HC Deb 31 March 1926 vol 193 cc2011-2
10. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give an estimate of the extent of the slave trade across the Red Sea; and whether he now has any information as to how the slaves brought from the inland country of Abyssinia reach the coast without passing through territory under the control of European Powers, and which is this territory or territories?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir: I am informed that African slaves in Arabia fall into two categories, namely, those who were sold into slavery in the Hejaz as children by their parents or relations whom they had accompanied on the pilgrimage. The other category consists of slaves taken from Abyssinia, and pre- sumably smuggled through remote and unoccupied portions of Eritrea and French Somaliland to the Red Sea.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Are we making representations to the Italian and French Governments to stop this traffic through their territories; and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a great many of these slaves are reported as going through Djiboutil?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir; I am making no representations on the subject. It does hot seem to me a proper thing for me to assume that the French or Italian authorities are neglectful of their duties.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the statement issued by the First Lord accompanying the Navy Estimates draws attention to this traffic, and to the fact that we have to maintain warships there; and as Abyssinia is in that country would not the best way to stop this traffic he to act as I proposed?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir. I do not think that it is my business to make representations to every other Government on their business. If the slaves get through, they go through remote and unoccupied territory, and I can well understand that it is impossible for the authorities wholly to check the traffic, but I am sure that they do all they can.

Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWN

Is this not a matter for the League of Nations to take up, and could not the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the League?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

Of course the League is concerned in the matter, but I do not think that it is my business to make any particular representations on the subject at this stage.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Does the right hon. Gentleman still consider that he has any influence with the League of Nations?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I hope so, if the hon. Gentleman will believe me.