HC Deb 18 June 1947 vol 438 cc1995-6
63. Mr. Baldwin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many German missionaries have been allowed to resume missionary work in Tanganyika; what conditions are attached to their residence; and what precautions have been taken to ensure that they will not carry on political propaganda.

Mr. Creech Jones

No German missionaries have been allowed to return to Tanganyika.

64. Mr. Baldwin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what public announcement was made by the Tanganyika Government for the information of African ex-Servicemen setting out the reasons why certain Germans are being permitted to return to the territory and the conditions under which they will settle.

Mr. Creech Jones

I have not the information available to reply to the first part of the Question but will inform the hon. Member when the information is received.

As far as I am aware, no conditions were attached to the permission given to certain Germans to return to Tanganyika. Only 47 families (comprising 102 Germans) have been allowed to return there from Southern Rhodesia and these people either were refugees from the Nazi regime or have been cleared of any suspicion of having held Nazi or hostile sympathies.

Mr. Baldwin

Is the Minister aware that if these Germans are returned to Tanganyika—and I do not wish it to be thought that I am against the return of non-Fascist Germans—the natives, especially the African ex-Servicemen, should be given clearly to understand how it is that these men are allowed to return?

Mr. Creech Jones

The Governor has given special instructions to his Commissioners in regard to that point.

Squadron-Leader Donner

Arising out of the Minister's first reply, would he guarantee that British people who have been allowed to lease estates previously owned by Germans will not now be ejected without compensation if they have spent some capital in improving the properties?

Mr. Creech Jones

I would like notice of that Question because, as the hon. and gallant Member is aware, it is a point full of difficulty.

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