§ 56. Mr. PALINGasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what instructions have been given by the British Government to its officials in the South African Protectorates as to leading the minds of the natives towards joining the Union and as to working with the Union to get the natives to appreciate South African intentions towards them; and whether he will assure the House that it is in no case the policy of the British Government to encourage or permit these Protectorates to join the Union?
Mr. M. MacDONALDAs regards the first part of the question, I circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT of 15th July the text 250 of the statement drawn up in March of this year, in which the Resident Commissioners explained and commended to the native authorities the recent offer of the Union Government. As I explained in answer to a question by the hon. Member for Gower (Mr. Grenfell) on Thursday last, this offer is in abeyance for the present. As to the second part of the question, the policy of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom was clearly stated in the aide memoire published last year.
§ Mr. PALINGMay we take it that the instructions to officials to prepare the minds of the natives are withdrawn, and that they have to do nothing of the kind?
§ Mr. LENNOX-BOYDHas the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to the new threat made in a very responsible quarter to impose penal tariffs against these Protectorates unless they come speedily to heel?
§ Mr. PALINGHas not that question already been put down?
Mr. MacDONALDThe hon. Gentleman referred to a new threat. I was wondering whether it was a new threat, and I asked him whether he will let me know the quotation that he has in mind.