HC Deb 22 March 1962 vol 656 c64W
94. Mr. Mayhew

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what answer he has sent to the letter addressed to him on 17th February about the treatment of refugees in Basutoland over the signature of Mr. J. Molofi and 14 other refugees from the Union of South Africa.

Mr. Maudling

The letter in question, addressed to the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations, was referred to the High Commissioner for Basutoland, the Bechuanaland Protectorate, and Swaziland, in accordance with Colonial Regulation No. 169 which lays down the procedure for dealing with correspondence received direct from residents in a Colony. I understand, however, that the signatories, after issuing to the Press a copy of their letter, requested an interview with the Government Secretary, Basutoland, and on being informed of the policy of the Basutoland Government, told the Government Secretary that they would not have petitioned had they known this beforehand.

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