§ 34. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the Arab opposition to the proposed constitutional changes for Zanzibar. 179W culminating in the assassination of the Sheikh Sultan Ahmed el Mughe Ira, an Arab Unofficial Member of the Legislative Council; and if he will make a statement upon the situation.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his Question of 23rd November. I have been greatly distressed by the murder of Sheikh Sultan Ahmed el Mugheiry. Investigations are proceeding vigorously, but I am not yet in a position to make a statement or to confirm that the crime was committed for political motives.
§ 59. Mr. Beresford Craddockasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how the plan for constitutional development in Zanzibar has been received.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe constitutional proposals announced by the British Resident on 3rd October have been generally welcomed by the African and Asian communities, and unanimously accepted by the Legislative Council; but Arab leaders in Zanzibar, who had previously acceputed the proposals, are now opposing them.
§ Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why he refuses any form of election in Zanzibar; and if he is aware that both the present Constitution and Sir John Rankine's proposals, in denying the common roll, are causing the communities to drift farther apart instead of bringing them closer to one another.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIf the hon. Member would refer to the exchange of dispatches between myself and the British Resident, copies of which have been placed in the Library, he would see that I look forward in due course to the introduction of elections in Zanzibar, and that my mind is not closed to the idea that they might be based on some form of common roll. The great majority of the people there have supported my view that the matter requires further study and have welcomed the inquiry which is due to start next month into the best method of selecting the unofficial members.