HC Deb 25 February 1953 vol 511 cc2066-7
37. Mr. Hale

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give the total casualties in Kenya in terms of Europeans and Africans seriously wounded or killed believed due to Mau Mau activity; of Africans seriously wounded or killed in police or military operations; and of Africans under arrest awaiting trial.

Mr. Lyttelton

Total casualties in Kenya since the declaration of the Emergency on 20th October, 1952, are 97 Africans, eight Europeans and three Asians murdered, and 44 Africans, seven Europeans and three Asians seriously wounded; 161 Africans have been killed and 101 seriously wounded in operations by the security forces.

Mr. Hale

In view of the gravity and tragedy of these figures would not the right hon. Gentleman seriously consider trying to substitute for a policy of ruling by fear a policy of winning the confidence of the African people?

Mr. Lyttelton

We cannot proceed with a policy of winning confidence on any lines except those which are now being pursued, which seek to make law-abiding Africans safe, and this cannot be done by failing to punish those who are engaging in murder.

Mr. Hale

It has not been done up to now. In November there was a chance of putting an end to this. The position is rapidly becoming more difficult and dangerous.