Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Nyasaland – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 20 January 1959.
Following is the statement:Recent incidents, particularly in the Blantyre and Zomba areas, have given rise to considerable public concern.That such incidents have occurred is deplored and it should be known that the Government are determined to maintain law and order throughout the Protectorate and to deal firmly and effectively with those who disturb the public tranquillity.Those who seek to perpetrate such incidents are warned that the Government will take every means in its power to stamp out lawlessness.As to the forces required to deal with such lawlessness, in addition to its own police force the Government has, as the Federal Prime Minister recently observed, the resources of the Federation behind it. It will make the fullest use of those resources should the need arise.The maintenance of law and order is the first duty of the Government, and in fulfilling that duty the Government is confident that it will receive the whole-hearted co-operation of all law-abiding citizens.
