§ 49. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary for the Colonies whether his 577 attention has been called to three pieces of anti-Indian legislation recently put for ward by the Natal Provincial Council; whether he is aware of the comments thereon in the Press; and whether he can do anything to prevent the enactment of this legislation?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am aware that certain ordinances have been introduced into the Natal Provincial Council to which objection is taken by Indian organisations. It rests with the Government of the Union of South Africa to decide whether assent should be given to such ordinances if passed by the Provincial Council.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these ordinances are being denounced in India, not by Indian newspapers, but by such English newspapers as the "Times of India" and many others?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI do not quite see what answer my hon. and gallant Friend expects me to give to that piece of information.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODDid not I understand from the right hon. Gentleman that he regarded the opposition to this particular piece of legislation as coming from interested sources, instead of from people who naturally take the view of the English people?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLHowever that may be, it rests with the Government of the Union of South Africa to decide what should be done.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODCannot the right hon. Gentleman advise the Union Government?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am certainly not going to allow the hon. and gallant Gentleman to lead me into a course involving strife and friction with the Government of the Union of South Africa,.