§ 35. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that Sheik Ali Muhsin Barwany, a member of the Zanzibar Executive Council, was turned back from Nairobi while on his way to the Afro-Asian Conference in Cairo, and declared a prohibited immigrant; and whether he will reconsider this decision.
§ Mr. ProfumoI am aware of these facts; I now understand, however, that Sheik Ali Muhsin Barwany is no longer a prohibited immigrant and is free to travel to or through Kenya if his travel documents are in order.
§ Mr. JohnsonIs the Minister fully aware how fatuous these decisions appear to liberal eyes outside our territories? Is he further aware that Mr. Basil Davidson, a well-known journalist, was also barred entry to Kenya? Does the Minister agree that these decisions—and they are happening in the Central African Federation too—are turning us towards what people call Afrikaaner ideas in this matter? Will he not think again about it?
§ Mr. ProfumoI will not think again about it. I cannot give that undertaking. The conference to which the Sheik was going was largely Communist-inspired and influenced, as results have shown. These are matters for judgment in each case. I cannot think that attendance on the occasion in question would have served the interests of the people of Zanzibar.