HC Deb 31 January 1961 vol 633 cc775-6
37. Mr. Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reply has been given to the recent representations of the African parties in Kenya for the release of Jomo Kenyatta.

57. Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why he declined to receive the deputation of the Kenya African National Union regarding the release of Mr. Jomo Kenyatta; and what recent communications he has had with the Governor regarding his release.

Mr. H. Fraser

My right hon. Friend made it plain to the President of the Kenya African National Union that the question of the restriction of Jomo Kenyatta is a matter for the Governor's decision and that it would only be appropriate for the Governor to receive deputations on this matter. Naturally, my right hon. Friend keeps in close touch with the Governor about it, but the position remains as stated by him on 10th May last.

Mr. Brockway

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this has now become a very dynamic issue in the Kenya political scene? Is he aware of the extraordinary unanimity of African opinion, so that even the chiefs and sons of chiefs who were murdered by Mau Mau are now demanding the release of Kenyatta? Would it not be much better that he should be released now before there is an African majority rather than wait until that event?

Mr. Fraser

No, Sir. We have looked into this matter most carefully and stand by the speech made by the Governor on 10th May to the effect that the situation cannot at the moment permit the release of Jomo Kenyatta.

Mr. Stonehouse

Will the hon. Gentleman say why the Government are being so myopic about all this? Why have they not learnt from the examples of Nkrumah, Makarios and Banda and realised that in Kenya the overwhelming mass of the population, including many Europeans and also most of the so-called loyal Kikuyu, want Jomo Kenyatta to be released? If the Parliamentary Secretary cannot give an answer this afternoon, will he at least ask his right hon. Friend to consider releasing Jomo Kenyatta on election day?

Mr. Fraser

Far from being myopic, we have been very clear-sighted about this matter, and will remain so.

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