§ 38. Mr. Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reply has been given to the request by leaders of the African parties in Kenya that Jomo Kenyatta should be released.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Iain Macleod)I have made it clear that the position of Jomo Kenyatta remains as indicated by the Governor in his statement of 10th May.
§ Mr. BrockwayIn view of the general consensus of opinion in Kenya that Mr. Jomo Kenyatta must be released at an early date, is it not desirable that this should be done as a gesture of racial good will while Europeans still control the Government, rather than to leave it till the Africans obtain a majority next year?
§ Mr. MacleodOf course, this is a difficult problem. In Kenya many people of all races feel very keenly indeed on both sides of this question. It is quite wrong to assume that there is anything like a unanimous point of view—
§ Mr. BrockwayI did not say that.
§ Mr. Macleod—well, even an overwhelming majority point of view in favour of what the hon. Member puts forward. In this matter I am content to leave it in the hands of the Governor, whom many Members of this House know and in whom I have complete confidence. It is his affair and I am sure he takes into account the well-being of Kenya when he makes a decision.
§ Mr. BrockwayIt is our affair, too.