HC Deb 26 July 1938 vol 338 cc2880-1
11. Mr. Thurtle

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether his attention has been called to the criticisms of the work of missionaries among the natives of South-West Africa contained in the recent report of the Union Government to the League of Nations which states that the economic conditions of Christianised natives is inferior to that of the others, and that the last two famines have proved conclusively that the Christians' kraals are the first to need assistance; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

Lord Stanley

I assume that the hon. Member refers to an expression of opinion by an official of the South-West Africa Administration in relation to a particular Reserve in the Territory which is quoted in the report recently submitted to the Council of the League of Nations by His Majesty's Government in the Union of South Africa. The question what action if any is required is one for His Majesty's Government in the Union of South Africa who exercise the mandate in respect of South-West Africa.

Mr. Thurtle

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that it is clear from this report that Christianity has decided disadvantages for these unfortunate natives?

Lord Stanley

I would call the attention of the House to the fact that that is an expression of the opinion of an individual.

Mr. Barr

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly consider where Africa would have been but for the work of David Livingstone and his successors, and will he consider, also, whether this question and report are not actuated by malice against Christianity?