§ 146. Mr. F. Noel-Bakerasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a summary military court was held at Asmara, on 1st and 2nd August, 1946, to try persons charged with illegal assembly; that nine youths under the age of 18 years were each sentenced to 12 strokes of the whip and that a boy, aged 17 years, charged with incitement to resist orders given under the authority of the occupying power, was sentenced to 12 strokes of the whip; and whether he will take steps to alter the regulations under which these sentences are given.
§ Mr. BellengerI am aware of the trial and the punishments awarded to those 259W arrested for their part in the unauthorised demonstrations and the mob violence and looting which followed in Asmara on 28th July. I am awaiting further information about the trial and when it is received I will give the matter full consideration.