§ 2. Sir Nicholas Grattan-Doyleasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, in view of the defenceless state of the West Coast of Africa, the Imperial Government is arranging to consult with the Government of South Africa about the desirability of converting Walvis Bay, one of the healthiest and safest harbours on that coast within the Empire, into a naval and air base, a development hoped for by Admiralty experts for over 10 years?
§ The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Sir Thomas Inskip)I cannot accept my hon. Friend's suggestion as to the defenceless state of the West Coast of Africa. The initiation of any measures to make a naval and air base at Walvis Bay, which is a part of the territory of the Union of South Africa, must rest with His Majesty's Government in the Union.