20. Miss RATHBONEasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that an Ordinance has been issued by the government of the Gold Coast (Ashanti, No. 44, of 20th November, 1936) prohibiting four members of the West African youth league, Messrs. Agyeman, Bobieh, Dampere, and Atta, whose previous convictions were quashed by the court of appeal on 13th November, from returning to their homes in Kumasi, although they have already undergone 114 days' imprisonment; what the reason for this prohibition is; whether their property has been confiscated; whether he 2444 is aware that the Gold Coast Government is unwilling to maintain these appellants and their dependants, who are suffering deplorably as a consequence; and whether he will have the position in Ashanti investigated?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI understand that the Ordinance in question, of which I have not yet received a copy, is in general terms and empowers the Governor, after inquiry on oath, to order the removal of any person from Ashanti if he deems it expedient for peace, order or good government. My approval of the enactment of this legislation was given in August last. The Governor informed me on 17th November that the return to Ashanti of the four persons mentioned, whose conviction on charges of conspiracy against the Asantehene had been quashed on appeal on technical grounds, was likely to cause grave unrest and possibly serious riots leading to bloodshed. I, therefore, authorised him to enact the Ordinance mentioned and to warn the four persons concerned that in the event of their return the powers conferred by the Ordinance would be used against them. I have no information regarding the property of these persons, or the present position regarding their maintenance and the maintenance of their dependants. I am asking the Governor for a report. I have been kept informed of recent developments in Ashanti, and I see no reason for any special investigation.
Miss RATHBONEDoes not the right hon. Gentleman consider that if these men are being exorcised from their own territory, without any proof of misconduct on their part, the responsibility does rest upon the Governor of the Colony to see that they and their dependants do not suffer economically and that their property is protected?
§ Miss WILKINSONWhen the right hon. Gentleman is asking for a report, will he try to discover whether it is the peculiar view of the Governor that any man who stands up for nationalism in his own Colony has something to do with Moscow?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI wish to deny that absolutely. It has nothing to do with Moscow or that the Governor has any particular view that these people are Nationalists. These people are part 2445 of the Ashanti Youth League and do not like the existing Asantehene, and they no. doubt wish to set up somebody else. I think that is all there is in it.
§ Mr. H. G. WILLIAMSCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether in his experience those who usually stand up for Britain are customarily associated with Moscow?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREIt is purely trouble inside native authority. The whole question is whether we are to stand by constituted native authority or see the whole principle of indirect rule on which we boast that we base our African policy, break down.