down such a Motion.