§ 82. Mr. STEWARTasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to make a further statement with regard to the question of revoking the certificate of naturalisation granted by the Nigerian Government to Mr. Ungebauer?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Hewins)The certificate was one of local naturalisation only, and was granted under a misapprehension as to the period of Mr. Ungebauer's residence in the Colony immediately preceding the grant. There was no misrepresentation or fraud on his part inducing such misapprehension which would have enabled the certificate to be revoked under the Nigerian law as it now stands. Steps are, however, being taken to amend that law so as to extend the power of revoking certificates of local naturalisation, and if the allegations which have been made as to Mr. Ungebauer's disloyalty to His Majesty are substantiated, his certificate will be revoked under the law as amended.
§ Mr. STEWARTWill the right hon. Gentleman assure himself that the sudden transfer of this gentleman's allegiance from the Kaiser to the King is a real and not a bogus transfer, in order to suit his business convenience, in view of the fact that he acted as German Consul in Dahomey right up to the declaration of war?
§ Mr. HEWINSI think my reply exactly explains the position. If my hon. Friend reads it, he will see that all the steps are being taken which are necessary.