§ Squadron-Leader Donnerasked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, in view of the anxiety regarding the possibility of transfer, against the will of the African population of Bechuanaland, Basutoland 850W and Swaziland, to the Union of South Africa, he will give an assurance that, in view of the Union's policy of keeping native races disfranchised, no such transfer will take place.
§ Mr. ParkerThe attitude of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom on this question in the past has been made clear in pledges given oil numerous occasions, as set out in the Parliamentary Paper, Cmd. 4948. These pledges were to the effect that the transfer of the Territories should not take place until the inhabitants, both Native and European, have been consulted and until Parliament has been given an opportunity of expressing its views. This remains the position of the Government.