HC Deb 26 March 1930 vol 237 cc408-9
29. Mr. HORRABIN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the recent prohibition of certain public meetings of Africans in Kenya Colony; and whether he will state on what grounds and by what authority such prohibitions have been made?

Dr. SHIELS

My Noble Friend has been informed by the Governor of Kenya that certain meetings of natives have been recently prohibited in the Kikuyu Reserve. This action has been taken by the native headmen under powers conferred on them by the Native Authority Ordinance to prohibit natives subject to their jurisdiction from holding or attending any meeting or assembly within the local limits of their jurisdiction which in their opinion may tend to be subversive of peace and good order. Further information is expected front the Governor on the subject.

Mr. HORRABIN

Has the attention of my hon. Friend been drawn to the arrest of one or more African natives for attending meetings described as unauthorised meetings, and does he not think that this particular method of preventing public discussion will encourage unrest?

Dr. SHIELS

We have not yet received full information, and I certainly think that the Governor of Kenya and the local Government believe that what they are doing is in the best interests of the peace of the Colony.

Mr. HAYCOCK

Will my hon. Friend draw the attention of the Archbishop of Canterbury to this form of persecution?

Miss WILKINSON

Is it not a fact that every Governor always thinks that what he is doing is for the best interests of the subjects?