§ 12. Mr. Callaghanasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Africans have been detained under the emergency regulations in Nyasaland; how many have been subsequently released; and when it is proposed to charge or release those still in detention.
§ Mr. J. AmeryA total of 851 Africans have been detained under detention orders; of whom 245 have since been released.
Of those remaining in detention, charges have been or will be laid where there is evidence of their having committed a criminal offence.
Detainees are being released when the Governor is satisfied that it is no longer necessary to exercise control over them for the purpose of maintaining public order.
§ Mr. CallaghanIs the Minister aware that we totally disagree with this method of handling the situation? Does not the Minister realise that as long as he leaves large sections of the African population leaderless, all he will do is encourage the growth of more extremist African leadership? Why does he not do the sensible thing and either immediately charge those against whom criminal charges can be brought or release the others in order that they may re-assume their rightful positions?
§ Mr. AmeryThe hon. Gentleman has disagreed with our handling of the matter throughout. Had he handled it or had we followed his advice, there might well have been bloodshed on a very large scale.
§ Mr. CallaghanDoes not the Minister realise that the bloodshed which has been committed so far is that over forty Africans have lost their lives? Does he not further realise that if his Government had not committed the incredible folly of cramming Nyasaland into the Federation in the first place there would have been no lives lost?
§ Mr. AmeryI am convinced that had we followed the hon. Member's advice the loss of life would have been counted not in tens but in hundreds.