HC Deb 03 December 1952 vol 508 cc1547-8
31. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in how many cases, and at what places, have rifles been used by Mau Mau.

Mr. Lyttelton

I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT some examples of the use of firearms in Mau Mau crimes. The list will not, however, be comprehensive, and I am reluctant to trouble the Government of Kenya for further details in present circumstances.

Mr. Rankin

But is it not the case that the use of rifles by Africans has been sporadic, not organised, and, in view of that, does the right hon. Gentleman not think that it would help events immensely if, instead of using rifles on our side, we were to employ tear gas?

Mr. Lyttelton

Tear gas, of course, has its uses in dispersing crowds sometimes, but in the open its uses are very limited. Certainly, that suggestion must be borne in mind. With regard to the use of rifles and firearms, I do not think it is of much point whether the use of those arms has been organised or not. I do not think it has. It has been sporadic.

Mr. Wigg

Have there been any cases in which tear gas has been used?

Mr. Lyttelton

No, I do not think so, because at the present moment large assemblies are against the law, and, except in one or two cases, there has been no occasion.

Mr. Rankin

In view of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman has admitted that the use of rifles is not organised, would he consider the effectiveness of tear gas as a substitute for rifles on our side?

Mr. Lyttelton

I really think the hon. Member is under a misapprehension. He will see that when he looks at some of the instances that I am going to give, one of which was the murder of the Senior Chief Warahiu. His car was stopped—this must have been organised—and a gunman ran beside him and shot him dead. How could the hon. Gentleman consider the use of tear gas to prevent that?

Following is the list: 1. The following are examples of the use of rifles (or firearms) by the Mau Mau:—
  1. (a) the murder of Senior Chief Waruhiu (7th October).
  2. (b) Mr. and Mrs. Bindloss were attacked by an African armed with a pistol who broke into their home (5th October).
  3. (c) Chief Paulo was ambushed by four Kikuyu armed with Verey pistols; one fired but missed (15th October).
  4. (d) Some of the Kikuyu who have been murdered have been shot.
 The theft of firearms is a common occurrence, and in numerous cases of burglary, house, shop and store breaking, all associated with violence, the criminals have been armed with firearms. However, many of the Mau Mau murders and attacks have been with "pangas" (knives).