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Sierra Leone (Detention Order).

Oral Answers to Questions — Colonial Empire. – in the House of Commons am ar 25 Hydref 1939.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Wilfred Paling Mr Wilfred Paling , Wentworth

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what were the actions of Mr. Wallace Johnson which, as being likely to be prejudicial to public safety or defence, led to his detention under a Sierra Leone defence regulation?

Mr. M. MacDonald:

Mr. Wallace Johnson's objections to the Detention Order have now been heard, in accordance with the Regulations, by a committee which consists of the acting Chief Justice, a senior administrative officer, and one of the unofficial members of the Legislative Council. I understand that the committee are preparing their report for presentation to the Governor. In these circumstances I think it is undesirable for me to make any comment at present on the case.

Photo of Mr Wilfred Paling Mr Wilfred Paling , Wentworth

If I put a question down later, when these reports have been submitted to the right hon. Gentleman, I suppose I shall get an answer?

Photo of Mr Emanuel Shinwell Mr Emanuel Shinwell , Seaham

What was the action which led to this man's detention?

Mr. MacDonald:

The detention was under an Order which gave the Governor power to detain him in order to prevent him from taking action detrimental to the safety of the State. We are working under very similar machinery in the Colonies to that which has been set up here, and while the matter is under consideration by this committee it would be undesirable for me to make a comment of the kind asked for.

Photo of Mr James Maxton Mr James Maxton , Glasgow Bridgeton

Surely the Governor has formulated certain charges against this man? Cannot the right hon. Gentleman tell us what the charges are which this man has to meet before the committee of inquiry?

Mr. MacDonald:

These matters are being considered in confidence by the committee of inquiry. When it is possible to make a public statement on the matter I shall not have any hesitation in doing so.

Mr. Creech Jones:

Will the right hon. Gentleman keep in mind that at least one member of the investigating committee is one of the most bitter opponents of Mr. Wallace Johnson?

Mr. MacDonald:

I cannot accept that.

Photo of Mr Reginald Sorensen Mr Reginald Sorensen , Leyton West

Does not the right hon. Gentleman believe that the powers which this Governor is exercising bear a remarkable resemblance to those of a dictator?

Mr. MacDonald:

I can only say that these are powers which have been accepted in this country by, I think, the whole House.

Hon. Members:

No!

Photo of Mr Campbell Stephen Mr Campbell Stephen , Glasgow Camlachie

Is this the kind of democracy we are fighting for?

Secretary of State

Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.