§ 6. Commander Donaldsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what were the circumstances which led to the recent resignation of Chief Masula of the Lilongwe District in the Central Province of Nyasaland.
§ Mr. MaudlingChief Masula resigned because he was no longer acceptable as Chief to his people and hence could not effectively administer his area.
§ Commander DonaldsonWhile recognising my right hon. Friend's reply, may I ask whether it is not the fact that chieftainships in Nyasaland and in other parts are by the consent of the people and that it is implicit that the chiefs rule by the agreement of their people? Is not it also the fact that in this case this Chief, who had objected to the Malawi Congress Party at the Lancaster House 606 Conference, was shortly thereafter subjected to public humiliation which created circumstances that caused him to resign? As Nyasaland is under the protection of the Crown, is it not the responsibility of Her Majesty's Government to see that the system of chieftainship and the maintenance of chiefs is protected? Will my right hon. Friend take steps to do whatever he can to see that the chiefs who are at present opposing the Malawi Party are not coerced to a point where they are humiliated and lose the confidence of their people?
§ Mr. MaudlingI should like to look into the point about humiliation. I am not altogether happy about the position of chiefs in Nyasaland. My hon. and gallant Friend is quite right—unless they retain the support of their own people they cannot effectively carry out their duties as chiefs.