§ 43. Brigadier - General Sir OWEN THOMASasked the Under-Secretary of. State for the Colonies what is the estimated total population of German East Africa and what proportion of the total population is comprised in the territory to which Belgium is now claiming a mandate; what is the estimated total head of cattle in German East Africa; and what proportion of the total is covered by the said Belgian claim?
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYA. rough estimate of the total population of German-East Africa is about 7,500,000, and that of the provinces of Ruanda and Urundi somewhat less than 3,000,000. I have no accurate information as to the number of cattle The hon. and gallant Member will, however, understand that it would be obviously undesirable for me at this stage either to indicate or to discuss the Belgian claims to which he refers.
§ Sir O. THOMASCan the hon. Gentlemen inform the House on what grounds the Belgians are basing their claims; is it for services rendered during the East African Campaign, and, if so, are we making a territorial claim to any land in Belgium for the great services we rendered, to Belgium?
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYThe hon. and gallant Gentleman will understand that these points have been very fully considered at the Peace Conferenc.
§ 67. Sir O. THOMASasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Colonial Office has any 1207 detailed information respecting native trouble during the Belgian military occupation of Ruanda and Urundi; whether the Administrator of German East Africa is now in London; if he expressed any opinion, as to the financial and administrative effects of the suggested excision of Ruanda and Urundi from the administration; and, if so, whether his views can be given to the House?
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The Administrator is now in Paris, and I have no doubt that the Secretary of State, who is also there, will ascertain his views on any question which it may be desirable to refer to him.