§ 33. Colonel Beamishasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what plans have been made for constitutional progress in the British Cameroons, in view of the connection between this problem and the forthcoming independence of the Federation of Nigeria; how far it is the intention to consult public opinion; and how and when this will be done.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydAn Order in Council which is being laid before Parliament today, provides for the considerable constitutional advances in the Southern Cameroons which were agreed at last year's Nigeria Conference. The Northern Cameroons continues to develop as part of the Northern Region, which is seeking Regional self-government in March next.
I informed last year's Conference that before Nigeria becomes independent, the peoples of the British Cameroons would have to say freely what their wishes were 1419 as to their own future, and that Her Majesty's Government would of course pay the very greatest regard to their views whatever form they might take. The timing and method of ascertaining the wishes of the people will be considered in the light of the advance of Nigeria towards independence and our responsibilities to the United Nations under the Trusteeship Agreement.