§ MR. WEDGWOOD (Newcastle-under-Lyme)I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, with reference to the unification of South Africa and the possible incorporation in the United Colony of the protectorates of Basutoland and Bechuanaland, whether he will see that native interests are permanently protected by making the complete non-alienation of the land of those protectorates to whites a sine qua non of the surrender of direct Imperial control.
§ COLONEL SEELYMy hon. friend is no doubt aware that an Act of the Imperial Parliament would be necessary to give effect to a new Constitution in South Africa. I think, therefore, it would be a grave mistake to anticipate the proposals for unification or federation which may follow from the important Convention which is in session at Durban. It would, 1610 in the opinion of the Secretary of State, be most unwise to interfere in the deliberation of that Assembly, but I can assure my hon. friend that His Majesty's Government are fully conscious of the importance of the maintenance of obligations to the native population. I should add that there is abundant evidence that the delegates to this Convention are not unmindful of the great issues involved in this and kindred matters.
§ MR. WEDGWOODWill the Government be careful in any action they take not to surrender the interests of the natives and to prevent the alienation of their lands?
§ COLONEL SEELYI think that is indicated in the Answer I have just read.
§ MR. ASHLEYasked if a like course would be taken in regard to the natives of Swaziland.
§ COLONEL SEELYThe Government will adhere to their declaration of policy.
§ MR. WEDGWOODIt is too late in the case of Swaziland; the lands have already been alienated.
§ COLONEL SEELYThis amounts almost to a debate.