HC Deb 09 July 1941 vol 373 cc153-4
26. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any further information respecting the internment of Wilfrid Domingo, who was taken from a ship on voyage from New York to Kingston; whether any charge has been brought against him; and whether he is considered to have been engaged in subversive activity?

25. Mr. Riley

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information regarding the arrest and internment, in Jamaica, of Mr. W. A. Domingo, the President of the West Indies National Council; and can he state the grounds on which the arrest and internment have been made?

Mr. George Hall

The Governor of Jamaica has reported that he ordered the detention of Mr. Domingo on 17th June, and that he was taken into custody on his arrival in Jamaica from America. Mr. Domingo has been detained under the Defence Regulations, because the Governor is satisfied that his detention is necessary with a view to preventing him from acting in a manner prejudicial to public safety and defence. Dr. Domingo has, of course, the right to make an objection to his detention to the Advisory Committee appointed by the Governor under the Regulations.

Mr. Sorensen

Does the hon. Gentleman appreciate that this man was not engaged in any subversive activity, that the matter has caused considerable resentment in America and elsewhere, and that until the man is released there will continue to be, in the West Indies and elsewhere, this feeling against the authorities?

Sir Leonard Lyle

Is it not better to trust the man on the spot, the Governor?

Mr. Creech Jones

Will my hon. Friend give the closest attention to this detention, in view of the integrity of this person and of the excellent work he has done in the United States and of the fact that there is no ground whatever for any suggestion of disloyalty?

Mr. David Adams

Before this person is indefinitely interned, should he not be brought to trial?

Mr. Hall

In reply to the three supplementary questions, the information received at the Colonial Office is that this man was engaged in anti-British activities. He has the right to make an objection against his detention, and that, I think, is the proper course for him to take.

Mr. Stephen

Arising out of that—

Mr. Speaker

rose—

Mr. Stephen

But this is a very important matter.

Mr. Speaker

Most questions are considered important, but it is a mistaken idea that supplementary questions may be unlimited.

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