§ Sir H. Oakshottasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on constitutional development in Zanzibar.
§ Mr. SandysDuring my recent visit to Zanzibar I undertook that, as soon as His Highness's Government fixed the date of the forthcoming general election, the British Government would fix the date for internal self-government.
2. I have now been informed by the Government of Zanzibar that, provided the new electoral register can be completed in time, it hopes to be able to arrange for polling to begin early in July.
3. In the light of this, I have informed His Highness's Government that, subject to the passing of the necessary decree by the Legislative Council, internal self-government will be introduced two weeks before the date of the commencement of polling. It will thus be made clear to the electors that they will be choosing the Government which is to take Zanzibar into independence.
4. The constitution for internal self-government will be on the lines agreed at the Conference in London in 1962 which provided, among other things, for the establishment of a code of human rights.
5. Provided that peace and good order are maintained, the British Government will, after the elections, consult with the Government of Zanzibar with a view to convening an early conference to complete the arrangements for the final transfer of power and to fix a date for independence.