§ 64. Colonel Lord HENRY CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, prior to the outbreak of war, it was officially stated in the German Reichstag that the slaves in East Africa numbered 185,000; and whether he will consider the advisability of issuing a proclamation on behalf of His Majesty's Government that slave-holding and slave-trading will not be tolerated under the British flag and that all slaves appealing for freedom will be granted their manumission by the British authorities, and that the severest penalties will be attached to all acts of slave-holding and slave-trading in those parts of German East Africa under effective British administration?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI had not previously heard of the statement referred to. I will ascertain from the Administrator of the occupied districts, as soon as he arrives, what the facts are, and my hon. Friend may rest assured that I will issue any instructions which may be necessary.