§ Mr. Braineasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he expects to make the further statement on constitutional development in British Somaliland which was envisaged by the Governor in his speech of 26th November, 1958.
§ Mr. J. AmeryThe Secretary of State is today making an announcement in Somaliland in the following terms
Last November the Governor announced certain constitutional advances and after the forthcoming elections the Protectorate will have for the first time a Legislative Council which includes elected members and some of these elected members will be making themselves familiar with the work of some Departments of Government.2. When he made his statement the Governor made it clear that further constitutional progress was being planned. In considering this matter Her Majesty's Government have thought it right to pay special regard to the fact that the neighbouring territory of Somalia is due to become independent, when the Trusteeship Agreement between the United Nations and the Italian Government comes to an end in December, 1960. In these special circumstances, Her Majesty's Government think that there is justification for proceeding with constitutional development in the Protectorate at a faster pace than they believe to be suitable or advantageous in more normal circumstances elsewhere. I can now say that it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government that by the end of 1960 there shall be an elected unofficial majority in the Legislative Council together with a Ministerial system under which a number of unofficial members 160W of the Legislative Council will become members of the Executive Council with executive responsibilities in Government.3. These changes will raise important issues which will need to be considered. The Governor intends shortly to appoint a Commission to make recommendations to him on a number of representative members in the next Legislative Council, the method of their selection, constituencies and similar matters. This Commission will also be asked to consider the place of the traditional tribal authorities in relation to the legislative and executive organs of Government and how these authorities may best be associated with the future working of the constitution.4. The changes foreshadowed for 1960 will also involve a reorganisation of the Government machine and some adjustment of the present budgetry arrangements. The Governor proposes to set in train the necessary examination of these problems at once so that in due time recommendations can be made to me about any changes which should be made in the present arrangements.5. By the end of 1960 there will thus be an unofficial majority in the Legislative Council and Somalis with executive responsibility in the Government. Thereafter, it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to arrange such further constitutional steps as may be necessary to lead to early self-government.6. Her Majesty's Government is aware of the desire expressed by many Somalis of the Protectorate that there should be a closer association between this territory and Somalia. If, therefore, when Somalia has become independent, the Legislative Council of the Protectorate formally resolves that negotiations with the Government of Somalia be instituted to determine the terms and conditions on which a closer association of the two territories might be achieved, Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom would be ready to transmit this resolution to the Government of Somalia and enquire whether that Government would be willing to enter into negotiation. If so, Her Majesty's Government would arrange for negotiations of a suitable nature to take place.7. Whatever the eventual destiny of the Protectorate Her Majesty's Government will continue to take an interest in the welfare of its inhabitants, and will in the light of the circumstances prevailing from time to time, be prepared to give sympathetic consideration to the continuation of financial assistance within the limits of the amount of aid at present being provided to the Protectorate.