§ 6. Mr. Swinglerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what account was taken by the Governor of Northern Rhodesia, in deciding to ban the Zambia African Congress, of the resolution passed at the Accra Conference, to which he referred in his broadcast on the banning of the Congress on 12th March.
§ Mr. J. AmeryThe Governor's decision was based solely on the actual intimidation practised by, and violence planned by, the Zambia Congress. He referred to the Accra Conference in his speech as part of the general background.
§ Mr. SwinglerWould not the Under-Secretary agree to present to the House the evidence, which has so far been unpresented, apart from charging three or four people with disorderly behaviour, of the violence plan of the Zambia Congress? In view of what he has said about the Accra Conference, has he studied 195 the literature of the African leaders' conference, and the fact that the agenda included a very specific reference to the fact that it stood for non-violence? Does he realise that that was the theme throughout the literature of the Accra Conference?
§ Mr. AmeryThe hon. Member will have noticed that the previous position of strict non-violence has been somewhat modified in Northern Rhodesia, and that the plans of the Zambia Congress appear to come closely into line with the modified non-violence resolution of the Accra Conference.
§ 17. Mr. Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when it is proposed to end the rustication of leaders of the Zambia African Congress in Northern Rhodesia.
§ Mr. J. AmeryThe restriction of movement will remain in force in each case until the circumstances in which restriction is necessary cease to obtain.
§ Mr. BrockwayIs the Minister aware that no evidence whatever has been produced that these leaders were planning violence? Will he ask the police authorities in Northern Rhodesia whether it is not a fact that, at the moment the arrests were made, there were documents in those offices, to be distributed, appealing against violence? In view of the fact that these arrests took place at the time of the election and that the election is over, will he now release these men?