HC Deb 01 May 1957 vol 569 cc181-2
20. Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what consultations he has had with the Kenya Government on the use of Kenya as a strategic base.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The three East African Governments are aware of the recent Defence White Paper (Cmd. 124), the implications of which have been studied in East Africa by a team sent out by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War. This team has held discussions with the appropriate Government authorities in Kenya during its visit.

Mr. Stonehouse

Is the Minister aware of the widespread feeling that it would be quite unwise to rush any policy of using Kenya as a strategic base—[HON. MEMBERS: "Why?"] Will the Minister make absolutely certain that all interests and communities in Kenya are consulted before he embarks on this policy?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I know of no such anxiety. I do know of a recognition that a strategic base in Kenya may well be a vital link in the chain of Commonwealth defence. With considerable personal knowledge of events in East Africa in the last two years, I am sure that all communities in Kenya appreciate the advantages of the presence of British troops as a safeguard for orderly progress.

Mr. Callaghan

If the Colonial Secretary has no knowledge of any such anxiety, will he cast his mind back a little to what has happened recently in British bases both in Egypt and in Cyprus? Will he recall the importance, in any defence arrangements made in these or other islands or territories, of carrying with him the goodwill of all the populations concerned and not merely one section?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The hon. Gentleman can be quite certain that all historical lessons are well learned.

Forward to