HC Deb 15 July 1953 vol 517 cc2051-2
28. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why Chief Worckam Dana, of British Togoland, has to make two annual payments of £200 to the Dana Yiri in the Gold Coast and to the paramount Chief of Manuprusi in French Togoland; and why the chieftaincy in the Nacouri State in British Togoland has been superseded by chiefs of the Gold Coast Northern Territories.

Mr. Lyttelton

On the first part of the Question, I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on 4th February. On the second part, the Nawuris traditionally owe allegiance to the Gonjas in the Northern Territories and have no State or chieftaincy of their own.

Mr. Sorensen

Surely the right hon. Gentleman is aware that there is a great deal of friction and confusion regarding the relationships of these various peoples of Togoland, both French and British? Could he not say whether an inquiry could be held with a view to consolidating these areas so that they may be more or less contiguous to each other? Finally, may I ask him whether any conference has taken place respecting the relationship of British Togoland to the Gold Coast?

Mr. Lyttelton

These are questions so tangled that I do not think the hon. Gentleman should ask me to disentangle them in the course of Question and answer.

Mr. Sorensen

Will the right hon Gentleman try to do so, and let me know the result?

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