§ 98. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, despite the fact that armed Illalos, Akilsy Elders. British liaison officers, and staff pass into the former reserved area with the tribes from the Protectorate, these tribes have engaged in a pitched battle between themselves in the Haud, shot a British official who happened not to be travelling in the primrose-coloured car of the administration, stoned the Sinclair Company's employees and besieged an Ethiopian police barracks; and if he will make inquiries into the efficiency and discipline of the Illalos and other officials sent into Ethiopia with the tribes to keep order.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI am aware that a number of incidents have taken place in the Haud of the general nature described by the hon. Member, although I would not describe as a siege the small affray which recently took place near Ethiopian police lines at Awareh. I am entirely satisfied with the efficiency and discipline of the Illalos and other staff employed in the Haud, but it must be understood that they operate under considerable difficulties owing to the restrictions imposed on their numbers by the 1954 Agreement, the lack of the police support in the Haud which they are able 123W to enjoy in the Protectorate and the obstacles put in their way by the Ethiopian authorities.