HL Deb 01 December 1932 vol 86 cc199-200WA
LORD NOEL-BUXTON

asked His Majesty's Government if they will give information regarding the recent raid by Abyssinians into Kenya and the action which they propose to take in the matter?

THE EARL OF PLYMOUTH

On November 1, the Governor of Kenya reported by telegraph that he had learnt of two attacks on British subjects by Ethiopian tribesmen. The first appears to have taken place about September 30. According to the report of survivors, ninety-four British subjects of the Gabbra, tribe (including women and children) had been murdered by Gelubba tribesmen armed with rifles. The Gabbra, who carried only spears, were on a peaceful mission to Lokaria's village (situated to the east of Lake Rudolf on the Kenya-Ethiopia border). About 7,000 head of stock were stolen. The first attack was followed by a raid by Gelubba riflemen seventy miles into Kenya territory, which resulted on October 19 in twenty-six persons, presumed to be Gabbra and believed to include women and children, being murdered near Longendoti and much stock being taken. Troops were despatched by the Kenya Government to the scene, and have subsequently been reinforced, as a measure of precaution.

The news was simultaneously telegraphed to His Majesty's Minister at Addis Ababa who obtained a personal audience of the Emperor of Ethiopia. The Emperor undertook to send immediate orders to the provincial authorities to deal with the raiders. His Majesty's Government will do all in their power to secure the payment of adequate compensation and the adoption of effective measures to prevent a recurrence of these outrages. Negotiations with the Ethiopian Government are still proceeding.

House adjourned at ten minutes before six o'clock.