HC Deb 26 March 1914 vol 60 c537
34. Sir J. D. REES

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the effect of the recent judgment of the Appeal Court at Mombasa in the Masai case is that the East Africa, Uganda, and Nyasaland Protectorates are not British territory, but foreign protected States; and whether His Majesty's Government proposes, by proclamation or other instrument, formally to annex these Protectorates and assume over them territorial sovereignty?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Harcourt)

I am not aware that the status of these Protectorates has been affected by the judgment referred to by the hon. Member. The reply to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Sir J. D. REES

Does not this judgment indicate such a weakness in title as was shown in the case of the Tartar territory?

Mr. HARCOURT

I do not think it indicates any weakness. If the hon. Member wants a legal interpretation I must ask for notice.

Sir G. PARKER

Is the position of these Protectorates the same as Basutoland and Bechuanaland?

Mr. HARCOURT

I do not think Basutoland and Bechuanaland arise out of the question, and I must ask for notice.