CO129-379 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1911 [8-9] — Page 242

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definite reply. The General however considered that

he ought to tebegraph to the Army Council and to inform them fully by despatch. I of course took no objection to this course, and his telegram and despatch are enclosed. (Enclosures III & V)

4.

In a lengthy conversation with

His Excelency I found that he apparently demurred

to the acquisition of land in this Colony by foreigners

or their residence here a in any large numbers. I

am not clear by what means he proposed to give effect to these views, but I may perhaps make the following very brief observations upon them in the event of their being endorsed by the Army Council which however seems to me improbable.

{B}

In view of the fact that residence

in this Colony and freedom to hold land has been

i unrestricted to all nationalties for the last 70

years since the Colony was formed, any system of Registration and permits for residence, or any

restriction on the holding of lands would at the present time seem to be wholly impossible, and

any such attempt would no doubt be keenly resented.

(b)

Not only do foreigners of all

nationalities hold land, but the terms upon which

land has been sold to British residents contain

no clause restricting its sale to foreigners, or

compelling any owner to disclose his intention of

sale to any person whatsoever. Even were it possible

to anke this a condition of sales of Crow Land in

the future it could not affect lands already held

by private owners, and with the exception of steep

hill sides practically the whole Colony is in

!

Your

private ownership. In this connection I invite, attention to Ordinance No. 1. ap 1853.