§ 27. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the circumstances that led to the arrest of Mr. Theodore Joshua, M.L.C., leader of the Peoples' Political Party in St. Vincent; why he was charged with sedition and the charge then withdrawn; and whether an inquiry will be made into the allegations contained in the document sent to him by the hon. Member for Leyton.
§ Mr. LytteltonMr. Joshua made a number of wild and alarmist speeches and was arrested on a charge of public mischief. Two charges of sedition were added. One was withdrawn after the jury had failed to agree; on the other, Mr. Joshua was acquitted. He was convicted of public mischief. I am satisfied by a full report from the Governor that the allegations mentioned in the last part of the Question are a fabrication, and I see no reason for further inquiry.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a charge of public mischief would refer to both sides of this House, including one of his own supporters not far from him now; and, under those circumstances, would he not make an inquiry to see whether, in fact, this kind of charge was justified, seeing that the looseness of the charge opens up very grave disquiet?
§ Mr. LytteltonI can only presume that, since he was convicted on that charge, the charge was justified. The only other thing I would say is that I hope the hon. Gentleman will not engage further in this form of self-flagellation.
§ Mr. WiggBefore the right hon. Gentleman bases his case upon the decisions of the court, would he bear in mind that Jomo Kenyatta was convicted, but the Supreme Court in Kenya took another view of his conviction?