CAB129-45 — Page 546

3 Page 546 of 587 and the dispute arising over Seretse's marriage aggravated these tendencies. The Secretary of State was and is fully satisfied that it is only in the absence of both Seretse and Tshekedi from the scene that there can be any hope of establishing a a stable native Administration along more representative lines than in the past. Moreover, there is ample evidence that many Bamangwato are very strongly opposed to Tshekedi. All speakers at the Secretary of State's Kgotla at Serowe. on 1st February emphasised this and urged that he should not be allowed to return to the Reserve. The Protectorate Administration reports that his return would be deeply resented by many people and that disorder might be the result. Although he has disavowed all claims to the chieftainship or regency, his return would be generally construed as a step toward recovery of a position of power and authority.

Nevertheless, the Secretary of State made certain proposals whereby Tshekedi would be given opportunity for more personal supervision of his property in the Reserve under certain conditions made necessary by the state of feeling there. The Secretary of State also offered Government assistance in the development of land to which Tshekedi might move numbers of his cattle into closer proximity to his present settlement in the neighbouring Bakwena Reserve, to whose chief he has transferred his allegiance. Tshekedi did not see his way to accept these proposals or the conditions attached to them. He must accordingly arrange for the care of his property in the Reserve by agents and can be granted permission to visit the Reserve only in the most exceptional circumstances.

Mr. Gordon Walker undertook that the Protectorate Administration would go into various complaints made by Tshekedi about interference with his property and his followers in the Reserve.

The Secretary of State has also carefully considered Tshekedi's proposals for the future administration of the Reserve. He welcomes Tshekedi's recognition that more representative institutions are desirable, but is satisfied that none of Tshekedi's other proposals is at present acceptable or practicable. Both federation and division of the Reserve would result in loss by the Bamangwato of their identity as a com- posite group. In the absence of any demand from the bulk of the people His Majesty's Government could not possibly pursue either proposal to meet the special position of an individual and his immediate following.

Mr. Gordon Walker indicated to Tshekedi Khama that, if now or later he was prepared to consider employment in some other sphere which would enable him to continue to serve his fellow Africans, the Government will be only too happy to make use of his services and would be ready at any time to discuss appropriate employment.

Commonwealth Relations Office,

Downing Street, S.W. 1, 24th May, 1951.

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