52. Mr. David Adamsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will indicate in what particular the issue 858 of the "African Sentinel," prohibited from entry into Sierra Leone, is deemed to be seditious?
Mr. M. MacDonaldThe section of the ordinance under which action was taken provides for the prohibition of importation of literature which is "seditious, defamatory, scandalous or demoralising." The entry of the issue of the "African Sentinel" in question was prohibited by reason of the content of the article beginning on page 3.
Mr. AdamsAs a purchaser and reader of this magazine, may I ask the Minister whether he would not, upon a reperusal of this issue, agree that it contains nothing except fair comment on details of our own trade union movement?
Mr. MacDonaldI cannot agree with that. My recollection of the article is that there were some passages in it which came fully under the description which I have given.
Mr. AdamsIf, in future, articles similar to that complained of are excluded from the journal, will the prohibition on its entry into Sierra Leone be withdrawn?
Mr. MacDonaldThat is a matter which I must leave, in the first instance, to the discretion of the Government on the spot.