§ 74. Sir R. Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement about the recent killing of two soldiers from the Royal Hampshire Regiment in Jamaica; and whether adequate forces are now available to the Government of Jamaica so as to prevent the recurrence of such incidents and to maintain law and order.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodOn the morning of 21st June, police assisted by two companies of the West India Regiment and 113W one company of the Royal Hampshire Regiment carried out a search in the Red Hills area where it was suspected that ganja and weapons were stored. A camp was discovered but when the raiding party moved in no one was there and it was evident that the camp, though recently occupied, had been abandoned. Dynamite, crude home-made bombs and other crude arms wore discovered.
At about 11.30 a.m. five parsons who are believed to have been among the occupants of the camp and to have arrived in Jamaica recently made a surprise attack on members of the search party. One soldier of the Royal Hampshire Regiment was killed and three were wounded; one of the wounded has since died. Five citizens of the United States have been arrested in connection with the deaths of the two soldiers.
The Government of Jamaica who are responsible for internal security, are watching the situation closely but consider that the forces available are adequate for maintaining law and order in present circumstances.
I am sure that the House will wish to join me in expressing deep sympathy with the relatives of the two soldiers who lost their lives.