§ 44. Mr. Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement on the official proposals now being made to transfer control of the Armed Forces in East Africa from his Department to the East African Governments and what arrangements are proposed for servicing the Forces to the East Africa High Commission.
§ Mr. John HareIt is proposed that control of the Armed Forces in Kenya. Tanganyika and Uganda should pass to the Governors of these territories on 1st July, thereby reverting to pre-war practice. The Governors will control the operational use of the Forces raised and stationed in their own territories, but the centralised military command for East Africa as a whole will be retained. As to the second part of the Question, detailed arrangements are still under discussion.
§ Mr. BrockwayWill the right hon. Gentleman very seriously consider the implications of this decision? Is he not aware that there has been the most vigorous opposition in the Legislature of Uganda, including that of the European representatives, and is it not undesirable that the control of the Armed Forces should be handed over to these Governments before democracy is established in these territories?
§ Mr. HareThose considerations are considerations which really ought to be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Colonial Secretary.