HC Deb 19 March 1952 vol 497 cc2305-7
21. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in what circumstances the Attorney-General of Northern Rhodesia has threatened the use of force against the African Congress, and against Central African Federation, and if this threat was made after consultation with him and with his consent or approval.

Mr. Lyttelton

At recent Congress meetings in Northern Rhodesia suggestions have been made that federation should be opposed by such means as a general strike, weekly paralysis strikes, mass exodus from towns and non-payment of taxes. The Attorney-General therefore judged it expedient to draw the attention of the Africans, through the two African Members of Legislative Council, to the legal position and to warn them of the limits beyond which they could not lawfully go, particularly as regards political strikes. He did not threaten the use of force and made it clear that Government wished Africans to have the fullest freedom of speech. This action, though taken without consultation with me, has my approval, as it also had that of the Governor.

Mr. Hughes

Will the right hon. Gentleman make it clear to all concerned that persuasion and not force is the only way to facilitate constitutional development in Africa, towards which the former Colonial Secretary took such sympathetic and energetic steps?

Mr. Lyttelton

That has nothing to do with the Question which the hon. and learned Gentleman has put down.

Mr. C. J. M. Alport

Will my right hon. Friend make it clear to the leaders of the Northern Rhodesian African Congress that the threats of violence which they have made recently will do nothing to advance their case in this matter?

Mr. Hughes

Does the Colonial Secretary decline to say that he will make clear to all concerned that persuasion and not force is the proper method to adopt in these circumstances?

Mr. Lyttelton

Force or persuasion by whom?

Mr. Hughes

By the Attorney-General of Northern Rhodesia who made the threats.

Mr. Lyttelton

The Attorney-General made it quite clear where the law runs, and that has been his action in the matter.

22. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will report fully and in detail to the House the communications which he has had with the Supreme Action Council of the African Congress relating to Central African Federation.

Mr. Lyttelton

I have had no communication with the Supreme Action Council of the African Congress on federation or any other matter.

23. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will report fully and in detail to the House the communications he has had with the Nyasaland Protectorate Council on the subject of Central African Federation.

Mr. Lyttelton

I have not so far had any communication from the African Protectorate Council on this subject but I understand that in February, when the Council agreed to accept my invitation to send a deputation to see me in London during April, they approved the text of a letter which will be handed to me by the deputation when it arrives.

Mr. Hughes

Has the Minister had communication or correspondence with any of these representative bodies relative to federation, and, if so, does he realise that this is a matter that should be dealt with openly in this House and not by methods of secret diplomacy?

Mr. Lyttelton

I must keep myself perfectly free to see what negotiations it would be appropriate to carry on, either in public or private.