HC Deb 25 February 1953 vol 511 cc2068-9
51. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when it is his intention to restore the right of assembly for Africans in Kenya.

Mr. Lyttelton

The Kenya Government will restore the right to hold public meetings as soon as this can be done without risk to public safety. On 3rd December, 1952, I told the House that there is no barrier to African members of Legislative Council having interviews with their people, but that in the present situation large public gatherings cannot be permitted. In a recent debate in the Legislature the Kenya Government promised to consider carefully and sympathetically applications by individual members.

Mr. Johnson

Is the Minister aware of the Motion upon this subject last week in the Nairobi Assembly? Since all desire to isolate the loyal Kikuyu from the disloyal Kikuyu, does he not think it would be a good thing if the moderate African leaders were to meet in public assembly and were able, in public assembly, to put what we all think is the correct viewpoint about the tragic state of affairs in Kenya?

Mr. Lyttelton

Such measures can he undertaken only with due regard to public safety. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the ban will be relaxed whenever it is felt that public safety would not be endangered. I am sympathetic with his point of view.

Forward to