HL Deb 01 June 1954 vol 187 cc1059-61

4.0 p.m.

THE EARL OF SELKIRK

My Lords, I should like to read a statement which my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies has just made in another place. The statement is as follows:

"As the House will be aware, the Governor of Uganda yesterday re-imposed a state of emergency in the Province of Buganda. This step has been taken because an attempted trade boycott is now being intensified by threats and intimidation to the public in Buganda. Towards the end of April the Uganda National Congress called for a three-months' buying boycott of everything but 'bare necessities.' The boycott started fairly peaceably but during the last week members of the public have been forcibly prevented from selling and buying goods; cases have been reported of people being compelled to return goods which they have bought, and coffee trees belonging to people who have ignored the boycott have been cut down. Intimidation has greatly increased and criminal elements have been taking advantage of the situation.

"The measures which the Government of Uganda have decided to take have the unanimous support of the unofficial members of the Legislative Council, both Africans and others. The Governor has decided under the Emergency Regulations to suspend the issue of three newspapers which for many months have been consistently stirring up disaffection against the Government and the Regents of Buganda and which have contained articles stirring up racial hatred. The Special Constabulary have been called up and troops are available should they be required, but at present the situation remains calm and my right honourable friend has received no report of disturbances.

"Finally, I should like again to emphasise that the Governor's action, the necessity for which my right honourable friend greatly regrets, has been taken solely to enable the Government to carry out its first duty of maintaining law and order and to protect the law-abiding public from the activities of a comparatively small number of irresponsible agitators."

THE EARL OF LISTOWEL

My Lords, I do not think any of us would wish to express an opinion at this stage about the noble Earl's statement, but I should like to ask him three questions. If he cannot answer them, because, through no fault of his, he lacks the background of information possessed by the Colonial Minister, perhaps he will be good enough to reply in writing. First, will he place in the Library of the House for the benefit of noble Lords who may wish to study it, a copy of the regulations which the Governor will make under his emergency powers? Secondly, has the Lukiko of Buganda consented, or at least acquiesced, in this action, and, if not, will the willingness of its members to meet Professor Hancock when he goes out for the discussion of constitutional changes this summer be in any way affected? My third question is this: were the editors of the three newspapers which have been suspended given a warning by the Government of Uganda before this suspension took place?

THE EARL OF SELKIRK

My Lords, I am grateful for what the noble Earl has said. So far as a copy of the regulations is concerned, that will be made available, in due course, to Members in the Library. In regard to the Lukiko, I am not aware that they have been consulted. I am given to understand that matters of law and order are not their concern and are a matter for executive action by the Uganda Government as such. I understand that the Uganda Government take full responsibility for what has been done. I very much hope that nothing which has happened will in any way affect the position of Professor Hancock. The noble Earl is aware that he will not be leaving for a few weeks, but it is certainly hoped that his departure will not be delayed in any way by the events which have taken place.

VISCOUNT STANSGATE

My Lords, could the noble Earl confirm or deny what has been stated in the Press, that it is possible that newspapers in the vernacular will also be suppressed?

THE EARL OF SELKIRK

My Lords, I have no reason to add anything to what has been said at the present time. I think the newspapers to which reference was made were in the vernacular. I am not aware that warnings were given to these newspapers, but I will confirm this and endeavour to let the noble Earl know.