§ VISCOUNT CASTLEREAGH (Maidstone)On behalf of the hon. and learned Member for the Walton Division of Liverpool, I beg to ask the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether the resignation of the late Governor of Jamaica was occasioned by consideration of age; whether age was assigned by the late Governor as the reason of his retirement; and, if not, on what ground was the resignation officially expressed to be the result, of age.
§ MR. CHURCHILLThe resignation of Sir Alexander Swettenham of his office as Governor of Jamaica was tendered upon 24th January last in a telegram couched in the following words: "Respectfully apply for permission for retirement on account of ago, forthwith to be relieved."
§ MR. CHARLES CRAIG (Antrim, S.)asked whether the recent unfortunate incidents which took place in Jamaica had any connection with the resignation of Sir Alexander Swettenham.
§ MR. CHURCHILLThat is not included in the Question on the Paper. I do not think it would be any advantage at this stage if I were to try to specify the circumstances which were and those which were not connected with the resignation.
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER (Croydon)Will the whole of the correspondence be laid on the Table?
§ MR. CHURCHILLI cannot yet say what part of the correspondence may properly be laid. Certainly the whole of the correspondence is not of a character suitable for publication.
§ MR. CHARLES CRAIGBut are we to understand that other causes beside that of age dictated the resolve taken by Sir Alexander Swettenham?
§ [No Answer was returned.]
§ MR. LYTTELTON (St. George's, Hanover Square)Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the correspondence will be laid?
§ MR. CHURCHILLI think the right hon. Gentleman had better put down a Question on that subject. The correspondence affects other Governments besides our own, and it must be very carefully considered, from every point of view, by the Foreign Office as well as by the Colonial Office, before any decision can be come to in regard to publication.