§ 72. Mr. DAYasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received any reports on recent raids into British territory from Abyssinia; and can he give particulars?
§ Dr. SHIELSA state of general unrest, rather than actual raids across the Kenya-Abyssinia frontier has been produced by inter-tribal feuds. I am glad to say that a settlement has recently been effected between the councils of the Boran and the Gurreh, which are the tribes mostly concerned, and it is hoped that the position will now improve.
Earl WINTERTONCan the hon. Gentleman say whether the primary object of these raids is to endeavour to seize British subjects as slaves; and have any representations been made to the Abyssinian Government on the subject?
§ Dr. SHIELSNo. I think that the raids were mainly concerned with cattle, 34 and there has been no raid since last July. As I have said, it is to be hoped now that there is more general agreement, that there will be no further raids.
Earl WINTERTONWill the hon. Gentleman ascertain if it is or is not the fact that British subjects have been seized as slaves in these raids and taken into Abyssinia?
§ Dr. SHIELSNot for a considerable period—at any rate not so far as I recollect within the period with which I am dealing.