§ 38. Mr. Sorensenasked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the injury to the British cause arising from the continued detention of W. Domingo, he can yet make any report on the matter; whether Miss Muriel Lester was detained by order of the Governor; and whether he approves the policy of the Governor of treating with hostility any progressive political or religious spokesman who publicly discusses West Indian affairs?
Mr. WhiteleyAs regards the first part of the Question, my Noble Friend has nothing to add to the statement made in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend on 10th September, except that the Governor has since reported that Mr. Domingo has exercised his right to make an objection to the Advisory Committee and that his case is in process of being heard. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part of the Question, my Noble Friend is quite unable to accept the suggested criticism of the action taken by the Governor of Jamaica and the Governor of Trinidad in these two cases.
§ Mr. SorensenIs my hon. Friend aware that no one has been detained by the Governor except people of progressive tendency, and will he expedite further information regarding the most unfortunate detention of Mr. Domingo?
Mr. WhiteleyIf my hon. Friend would care to see me afterwards, I think he might realise the situation a little more fully than he does at present.
§ Sir Leonard LyleIs it not the fact that Mr. Domingo was suspected not only by the British authorities but by the authorities in the United States of America of intending to cause disaffection in the construction of the naval and air bases, and will my Noble Friend the Colonial Secretary make it quite plain that he intends to support our Government in any reasonable action they may take to deal with subversive action against the Imperial well-being?
Mr. Creech JonesIs it not a fact that Mr. Domingo has constantly given his whole-hearted support to the British war effort, both in America and in other Colonies that he has visited?
Mr. WhiteleyAs this man has appealed and his case is being heard, I think we had better wait until the appeal has been heard.
§ Mr. SorensenHas not the hon. Gentleman who addressed a Question to my hon. Friend a moment ago prejudged the case by his statement?