§ 54. Mr. GILLETTasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that Mr. Cable, the chairman of the anti-conscription committee of Kenya, expects to be in England in July; and whether he is prepared to postpone a final decision on the question of conscription till he has had an opportunity of hearing the views of those whom Mr. Cable represents?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. No decision in regard to the Kenya Defence Force Bill will be taken until I have received and considered the petition from the opponents of the measure which I understand is being forwarded to me by the Acting Governor.
§ Sir H. CROFTIs it not a fact that the so-called conscription involves a 1833 training which is very much less than the Territorials have undertaken in this country?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThat is so. The object of this is to form a purely reserve force, and it is done at the request of the local community. The general details of the Bill have not yet been considered by my right hon. Friend.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODDoes that involve the taking of the oath of allegiance?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GORENo, not in the form in which it is now taken by other troops.
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEAre we to understand that the decision will be taken before Mr. Cable arrives in this country, or will it be postponed?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREAs I understand it, Mr. Cable is on his way, and obviously the time for my right hon. Friend to act in regard to this matter is when he has received the petition and signatories together with the observations of the Acting Governor of Kenya.
§ Sir W. DAVISONCan the right, hon. Gentleman inform the House why the oath of allegiance has not to be taken by the members of this force? [HON. MEMBERS: "Tell us why they should !"]