HL Deb 03 March 1954 vol 186 cc70-1

3.38 p.m.

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (THE EARL OF MUNSTER):

My Lords, may I interrupt the proceedings for a few moments in order to make a statement on the situation in Kenya? The following announcement was made by the Government of Kenya this morning: As a result of the interrogation of 'General China,' it appeared that there was a fairly widespread feeling amongst the terrorists that further armed insurrection would bring nothing but hardship to the Kikuyu people and that there was little to be gained by continuing the struggle. It was decided that if this appreciation was correct it afforded an opportunity of hastening the end of the emergency which should not be missed. On Sunday, 14th February, China' was moved to a closely guarded building in Nyeri. From there, largely by means of personal letters from 'China,' touch has been established with Mau Mau leaders in the forest and the Reserves. There has also been personal contact between 'China and the individual leaders. Special Branch representatives have always been present at these meetings. 'China's' movements in the Reserves have been by armoured car and under police guard. The result of such contacts cannot be clear for some time, but should any organised meeting take place, safe-conduct arrangements to all parties will be guaranteed. Meanwhile, there has been, and there will be, no relaxation of the impact of the security forces upon the terrorist organisations. Indeed, during the past three weeks security forces have had some of their most successful operations. These operations will be continued and intensified.

VISCOUNT ALEXANDER OF HILLSBOROUGH

My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Earl for that statement. I am glad to see that some successful attempt has been made to make contact with those members in the Mau Mau organisation who seem to be willing to try to bring to an end this frightful set of actions of theirs. I am sure that Members in all parts of the House will welcome the statement, and will wish success to the subsequent efforts which are to be made, especially if the last comment in the statement, that about security, is duly observed.

EARL WINTERTON

My Lords, can my noble friend Lord Munster say, speaking from recollection, whether this is a novel procedure or has it been attempted on several occasions in Malaya, with no fructuous results?

THE EARL OF MUNSTER

I think the answer is that what was done in Malaya was something very different from what is being done in Kenya.

VISCOUNT STANSGATE

May we assume in the meantime that this convicted prisoner, "China," will be kept alive?

THE EARL OF MUNSTER

Yes. The death sentence on "China" has been commuted.