§ 20. Mr. LUNNasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what were the difficulties apprehended on the occasion of the suspension of Chief Tshekedi Khama which required the transport of 200 Royal Marines from Cape Town to maintain order?
Mr. J. H. THOMASI understand that the High Commissioner for South Africa considered that the presence of a naval escort was desirable as a precautionary measure and by way of safeguard. I may mention that the Bechuanaland Protectorate Police Force were at the time largely engaged on special work, from which it was impossible to release them, in connection with the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the Protectorate.
§ Mr. LUNNIs it not a fact that the Bechuanaland people are especially distinguished, and have been for many years, by their loyalty to the Crown?
Mr. THOMASI certainly appreciate that fact, but they are more loyal since my decision, if that be possible, than they were before.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODCan the right hon. Gentleman say now who is to pay the bill for sending these marines up to Bechuanaland?
Mr. THOMASIf the right hon. and gallant Gentleman will put a question on the Paper, I will answer it.
§ 21. Mr. LUNNasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs in what respects and on what dates Chief Tshekedi Khama has flouted His Majesty's administration, as stated by the Acting High Commissioner in announcing his suspension?
Mr. THOMASI do not think that any useful purpose would be served by detailing the past differences between the Bechuanaland Protectorate Administration and the Acting Chief Tshekedi. I hope that in view of the recent promise by the Acting Chief that he will at all times work in harmony and loyal cooperation with the administration, such difficulties will not recur.
§ Mr. LUNNDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think that it is grossly unfair to bring forward all these charges without attempting to substantiate them?
Mr. THOMASI deprecate raising an issue of so important a character when, having regard to all the circumstances, the whole of the parties were satisfied. I cannot see what useful purpose is to be served by referring to the matter again.
§ 22. Mr. LUNNasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the reinstatement of Chief Tshekedi Khama involves the withdrawal of the serious charges on which his suspension was based; and what steps have been taken to make it clear to the chief's people and to the public what is the present position?
Mr. THOMASThe ground on which Acting Chief Tshekedi was suspended was that he claimed, in a document read by him to the Commission of Inquiry, that he was entitled to exercise jurisdiction, civil and criminal, over all inhabitants, including Europeans with their consent, in the Bamangwato Territory. The High Commissioner took the view, a view with which I fully concur, that so long as that claim was maintained, it was not possible to permit the Acting Chief to continue to exercise his functions. As soon, however, as the Acting Chief, in a letter which was publicly read to the tribe on the occasion of his reinstatement, made it clear that he with- 732 drew this claim, the High Commissioner recommended, and I was able to advise His Majesty, that the period of suspension should be terminated. The grounds on which the Acting Chief had been suspended, and the fact that he withdrew the claim to which I have referred, were made clear to the members of the Chief's tribe in the announcement made by the High Commissioner at the formal ceremony of reinstatement of the Acting Chief.