§ 8. Mr. Donnerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will set up a small committee of persons with expert knowledge of African witchcraft and of tribal psychology to consider the profound influence of the Mau Mau oath upon Kikuyu mentality; and to make recommendations designed to weaken, or ridicule, the spell of fear which this oath imposes on Kikuyu.
§ Mr. LytteltonI welcome the intention of the Question, but I do not think that a committee is the best way of tackling the problem. The Kenya Government constantly consult all those who are best able to give advice in these matters.
§ Mr. DonnerIn view of the binding character of the oath in the minds even of Kikuyu who have been forced against their will to take it, will my right hon. Friend consider some alternative measure to lessen its effect if the proposal which I have made does not commend itself to him?
§ Mr. BaldwinWould not the best measure for dealing with the problem be the spreading of primary education and the teaching of Christianity?