HC Deb 09 November 1937 vol 328 cc1563-4
17. Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has any statement to make concerning the recent declaration of General Hertzog that he has recently received a letter from the British Government to the effect that the request of the Union Government for the transfer of the Protectorates is one which in every way is due to be effected.

The Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Marquess of Hartington)

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Shipley (Mr. Creech Jones) on 4th November.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Have any communications taken place which entitle General Hertzog to assume that the British Government believe that transfer can take place at an early date?

Marquess of Hartington

I think that question had better be put on the Paper.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

May I further ask whether the position of the Government remains unchanged, namely, that the acquiescence of the natives must be obtained before transference can take place?

Marquess of Hartington

Yes, Sir. I have referred the hon. and gallant Member to a previous answer.

19. Mr. Mander

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will give consideration to the possibility that, when any transfer of the Protectorates to the Union Government takes place in South Africa, these Territories shall be held under mandate by the Union Government.

Marquess of Hartington

I doubt whether such an arrangement would be practicable or acceptable.

Mr. Mander

May I take it that such a solution is not necessarily ruled out?

Marquess of Hartington

It is considered neither practicable nor acceptable. Therefore, I think, it is ruled out.

Mr. Mander

Before it has been considered, is it not impossible to say either of those two things?