HC Deb 27 July 1908 vol 193 cc869-71
MR. MACKARNESS

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the attention of the Secretary of State has been called to the statement made on 3rd June by the Attorney - General that the legal documents which passed between the right hon. Gentleman the Member for West Birmingham and the Colony of Natal, in 1897, showed that it was literally and legally the case that the payment of the salary of Dinizulu was a condition of the incorporation of Zululand with Natal; and whether, in view of the fact that the Natal Government have imprisoned Dinizulu and deprived him of his salary, without the approval of the Secretary of State, the opinion of the Attorney-General has been brought to the notice of the Natal Government.

COLONEL SEELY

The Secretary of State is aware of the opinion of the Attorney-General, and I would refer my hon. friend to the telegrams to the Governor which he will find in the Bluebook which is being distributed to-day.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

What about the answers from the Governor in response?

COLONEL SEELY

I shall be able to make a statement to-morrow.

MR. PIKE PEASE (Darlington)

Are the Natal Government aware that all sections are united in the belief that the Government are in honour bound to pay Dinizulu's salary?

COLONEL SEELY

I am sure that every Member of the House will be glad to hear the statement from the front Opposition bench, that there is such a binding obligation. I think the Natal Government should be informed that that is the view of all Members of this House.

MR. MACKARNESS

Have the Natal Government expressed any dissent from the view of the Attorney-General?

COLONEL SEELY

I had better leave that till to-morrow.

MR. NEILD (Middlesex, Ealing)

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether His Majesty's Government, in arriving at the conclusion to pay the salary to Dinizulu in disregard of the decision of the Natal Government, considered the effect such action would have upon the trial now proceeding, and also upon the status and rights of a self-governing Colony to manage its own affairs and the trial of alleged rebels.

COLONEL SEELY

Yes, Sir.