§ Mr. MORGAN JONESasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that over 200 British settlers have refused to be conscripted for military training in the Kenya Defence Force; and whether there is any clause in the Ordinance establishing the force providing for conscientious objectors to military service; and if so, what is it?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERMy attention was recently drawn to statements in some sections of the public Press to the effect that 210 young settlers had been arrested and transferred to a special concentration camp in Kenya. I inquired of the Governor by telegram, and have been informed that there is no foundation for the report. Some members of the Defence Force had not completed their annual training, and letters had been addressed to them asking for an explanation. With regard to the second part of the question, there is no Clause in the Kenya Defence Force Ordinance providing for the exemption of conscientious objectors as such, but under Section 13 (2) the Governor in Council has power to exempt any person or class of persons from any or all of the obligations imposed by the Ordinance or by regulations made thereunder. This power has been used by the Governor to exempt individuals who have applied on conscientious grounds, and it seems to be sufficient for its purpose.