§ 26. Lieut.-Commander Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will inform the Government of the Union of South Africa that transfer of the High Commission territories can only take place with the full acquiescence of the populations of the territories concerned?
§ 27. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will give reassurances that if the High Commission territories are to be transferred it should only be effected with the full acquiescence of the populations of the territories concerned; and if he is aware that the announcement of this policy made a profound impression and gave satisfaction to the natives of all the territories?
28. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether before any possible transfer of the High Commission Territories of South Africa takes place, the full acquiescence of the populations of territories concerned will be obtained?
§ Sir T. InskipThe position of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom in this matter is set out in detail in Command Paper 4948, and I have nothing to add to it.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherIs it not the case that the Government spokesman in another place said that the acquiescence of the natives would be necessary before these territories could be transferred, and may I ask why acquiescence is now being whittled down to consultation with the natives? Which statement do the Government stand by—the acquiescence of the natives or consultations?
§ Sir T. InskipThere has been no whittling down at all of the statement made in the Command Paper. If the hon. and gallant Member will read the passage on the first page I think he will see that it is perfectly clear.
Mr. Creech JonesWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether the statement made in another place still stands, because the Under-Secretary, speaking on behalf of the Government, and speaking most carefully, used the word "acquiescence"?