§ 38. Mr. Swinglerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has considered the constitutional proposals submitted by the Zambia African National Congress of Northern Rhodesia; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydBefore the Zambia African National Congress was declared an unlawful association t had received through the Governor from the then President a letter containing proposals for a new constitution.
There is no question at present of revising the existing constitution which came into force only on 24th January.
§ Mr. SwinglerWhatever one's views of the policies or tactics of the Zambia Congress, does not the Congress have considerable support among Africans? Did not it do the proper thing in submitting the constitutional proposals for change through the right channel, unfortunately being met with repressive measures on account of allegations about which there are very grave doubts? Will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the repressive measures taken against the 1515 Zambia Congress and at any rate give a reasonable and considered reply to the proposals put forward?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydCertainly not. There is every evidence from Northern Rhodesia that the declaration of this organisation as an illegal organisation has been hailed with great delight and relief by the mass of Africans.
§ Mr. SwinglerIs this evidence any stronger than that produced in the White Paper about the massacre plot?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe evidence is overwhelming. I ask the hon. Member to keep in touch with opinion in Northern Rhodesia.
§ Mr. SwinglerMay we have a White Paper on that?