§ 50. Mr. James Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement regarding the state of emergency declared by the Governor, Sir John Rennie, in Mauritius.
§ Mr. GreenwoodYes. Since 1st May there have been a number of violent 201W incidents during which three persons were killed, a number injured and some damage done to property. With the agreement of the Premier, the Governor has proclaimed a state of emergency under the Emergency Powers Order in Council, 1939. He has made regulations giving the police and security forces limited powers of entry, search, arrest and detention up to 14 days. A number of persons found in possession of offensive weapons have been arrested. There is no indication of any further disorder.
I have full confidence in the Governor's judgment of what was needed and in his handling of the situation.