§ 83. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for War why, in view of colour bar prejudice, it was necessary for the West Indian 1st Caribbean regiment to be sent to the Southern United States for further training; what particular instructions and warnings were given to the troops; and whether he will arrange that no further West Indian troops will be sent to areas in the U.S.A. where colour discrimination is rife.
§ Sir J. GriggThe area chosen for the final training and concentration of this unit has a climate which enabled training to be carried out with the least interruptions. There was suitable accommodation available and the port from which the unit sailed for overseas was near by. I am not aware that any special instructions were issued to the troops in question or that any difficulties arose while they were in the United States. The choice of a suitable area in which troops can train depends on the factors I have mentioned and I regret that I cannot undertake that they will not be sent to any specific areas. I should like to take this opportunity to say that we are greatly indebted to the United States Army authorities for the assistance they gave in training these troops.
§ Mr. SorensenDoes not the Minister appreciate that the coloured troops in the West Indies do not suffer because of the colour bar whereas in the Southern States they might? Would it not be much better to arrange for them to go somewhere else?
§ Sir J. GriggI understand that my right hon. and gallant Friend the Colonial Secretary is perfectly satisfied with the arrangements made, and whatever apprehensions the hon. Member may have had, no such trouble arose.
§ Mr. SorensenI have had indication of it.