§ Mr. Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, in view of the proposed representation of the United National Independence Party of Northern Rhodesia at the Federal Review Conference, members of the party now serving sentences imposed by courts in Northern Rhodesia for offences associated with political activities will be released; and if freedom to return to Northern Rhodesia without arrest will be extended to any member of the party against whom a warrant for arrest for such offence had previously been issued by the Northern Rhodesian authorities.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThis is a matter for the Governor, but I share his view that it would be wrong to release persons who have been convicted and sentenced to imprisonment by the courts for criminal acts merely because their offences were connected with political activities. Some of these persons have been convicted of serious crimes such as murder, arson and assault. Neither would it be proper to withdraw warrants of arrest against individuals on the grounds solely that they belong to a particular political party.