§ 131. Sir R. Aclandasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a further statement on the recent disturbances by Mau Mau, in the light of communications sent to him by responsible leaders of missionary societies to the effect that it is by Government regulation and not by missionary action that certain tribal dances are suppressed.
§ Mr. LytteltonTribal dancing is controlled under byelaws but missionary societies naturally and rightly advise their followers against taking part in certain dances held to be incompatible with the Christian faith.
I was not criticising the missionary societies or the Kenya Government in my 70W recent statement and I gladly pay tribute to the great contribution which the missionaries have made and are making.
It remains, however, important to understand that if the African is denied certain emotional outlets he will find them in other ways, including membership of secret societies. Many observers testify that this aspect is an important part of the social problem and it must be included in any survey of the causes of unrest.