§ 8. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the Bloemfontein declaration of the Nationalist party in South Africa; that this declaration, made in July, 1917, by the leaders of a great party in South Africa, has not been reproduced or even referred to in the British Press till 17th April, 1918, and that it advocates a larger independence for South Africa; whether he has had communications on this subject with Lord Buxton; whether, by his orders or at the instigation of the Government, the British Press were warned against reference to this subject; and whether the British Press are now at liberty to disclose the facts?
§ The UNDERSECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Hewins)I do not think it necessary or desirable to discuss the matters raised by the hon. Member's question. He appears to be wrong in his facts, and I am not aware that there is any foundation for his suggestions with regard to the British Press.