§ 75. Mr. Bottomleyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement about his visit to Zanzibar.
§ Mr. SandysI have already told the House of my talks with His Highness and his Ministers about the Coastal Strip of Kenya.
During my visit I also discussed Zanzibar's constitutional progress with his Ministers and with representatives of the Opposition. I made it clear that we wished to see Zanzibar as soon as possible take her place among the free and sovereign nations of East Africa but that it was our duty, after our long and friendly connection with the territory, to make sure that as far as possible the transfer of power was effected smoothly.
I reviewed with them the plans already in hand for holding elections in Zanzibar and was able to secure agreement on 137W simplification of the arrangements for registration. I also obtained through the Governor of Kenya the services of additional expatriat officers to supervise the registration of electors. All this should make it possible from the administrative standpoint to hold elections at an earlier date than had previously been contemplated.
I announced on leaving Zanzibar that as soon as the Government of Zanzibar have informed me when the elections can be held the British Government will take its decision on the date of internal self-government and the final preparations for independence which, if peace and good order are preserved, should follow soon thereafter.
In addition I had talks with the Government of Zanzibar about the future of the Kenya coastal strip. Our conclusions are set out in a joint statement which I am publishing today as a White Paper.