§ 1. Mr. A. C. JONESasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, in view of the official pronouncement by the South African Premier, as to the future changes in the administration of Swaziland, there exists any understanding between Britain and the Dominion of South Africa as to the transfer of the South African native protectorates to the Union?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)As indicated in the reply given to questions on 17th June, the understanding arrived at with General Hertzog last year as to the future of the High Commission Territories is fully stated in the Aide-Memoire published in Command Paper 4948.
§ Mr. CREECH JONESCan the Minister tell us whether any instructions on that point have been issued to the resident authorities in the Protectorate, and can he give us an assurance that this matter of the Protectorates will not be a negotiating point with Mr. Pirow during his visit to this country?
§ Mr. MacDONALDThe answer to the first part of the question is in the 1566 negative; and as to the second, this matter is not being discussed with Mr. Pirow.
§ Mr. LUNNDo we gather that the policy is still the same policy that has been declared in this House?
§ Mr. MacDONALDI have said that several times already, and I hope that my hon. Friend will take this as a final answer.