HC Deb 06 April 1910 vol 16 cc420-1
Mr. BYLES

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what reports have the Colonial Office received as to the health of Dinizulu, the ex-King of Zululand; under what conditions was he living in imprisonment; when did his term of confinement expire; and were there any reasons of a personal or political nature why he should not now be released and restored to his people?

Colonel SEELY

No recent official reports on Dinizulu's health have reached the Colonial Office, but I have no reason to suppose that he is otherwise than well. The conditions of his imprisonment were reported by the Governor in his despatch enclosing the judgment of the Special Court printed in Cd. paper 4585. page 47. The court condemned Dinizulu to four years' imprisonment, to run from 9th December, 1907, with another year on another count, this latter with the option of a fine. Dinizulu has also forfeited his position as Government Induna in Zululand. As I have explained before, the Union Government will be able to review the whole situation, and the Secretary of State does not propose to reopen the question now.

Mr. WILLIAM REDMOND

In view of the work of reconciliation which is going on in South Africa, will the hon. Gentleman take the opportunity of calling this case to the attention of the Union Government with the object of obtaining the release of this man, whose continued imprisonment undoubtedly must cause a great deal of irritation and ill-feeling among the large coloured population?

Colonel SEELY

We realise fully how desirable it is that the reconciliation of all races in South Africa should proceed, but while I sympathise entirely with the view expressed by my hon. Friend, I doubt whether representations on our part to the Union Government or those who may one day form the Union Government, would at the present moment be desirable. In the first place the Union Government has not yet been formed. It very soon will be, and I am quite sure it will bear in mind the facts that have been stated by my hon. Friend.

Mr. BYLES

Is there any, at the present time, unrest whatever among the Zulu population?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.