§ 11. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations how many official visits were paid to Mafeking by British African leaders from the Bechuanaland Protectorate in 1957; and how many Protectorate Africans were involved.
§ Mr. AlportOfficial visits were paid to Mafeking on four occasions by leading Africans from the Bechuanaland Protectorate in 1957. Fifteen Africans were involved.
§ Mr. JohnsonCan the hon. Gentleman confirm that it is only since July last year that leaders like Tshekedi Khama and others have needed official passes to leave their territory and go to the Mafeking capital on the South African side? Does not he think that this is objectionable, as Tshekedi Khama and other Africans do? In view of the atmosphere within and without the Union of South Africa, does not he think that this is a most unlikely way to steady African opinion, particularly in the light of what I said earlier about the comments of Mr. Erasmus?
§ Mr. AlportIf the hon. Gentleman wants the dates and full details in regard to this particular matter, perhaps he will be kind enough to put down a Question. I assure him that a large number of private visits to Mafeking have been paid by leading Africans during the past year, in addition to the official visits to which I particularly referred. I am not aware that it is causing hardship at the present time.