§ 63. Mr. THURTLEasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the charges made in Command Paper 5009 against the Watch Tower Bible Movement and Jehovah's Witnesses in Northern Rhodesia; and what action, if any, he is proposing to take in the matter?
Mr. THOMASYes, Sir. I understand that the Watch Tower Movement is violently opposed to all Governments and all Churches. The Commission of Inquiry which reported on the disturbances in the Copperbelt found that it is dangerously subversive, and that it was an important predisposing cause of the disturbances. I am now in consultation with the Governor as to the policy to be pursued towards the movement.
§ Mr. THURTLEWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the possibility that these charges may have their origin in the jealousy of rival proselytising organisations, and will he also see that Jehovah's Witnesses get fair play?
Mr. THOMASWith the religious susceptibilites which the House will always attach to me, I should certainly ask for my hon. Friend to be called.