§ 3. Mr. R. Edwardsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what representations he has had from the French authorities in the French Cameroons for the arrest and deportation of British-protected persons in the Northern and Southern Cameroons; and what action is contemplated in this regard.
§ Mr. EdwardsI am surprised but very gratified to hear that reply from the Secretary of State. I have in my hands—
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member must ask a question.
§ Mr. EdwardsIs the Secretary of State aware that I have in my hands three cables from different parts of Africa indicating that British-protected persons are being arrested and deported to the French Cameroons and that their lives are in very grave danger?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThere must have been some misunderstanding on the part of the correspondents of the hon. Gentleman, because there have been no requests for the deportation of British protected persons. It is unlikely that any would be made, since the extradition treaty does not provide for the deportation of British-protected persons. There have been requests for the repatriation of French Cameroonians believed to be taking refuge in the British Cameroons. In these cases the normal extradition procedure would apply but no French Cameroonians have been repatriated. The answer to this Question is clearly "None".
§ Mr. BrockwayIs not the difficulty that of distinguishing between citizens of the Cameroons, to decide which people come from the French or British regions in view of the close association of these regions, and the great uncertainties about registration?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI do not think so. I think that the people who are lucky enough to be British-protected people know it.