§ Sir H. COTTONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that a mass meeting of Indians was held last Sunday in Zanzibar to demonstrate their dissatisfaction with recent legislation limiting their liberties and injuriously affecting their commercial interests; and whether he will inquire into the matter with a view of remedying the grievances of the Indian population in Zanzibar?
Dr. RUTHERFORDalso asked whether attention has been called to the fact that a mass meeting of Indians was held on the 12th instant at Zanzibar to protest against certain laws passed since 1908, limiting their liberty and injuriously affecting their commercial interests; and what steps the Secretary of State is taking to protect the rights of His Majesty's Indian subjects in Zanzibar?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir E. Grey)I will reply to this question and to that of the hon. Member for Brentford together. I have received a telegram from the chairman of the meeting, stating that a memorial has been addressed to me. Until that memorial reaches me I shall not be in a position to consider the matter, as I am unaware of the nature of the grievances alleged; but I shall, of course, give it due consideration when the facts are before me.