§ 22. Mr. Stonehouseasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why Mr. Per Wästberg, a Swedish journalist, has been declared a prohibited immigrant in Kenya.
§ Mr. H. FraserMr. Per Wästberg has not been declared a prohibited immigrant in Kenya. He and his wife were informed on 10th April, on their return to Kenya from a visit to other territories, that no further extension of their visitors' passes could be made. These had been granted on 17th February, valid for one month, and subsequently extended for a further three weeks. Mr. and Mrs. Wästberg were, however, given passes to legalise their stay in Kenya until 13th April when they could conveniently depart on the next stage of their tour.
§ Mr. StonehouseDoes the Under-Secretary realise that his Answer means the same thing as my Question? Mr. and Mrs. Wästberg were asked to leave. Why was that stupid action taken against a distinguished Swedish journalist and author? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that that sort of action can undo the 612 good will established for Britain in Sweden by the work of the Colonial Secretary in Tanganyika, for instance? Will not the hon. Gentleman have another look at this matter?
§ Mr. FraserNo, Sir. This is a question for the Governor, and, as I have explained, these people were not declared to be prohibited immigrants.
§ Mr. G. M. ThomsonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that that is an unsatisfactory answer? Is he aware that when these Swedish citizens arrived in Kenya in February, there was no question of any limit on their time of stay? Is he aware that the territories which he mentioned and which they visited were the Central African Federation Territories? Will he give the House an assurance that no pressure was brought to bear in this case by the Central African Federation Government which made the Governor change his mind?
§ Mr. FraserI can give that assurance.