HC Deb 24 January 1957 vol 563 cc384-5
34. Major Wall

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he will make a statement about the situation in the Bamangwato Tribe since the return of Seretse Khama.

Mr. Alport

After his return to the Bamangwato Reserve in October. Seretse Khama addressed meetings throughout the Reserve to explain his renunciation of the Chieftainship to his fellow tribesmen. They showed pleasure and satisfaction at his return and accepted his renunciation without dissension. Both Seretse Khama and Tshekedi Khama are co-operating with the Administration and are maintaining friendly relations with each other and with Rasebolai, the African Authority of the tribe.

A committee has been set up to make recommendations for the constitution of a Bamangwato Tribal Council with advisory functions. This committee consists of two European officials and seven Africans, including both Seretse Khama and Tshekedi Khama. It has already held a number of meetings.

Major Wall

May I ask my hon. Friend if the fact that he has been able to make such a satisfactory settlement is not a great tribute to the statesmanship of Tshekedi Khama and the loyalty and good sense of Seretse Khama?