HC Deb 05 May 1959 vol 605 cc193-4
5. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what evidence the Governor of Northern Rhodesia based the allegation he made in his official broadcast of 12th March, that Mr. Harry Nkumbula had left the Accra Conference before it ended after disagreeing with certain of the decisions taken.

Mr. J. Amery

Mr. Nkumbula's own public statements about serious differences he had had with Mr. Kaunda and also Dr. Hastings Banda. The Governor was misinformed that Mr. Nkumbula left Accra before the end of the conference: he did not do so but did leave before Mr. Kaunda, who stayed behind at Accra for a time.

Mr. Swingler

I accept the acknowledgment that the Governor made a misstatement in this particular case. Obviously, at this remarkable congress of African leaders, there was some difference of opinion expressed, but does not the Under-Secretary think that this "divide and rule" game amongst African leaders in Northern Rhodesia is a disreputable business, and would not it have been very much better and more profitable for the Governor if, instead of making a misinformed statement, he had tried to understand the genuine motives underlying the actions of the African leaders?

Mr. Amery

I think the Governor's references to differences were perfectly legitimate.