HC Deb 21 May 1930 vol 239 cc388-9
42. Brigadier - General CLIFTON BROWN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information showing that the recent murders of a missionary lady and a settler in Kenya were due to propaganda among the natives; and what steps the Kenya Government are taking to protect the settlers and their wives in isolated districts against similar occurrences?

Dr. SHIELS

No, Sir. My Noble Friend believes these to be isolated and exceptional cases, and he has no grounds for thinking that the Government of Kenya would consider it necessary to take any special steps of the kind suggested.

Brigadier-General BROWN

Does the Under-Secretary not know that there is considerable unrest among the natives which is causing apprehension on the part of the settlers?

Dr. SHIELS

I know there has been some apprehension on the part of settlers, but our latest information is that the native reserves are very quiet and that there is no sign of anything which will justify apprehension.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is not the apprehension among the natives that the settlers will take their land away from them?