30. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what steps have been taken in Bechuanaland since the Tagart Report to abolish the slavery of the Masarwa people; and whether there is evidence either that the number of slaves has been reduced or that the conditions of absolute dependence on the Bamangwato and other tribes have been modified?
Lord StanleySubstantial progress has been made in the measures for carrying out the recommendations made by Mr. Tagart in his report. The position is set out in detail in a report by the officer who was allocated for special duty with the Masarwa which is reproduced in the last report of the League of Nations Advisory Committee of Experts on Slavery. It is there explained that the acting chief of the Bamangwato tribe has agreed to implement the policy of 1101 incorporating the Masarwa as ordinary tribesmen in the body politic of the Bamangwato enjoying the traditional rights and subject to the traditional obligations of tribesmen, and that is is now realised by the Bamangwato and by the Masarwa that compulsory service is a thing of the past.
Lord StanleyIn commenting on the report which I mentioned, the League of Nations Advisory Committee have stated that it seems possible to say that the status of the Masarwa is not one of slavery.