HC Deb 14 December 1955 vol 547 cc1197-9
22. Mr. H. Fraser

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been, or are being, taken to protect Baganda Chiefs who loyally accepted previous decisions of the Governor and Her Majesty's Government regarding the exile of the Kabaka.

31. Mr. Alport

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what further information has reached him regarding a campaign of intimidation in Buganda against persons who have given loyal service to the Buganda Government.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

For the measures taken to protect Baganda Chiefs, I would refer my hon. Friends to the reply I gave on 30th November to my hon. Friend the Member for Colchester (Mr. Alport), and to the hon. Member for Accrington (Mr. H. Hynd). According to my information, there have been no further material incidents involving violence since 17th November, but, in addition to the Saza Chief of Bulemezi, to whom I referred in my reply to the hon. Member for Colchester two weeks ago, three other Saza Chiefs have resigned.

Mr. Fraser

Will my right hon. Friend agree that it is absolutely vital that people who have stood by Her Majesty's Government in this matter should be protected? Will he further agree that reports in The Times and Manchester Guardian are far more disquieting than his answer would seem to suggest? Will he further consider, if these Chiefs have to resign, the question of compensation being paid to them?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I am watching this matter with the very greatest care. I think that I can claim to be a friend of Buganda and the Baganda people. On their conduct on matters of this kind, my attitude and that of a large number of other people will largely turn in future years. There may not have been a technical breach of the regulations, but I am satisfied that certain things have happened which are inconsistent with the spirit and understanding which I understood prevailed when we held the London talks, which led to the return to Buganda of the Kabaka some little time ago.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Will the right hon. Gentleman convey to the people of Buganda that all of us—and I speak for my right hon. and hon. Friends—who did our best to influence a settlement in this matter, will be very glad indeed to know that they have settled down to work together in co-operation to make a success of the new Constitution?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I am very glad to hear the right hon. Gentleman endorse that.

Mr. Alport

Has any indication been given by the three Saza Chiefs who have resigned from their important positions of their reason for so doing?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

No, Sir—as far as I know. I can assure my hon. Friend that I am watching this situation with the greatest possible care.

Mr. Paget

Altogether apart from Buganda, is it not absolutely vital for the whole Colonial Empire that we should establish the principle that if people are victimised for having co-operated with us we will compensate them and look after them?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I certainly share with the hon. and learned Gentleman the recognition that we, too, have a duty in this matter.

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