§ 35. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many were killed and wounded in the Gwembe area of the Zambesi Valley in early September arising from the need of transferring tribesmen from that area; whether any further disturbances have taken place; and what action has been taken to ensure that the tribesmen in that area are fully acquainted with the reasons for the removal of population.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe Governor has informed me that, when attempting to 751 enforce an order for villagers to move from an area to be flooded to new settlement areas provided for them in the Gwembe District, officials of the Native Authority and of the Provincial Administration met with armed resistance. Determined charges were made by men armed with spears against the official party supported by police re-inforcements.
In the resulting police action, I am very sorry to say that eight villagers were killed and 22 injured. There were no subsequent disturbances and the move has now been completed. Extensive efforts had been made to prepare the villagers for the need to move over two and a half years. The Governor has appointed a Commission to inquire into the circumstances, and it is still sitting. The Report will be published.
§ Mr. SorensenWas the resistance on the part of those who were to be transferred from the area? Were any killed or wounded on the side of the forces trying to effect the transference?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIt will be much better to wait until the Commission has reported.