Jamaica (MR. W. a. Domingo).

Oral Answers to Questions — Royal Navy. – in the House of Commons at on 10 September 1941.

Alert me about debates like this

Mr. David Adams:

asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Mr. W. A. Domingo, arrested and interned at Kingston, Jamaica, upon arrival of the American vessel "Veragua," has yet been released, or what further steps are proposed relative to the same?

Photo of Mr Reginald Sorensen Mr Reginald Sorensen , Leyton West

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any further information respecting the detention of the Rev. W. Domingo; and whether any further detentions of West Indian political or working-class spokesmen and leaders have taken place?

Photo of Mr Geoffrey Shakespeare Mr Geoffrey Shakespeare , Norwich

I have been asked to reply. Mr. Domingo has not been released; but the Governor of Jamaica has reported that he has revised the relevant Jamaica Defence Regulation to correspond exactly with the United Kingdom Regulation 18B and has brought the procedure of the local advisory committee into line with the procedure in this country. The Regulation is now so framed that Mr. Domingo will be able to have his objection heard by a new committee and in accordance with the revised procedure. As regards the second part of Question No. 18, my Noble Friend is not aware of any further detentions.

Mr. Adams:

Will this person be charged before the committee at an early date, in view of the fact that three months have elapsed since he was arrested and without any charge being made against him?

Photo of Mr Geoffrey Shakespeare Mr Geoffrey Shakespeare , Norwich

He has the same right as any British citizen in this country to appeal. The ultimate decision rests, of course, with the Governor.

Photo of Sir Charles Lyle Sir Charles Lyle , Bournemouth

Were the activities of Mr. Domingo calculated to impede or to help our war effort?

Mr. Creech Jones:

Is it not a fact that, when he was in the United States, Mr. Domingo gave his whole-hearted support to our war effort, and is it not about time that the hearing of his case were expedited by the Governor of Jamaica?

Photo of Mr Geoffrey Shakespeare Mr Geoffrey Shakespeare , Norwich

I take it for granted that the Governor would not exercise his power unless he had good reason for doing so.

Photo of Mr Reginald Sorensen Mr Reginald Sorensen , Leyton West

Is it not the case that in the West Indies and in America the arrest of this man has given rise to very considerable resentment and to the impression that the arrest was due to political bias?