§ 28. Mr. George Craddockasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what grounds administrative officers in Tanganyika discouraged the formation of the Citizens' Union by the Washambaa in the Usambara Highlands.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydAdministrative officers have not discouraged the formation of a citizens' union by the Washambaa. I understand the main object of the proposed union is to conduct a campaign to try and remove the present chief, who was elected by 79 out of the 80 votes of the Electoral College.
At a recent meeting attended by 20,000 to 30,000 tribesmen, the Government were urged, with very few dissentients, to refuse registration of the union. No application to register such a union has been received by the Registrar of Societies in Tanganyika.
§ Mr. CraddockIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the local people sought the support of a lawyer so that he might be able to frame for them a constitution for a citizens' union or a political organisation? Is he further aware that administrative officers called a meeting to denounce the people who approached the lawyer, as a result of which they were given a very bad name? Is he aware that the local indigenous people think we are not supporting democracy but rather supporting dictatorship?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIf an overwhelming majority of a meeting of 20,000 or 30,000 ask us to do something, and we follow their wishes, it is difficult to think that we are not listening to the people's will.
§ Captain DuncanHow can we have a citizens' union in a country in which there are no cities?
§ Mr. SnowWill the right hon. Gentleman say what is the structure of the Electoral College of the Washambaa?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThat certainly does not arise out of this Question.