20. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why an official circular was recently issued in Sierra Leone that the Youth League, with Mr. Wallace Johnson in the background, organised, in February, 1939, several strikes accompanied by violence and mutiny amongst some African soldiers in Freetown; and whether he will cause the circular to be withdrawn?
Mr. M. MacDonaldThe substance of the statement to which the hon. Member refers appeared in a bulletin issued by the Government Information Officer in Sierra Leone, which was intended to keep administrative officers and others living at a distance from regular sources of news informed of events. The answer to the last past of the Question is in the negative.
Mr. Creech JonesWill the right hon. Gentleman disclaim such a statement in view of the fact that the president of the court-martial made a very emphatic statement that neither the Youth League nor Mr. Wallace Johnson was concerned with organising the mutiny of the troops?
Mr. MacDonaldAll the facts were considered, and I do not see any reason to disclaim the statement in the bulletin.
Mr. Creech JonesIn view of the fact that this is a most libellous statement against a man who is now in prison and unable to defend himself, will the Secretary of State not make a public declaration that this official declaration is not in accordance with the facts?
Mr. MacDonaldIf the hon. Member has any facts which are at variance with those which I have had at my disposal I shall be glad to have them, but pending the receipt of those facts I cannot alter my view.
§ Mr. PalingIs this one of the allegations on which Wallace Johnson has been interned?