§ 23. Mr. Stonehouseasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether recognition has now been withdrawn from Chief Kuntaja of Nyasaland; and for what reasons.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydNo, Sir.
§ Mr. StonehouseWhat action has been taken against Chief Kuntaja in the last few months, in view of his opposition to federation?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe Chief has been warned that if he continues his present activities his position as Chief will have to be reviewed. The House should remember that the combined rôle of Nyasaland chiefs is both that of traditional heads of the local instrument of government and the statutory duty as heads of native authorities to preserve law and order and maintain good government. That is not a difficult double normally, but I am determined that it shall be preserved.
§ Mr. StonehouseIf it is the policy to depose chiefs opposed to the Federation, how are replacements to be found?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydOf course, that is not the case. There are very many ways in which chiefs can make their views known without necessarily indulging in some of the activities in question.