§ Mr. G. GREENWOOD (Peterborough)I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is entirely within the authority of the Governor of a British Colony to proclaim martial law in that Colony, or to revoke such proclamation at any moment; whether the Governor of Natal has expressed his disapproval of the proclamation and continuance of martial law in the province of Zululand; whether the Secretary of State for the Colonies-has informed the governor of his opinion that it is unjustifiable to maintain martial law in that province for the purpose of arresting criminals and searching for arms; and whether, under the existing conditions, it is possible for Dinizulu to obtain the evidence necessary for his defence.
§ MR. CHURCHILLMartial law was proclaimed in December on the advice of Ministers, as it was in 1906, and is being maintained on their advice. The Governor and Secretary of State have expressed the opinions attributed to-them. With regard to Dinizulu's defence I would remind the hon. Member that, as I informed the House recently, the Natal Government declare that any allegations which may have been made against them as to the collection of evidence or difficulties thrown in the way of the prisoner's witnesses for his defence are false.