§ 18. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the terms of the Police Ordinance recently introduced in Aden; whether he is aware that this Ordinance has aroused dissatisfaction; and what further action he proposes to take in this matter.
Mr. Creech JonesThe legislation, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy, is designed to meet the need, disclosed during the disturbances of 1947, for the better control of processions and assemblies. Some local criticism of the legislation, based largely on a misapprehension of its purposes, was answered in the Aden Legislative Council on 17th and 18th of January. I am assured that these provisions will not be used in any unduly repressive manner.