§ 33. Sir R. HAMILTONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is intended to proceed with the Conscription Ordinance in Kenya; and, if so, whether the oath of allegiance will be obligatory?
§ Mr. AMERYThe Governor of Kenya announced in the Legislative Council on the 17th December that it was not proposed to proceed with the Defence Force Bill pending the elections, and that there could be no question of pressing such a Bill unless the elections showed that the general opinion of the Colony endorsed it. The question whether the oath of allegiance would be regarded as an essential provision of such a Measure will require further consideration.
§ Mr. RENNIE SMITHIn view of the very considerable opposition which has been expressed by the Europeans living in Kenya, will the Department not consider the withdrawal of consent which has been given in principle to this Bill?
§ Mr. AMERYNo, I understand that very general support was given to this principle before. In any case, there was no question of carrying them unless that consent was made quite clear at the forthcoming elections.
§ Mr. SPEAKEROrder, order.