§ 61. Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what information has been circulated to the African population in Nyasaland in official Government bulletins concerning the future of the African National Congress and the length of time its leaders are to remain in detention.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydMy present information is that the future of Congress and its members has been mentioned only in the Nyasaland Information Bulletin of 6th May, 1959.
I have, however, asked the Governor whether any further information has been circulated to the African population, and I will write to the hon. Member when I have the reply.
§ Mr. ThomsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there have been reports of official bulletins to the African population indicating that it is the Government's intention to keep Congress leaders in detention for a very long time? Further, is he aware that the Governor himself made a similar statement only a few days ago? Is it not most unfortunate that statements of this kind should be made prejudging the conclusions of the Devlin Commission only a few days before their publication?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThey do not prejudge the report of the Devlin Commission. It is the responsibility of the Governor to see that law and order are preserved. As I have told the hon.
585 Gentleman, I am asking the Governor whether there have been any further statements to this effect other than the one I quoted, and I will let the hon. Gentleman know.