Captain TERRELLasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether he is aware that there is considerable friction between the settlers and the present administration of Swaziland; whether the dissatisfaction has come to a head over the increase in the new estimate of salaries of officials by 18 per cent., while essential public works, delayed owing to the War, have been decreased in outlay by 64 per cent.; whether he can make a full statement on the subject;
(2) whether the present policy in Swaziland is being carried out despite the opposition of settlers; whether the present Council, elected to oppose it, is being overridden; and whether, in view of the friction that is caused, he will suspend all action until sufficient documents have been received, both from the administration and the Government, and have been laid before the House?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am aware that there has been considerable discussion between the Resident Commissioner of Swaziland and the members of the Advisory Council on various matters concerning the administration of the territory, particularly as regards the state of its finances which, like those of many other countries, are causing anxiety. Hut the information which has reached me indicates that the discussion has been of the most friendly nature, and that the fullest consideration has been given to the views of the members of the Advisory Council both by the Resident Commissioner and by the High Commissioner for South Africa. I do not think that the situation is such as to call for my intervention in the manner suggested.