§ 40. Mr. George Craddockasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, in view of the improved situation in Uganda, he will consult with the Governor with a view to the early liberation of Mr. Kiwanaku, Vice-President of the Uganda National Congress, who has been deported to the northern frontier area.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI have brought the hon. Member's suggestion to the attention of the Governor. He does not feel able to cancel the Order at present, but he is keeping the matter under regular review.
§ Mr. CraddockIs it not a fact that Mr. Kiwanaku only repeated the contents of an article published in this country, for which no action was taken against the author, and yet, when it was repeated in Uganda, this man was sent to prison for four months?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIt would be quite improper for me to comment upon the action taken by judicial authorities in Colonial Territories. This man has been convicted of sedition on three occasions. I am not prepared now, without warning, to go over the particular circumstances of each case. As I have said, the Governor has this case under constant review.
§ Mr. S. SilvermanIs the right hon. Gentleman really telling the British House of Commons, in the middle of the 20th century, that it is no concern of his if, in a British Colony, that is treated as sedition which is harmless at home?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI said no such thing. I said that it would be improper for me to comment upon the judgment of a court—and I think that that is a very good principle.