§ 44. Mr. Manderasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the wholesale immigration of Abyssinian refugees into British Somaliland and Kenya; how these refugees are being fed and looked after; and whether they need and receive medical and surgical attention?
§ Sir J. BlindellI have been asked to reply. Apart from deserters from the Italian forces who are lodged in a special camp, there are only about a dozen Abyssinian refugees in Kenya. There has recently been an incursion of refugees into British Somaliland, bringing the number now in the Protectorate to 1,350 persons. Most of these refugees are at present in a temporary camp near Borama, but a semi-permanent camp is being made for them at Bihendula, near Berbera. All necessary arrangements for their care and medical attention have been made by the local Government. A doctor lent by the Bible Churchmen's Missionary Society has been placed in medical charge of the camp. My right hon. Friend is glad to have this opportunity of expressing appreciation of the financial assistance which has been given from various unofficial sources towards the purchase of clothing and simple comforts for the refugees.