§ THE EARL OF LISTOWELMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether Mr. Leballo, or other members of the African National Congress, have been arrested by the police in Basutoland, and, if so, on what grounds they have been detained.]
THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIREMy Lords, a warrant has been issued for the arrest of Mr. Leballo on a charge of incitement to public violence in Basutoland. A warrant was also issued for the search of Mr. Leballo's house and the offices of the Pan-Africanist Congress in Maseru. But I understand that Mr. Leballo has not so far been located. Some small arms, ammunition and documents were discovered during the search. The police arrested two persons for obstruction and one for incitement to public violence. Nine persons were also detained under the Entry and Residence Proclamation, of whom only one is still in custody. None of these twelve were Basutos. Until the investigation is completed, and this will be done as soon 801 as possible, I cannot say what further proceedings will be taken. No arrest in Basutoland of African National Congress members has been reported.
§ THE EARL OF LISTOWELMy Lords, I am obliged to the noble Duke. May I say how grateful we are for his having acquitted himself sc admirably in relation to a Department with which he is not directly concerned? I should like to ask two supplementary questions. First, were the contents of any of the documents that were seized by the Basuto police communicated to the South African police or to the South African Government? Second, in view of the deterioration of relations between the South African Government and the High Commission Territories, would the Government not contemplate taking further action to stop any further deterioration?
THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIREMy Lords, as regards the second question, I am certain that my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies has this very much in mind and will take all steps that are necessary. As regards the first question, it raises very much wider issues than the original Question raises, and I think it would be unwise for me to reply to it in any sense whatsoever at this stage.
§ THE EARL OF LISTOWELMy Lords, I am sure the noble Duke will appreciate that we all attach great importance to the first question that I asked, and I should like to put it down again as a Written Question, not as a supplementary, before the Recess, if there is an opportunity on Wednesday.
THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIREMy Lords, I thank the noble Earl very much and take note that he will put the Question down.