HC Deb 17 June 1936 vol 313 cc1011-2W
Mr. LIDDALL

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to a recent official statement of the Premier of the Union of South Africa in which he said that the Union would probably take over the administration of Swaziland in two years and that of Basutoland and Bechuanaland soon afterwards; and whether he will make a statement as to the intentions of His Majesty's Government in this respect?

Mr. GRENFELL

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, in view of the recent official declaration by the Premier of the Union of South Africa, any agreement has been entered into with the Government of the Union of South Africa for the transfer to that Government of the protectorates of Bechuanaland and Swaziland?

Mr. WHITE

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the statement made by the Secretary of State for the Colonies with regard to the future of the South African Protectorates in June, 1935, and the aide-memoire then published still represent the policy of His Majesty's Government?

Marquess of HARTINGTON

Conversations took place last year between my right hon. Friend's predecessor and General Hertzog regarding the High Commission Territories in South Africa and as a result of these conversations anaide-memoire which was accepted by General Hertzog was published in Command Paper 4948. In this document it is stated that the policy of both the United Kingdom and the Union Governments for the next few years should be directed to bringing about a situation in which, if transfer were to become a matter of practical politics, it could be effected with the full acquiescence of the populations concerned. This still represents the policy of the Government here, and I have nothing to add to that statement. At my right hon. Friend's request the Acting High Commissioner for the territories is in communication with General Hertzog in regard to his statement.

Lieut.-Commander FLETCHER

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has any statement to make as to the Government of South Africa taking over the three High Commission Protectorates in South Africa?

Marquess of HARTINGTON

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I have just given to the hon. Member for Lincoln (Mr. Liddall) on the same subject, of which I am sending him a copy.