§ Mr. Ammonasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is aware that the Swazi Chief Fakisandhla Nkambule has been lying in prison, under sentence of death, for more than a year; that their Lordships of the Privy Council granted special leave to appeal; that more than 75 per cent. of the substantial funds required to prosecute the appeal have been raised; that one of the main difficulties in raising the balance is that the Swazis attribute the long delay to an intention to execute at an early date, and are advising the people to contribute no further funds; and whether, in these circumstances, he will instruct the Resident to invite the Swazi Native Council to inform the chiefs and people that His Majesty's Government would be quite unable to allow execution before the appeal had been heard and the decision of their Lordships made known?
§ Mr. EdenI am aware of the facts stated in the first two parts of the question, but I have no information to indicate how far any difficulty in raising funds for the appeal may be due to the reason mentioned by the hon. Member. I understand that the Resident Commissioner advised the appellant's representative in Swaziland that if any such allegation were made while he was collecting funds for the appeal, he should take the individual making it before the District Commissioner of the district and have the position explained. I will consult the High Commissioner further in regard to the case.