§ 47. Mr. Rees-Williamsasked the Prime Minister what steps have been taken to ascertain the views of the native African peoples of the mandated territory of South-west Africa on the proposed incorporation of this territory in the Union of South Africa.
§ The Prime MinisterHis Majesty's Government in the Union of South Africa have supplied the following statement:
In order that the non-European inhabitants of South-West Africa should clearly understand the implications of the questions at issue, the consultation of them was entrusted to officials with the necessary experience in native affairs, who enjoy the confidence of the natives. Having regard to native custom, the different tribes were consulted as units and not as individuals. The officials selected were instructed to emphasise that the natives were a free people and had the right to express their views without fear. In accordance with the undertaking given by the Union Government at the first part of the first session of the United Nations General Assembly held in London in January, the detailed results of this consultation will be communicated to the second part of the first session of the General Assembly at its meeting in New York this month.Briefly, the consultation showed that 208,850 of the non-European population were in favour of their country becoming part of the Union; 33,520 were against; while 56,790 could not be consulted, the latter number being made up for the most part of persons scattered across the farms of the territory or nomads such as the bushmen.1659 I take this opportunity to say that His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom are satisfied as to the steps taken by the South African Government to ascertain the wishes of the inhabitants. It may be of interest to hon. Members that the South African authorities took advantage of the presence in South Africa of Lord Hailey, whose great authority on these matters is well known, to ascertain his views on the procedure adopted. He has informed them that he is in no doubt that complete fairness characterised their explanation of the issue upon which the natives were requested to express their opinion, that the opinion of the natives was freely and voluntarily expressed and that the consultations conformed to the normal tribal practice.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsIs the Prime Minister aware that his statement will give considerable relief to those who have been interested in this matter?
§ The Prime MinisterI am very glad to hear that.
§ Mr. WarbeyIs the Prime Minister aware that the Union Government refused permission to important expert independent observers to go into the territory while these consultations were taking place, and that even so distinguished a personality as Lord Hailey was refused admission to this territory?
§ The Prime MinisterI am not aware of that. I should like any basis of that statement to be given to me.
§ Mr. WarbeyI shall be glad to send it.