HC Deb 15 February 1938 vol 331 cc1674-5
2. Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether further discussions have taken place with the Government of the Union of South Africa on the subject of the High Commissioner's Territories; and in particular whether any proposal for the transfer of Swaziland has been discussed; and what is the policy of the British Government on this matter?

Mr. M. MacDonald

The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the general question, I am not at present in a position to add anything to the reply which I gave on this subject to a question by the hon. Member for Basingstoke (Mr. Donner) on 4th February.

Mr. Creech Jones

Are we to understand that at the moment no discussions are taking place in South Africa on the instructions of the Dominions Office, and is it a fact that Sir William Clark has not sounded the native representatives in the South African Parliament on the question of the transfer of Swaziland?

Mr. MacDonald

I dare say that from time to time all sorts of informal discussions take place, but no formal discussions of any kind have taken place, and the only discussions that are going on in South Africa at the present time are those between the High Commissioner, representing myself, and the Union authorities with regard to the correspondence to which I have often referred in reply to questions.

Mr. Creech Jones

When may we hope to know the nature of these discussions?

Mr. MacDonald

I cannot promise any date, but in the not too distant future I hope that some announcement can be made.

6. Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what are the terms of the new instructions issued to the British authorities in the South African Protectorates on the subject of the future relationships of the High Commission Territories to the Union of South Africa?

Mr. M. MacDonald

As explained in the reply which I gave on 4th November last, no new instructions have been issued to the officials in the Territories on this subject. I am, however, now considering, in communication with General Hertzog, what additional steps can be taken to carry out the policy agreed in 1935.