34 and 38. Mr. David Adamsasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (i) whether he is aware that, in 590 May, 1940, the Governor of Jamaica interned all British subjects who were German born and continues to refuse any investigation as to whether the detention is necessary or justified; and, in view of the fact that the Governor upon his return from this country to the Colony was going to review all these cases personally, can he now state whether those against whom nothing is known are now released;
(2) the number of British subjects of alien or enemy origin, respectively, interned by the Governor of Jamaica since the war: and what number of these have been released following their objection to the advisory committee?
§ Mr. George HallOn the information available in the Colonial Office, the number of British subjects of alien or enemy origin who have been detained by the Governor of Jamaica since the war is 12; none of these persons has yet been released, but a report from the Governor of Jamaica on his review of these cases has been received, and my noble Friend is communicating further with the Governor on the subject.
Mr. AdamsWhen are we likely to have this information, in view of the long time that these people have been interned?
§ Mr. HallI could not say, but we are in telegraphic communication with the Governor on the matter.
Mr. Creech JonesWill importance be attached to the question, because of the continued detention of quite a number of people long resident in the Colony who are of very good character and social value in their work there?
§ Sir Leonard LyleIs it not very undesirable and against the national interest that the actions of our Colonial Governors, very often on the most flimsy pretext, are being called into account?
§ 37. Miss Eleanor Rathboneasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies how many aliens are interned in Jamaica; how many of them have been released or authorised for release; how many times has the committee appointed to advise the Governor on this matter sat; and how many cases has it considered and reported on?
§ Mr. HallI have asked the Governor to furnish the information required, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend on receipt of his reply.
39. Mr. David Adamsasked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether in view of the fact that Mr. W. A. Domingo, who had borne an excellent reputation and rendered valuable public service, has been under detention in Jamaica for a month, he can now state the result of the appeal to the Governor's advisory committee against his arrest?
§ Mr. HallThe Governor of Jamaica has reported that Mr. Domingo has given notice of his intention to make an objection to the advisory committee as provided in the Regulations, and it now remains for that committee to fix a date for the hearing of Mr. Domingo's case.
§ Mr. HallIt is now for the committee to fix the date of the hearing, and Mr. Domingo's case will be heard.
§ Mr. SilvermanIs it not the case that Mr. Domingo was not a resident in Jamaica at the time of his internment, and if that is so, under what powers did the Governor act?
§ Mr. HallIt is true that for some time he was a resident in America, but he is a Jamaican. Notwithstanding that fact, the Governor felt that he was justified in talking the action he did.
§ Mr. SilvermanWhat power had the Governor to order this detention, in the case of a man not resident in the territory?