HC Deb 15 April 1958 vol 586 cc3-4
2. Mr. Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what opportunity the peoples of Northern and Southern Cameroons will be given before the recognition of the independence of Nigeria to decide freely whether they wish to continue their federation with Nigeria or to unite with the French Cameroons as an independent State.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

As I informed last year's Nigeria Conference, the Trustee- ship Agreement for the British Cameroons will need to be reviewed when Nigeria becomes independent. Before then the people of the North and South sectors of the British Cameroons will have to express freely their wishes as to their own future. The manner in which this is to be done will have to be decided in consultation with the United Nations.

Mr. Brockway

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when this discussion with the United Nations is likely to take place, since the time factor is not very long?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I am afraid I cannot say at this stage, but I will keep the House informed.