§ 23. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the causes, conduct and results of the recent general strike in Zanzibar.
Mr. Creech JonesAs the reply is long, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
867 Following is the reply:
On 20th August, dock labourers, who less than two months earlier had entered into contracts, embodying new conditions of employment, presented demands for improved terms and struck within 48 hours, ignoring the consultative machinery which was available to them. On 25th August, when it became clear that intimidation might be used in an attempt to extend the strike, the Government issued a notice warning the people against the use of intimidation and stating that it was prepared to meet any violence with all force at its command. As the clearance of cargo was of vital importance and as an attempt was being made to divert rural food supplies from the main markets of the town preparations were made to recruit labour outside the town. About the same time, an attempt was made to extend the stoppage of work into a general strike, but the response was only partial and to some extent due to threats.
On 2nd September, a demonstration against men going to work took place in the vicinity of the docks where police were stationed. Large numbers of men carrying arms of various kinds collected at the Customs Gate, and a Magistrate who was present decided to read the Riot Proclamation. Thereafter tear gas was used by the Police, but no shooting occurred.
Additional police and troops from the mainland were asked for and arrived on that day and the following days. During this time the Senior Commissioner, who is the Principal Labour Officer, and his assistants, with the help of the Information Officer explained the situation to the strikers and other members of the public, and endeavoured to induce them to be reasonable. His Highness the Sultan also issued a personal message with the same purpose.
On the 11th September, the British Resident reported that the dock workers and other persons on strike had returned to work and the situation was normal. The troops and additional Police were returned to Tanganyika. I have not yet heard from the Resident the terms on which work has been resumed, but I will write to my hon. Friend when I have received a further report.