§ 64. Commander WEDGWOODasked: the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether he is prepared to take advantage of the British occupation of German East Africa to emancipate the slaves there; and, if not, will he say why this will not be done?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Long)No action in this matter is practicable while the territory is merely in British military occupation.
§ Mr. PRINGLEDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think it is possible to liberate the slaves whilst we are in military occupation, without taking over the territory; and, in view of the right hon. Gentleman's declaration that it is to be permanently British territory, might he not take the step at once?
§ Mr. LONGThe quotation from what I said is not accurate, but I can assure my hon. Friend that it is not practicable, as I have said already, to secure this release.
§ Mr. PRINGLEAs we are advised to-follow the example of Lincoln in fighting the War to a finish, cannot we follow his example in liberating the slaves?
§ General IVOR PHILIPPSSurely it is illegal to retain slaves in any country which is under British administration, and surely the right hon. Gentleman is wrong in suggesting that it is impossible to release them?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. and gallant Gentleman is not asking a question, but answering it.