Sir, No. 11. Sir R. Coryndon to Mr. J. H. Thomas, Secretary of State for the Colonies. Nairobi, April 7, 1924. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge receipt of your predecessor's despatch of the 29th November last on the subject of the forcible repatriation of certain Abyssinian tribesmen. 2. The constant migrations of Abyssinian subjects into British territory have been a source of concern to the authorities in the Northern Frontier area for some time. In the majority of cases the migrations have been caused by the maladministration of the southern portion of Abyssinia, and many natives have obtained refuge in British territory from ill-treatment by the Abyssinian authorities. 3. It must be remembered, however, that as regards the interests of the northern territories of this colony the scarcity of water is at the root of the matter. The position was at last reached when it became necessary to choose between the acceptance of refugees in the cause of humanity and the interests of our own natives, who would suffer severely by any further migration. The officer in charge of the Northern Frontier District asked for instructions in the matter, and it was left to his discretion to refuse to allow the influx of further stock if likely to prove detrimental to the interests of our own natives. Refugees without stock fleeing from injustice were allowed to remain in British territory, but among these nomadic people it is a rare occurrence that a native should travel without stock. 4. In the particular case mentioned in the despatch under reference the natives concerned were Degodi, a Somali tribe, and it is convenient at this point to refer to the different conditions arising from the migration of Somali tribes and that of others, such as the Boran and Gabbra, of Galla extraction, with regard to whom the arguments in paragraphs 2 and 3 above are chiefly concerned. 5. You will be aware that history shows a constant trend of migration to the south and the west of all Somali tribes; it is a fact, for instance, that the Somali invasion from the north and east only reached Jubaland some sixty years ago, and that before that time there were no Somalis in the area which is now Kenya Colony; the methods employed are invariably peaceful penetration until a sound footing in the area has been obtained, when a cause of quarrel with the inhabitants is found with the result that the warlike Somali defeats and enslaves the more peaceful and earlier population and expels them from the area. As soon as Government took over the administration of these northern areas it became clear that the Somalis, following their normal trend of migration, would oust all the weaker tribes, such as the Galla, unless definite steps were taken in regard to the movements of Somali tribes. It has therefore been the constant policy to prevent Somali migration to the west of the present Jubaland * No. 7. Northern Frontier boundary; in other words, the Somali tribes (with the exception of such people as the Ajuran, who had already settled in the Northern Frontier District and intermarried with the Galla when administration of the area was commenced) are confined to the Jubaland Province. As the Jubaland Province already possesses as much stock as the water and grazing facilities permit, it is clear that, in furtherance of the policy indicated, no large migration of Somali tribes into Kenya can be permitted. 6. The position in regard to the Galla tribes, such as the Boran and Gabbra, has been somewhat different inasmuch as the tribes have been cut into two parts by the Abyssinian boundary, and the Northern Frontier area has in the past been capable of absorbing additional stock. The possibility of accepting refugees without disturbing the vested interests of our own natives has allowed Government to pursue the policy as stated in paragraph 2 above. 7. In regard to paragraph 2 of your despatch, I regret that at the present time there is no area in Kenya where the vested interests of those already in occupation would not be seriously prejudiced by the acceptance of refugees from Abyssinia. 8. There is, however, a solution of the difficulty which may be found in the opening up of large areas in the Northern Frontier ML. ~uchlom in those districts is 11 ERRATA, PAGE 15. At the end of the paragraph numbered 6, for " paragraph 2 above" read "paragraph 3 above." At the end of the first sentence in the paragraph numbered 9, for "paragraph 7 be carried into effect" read "paragraph 8 be carried into effect." (13187) in regard to Doman paragraph 7 be carried into effect. Further, this scheme offers possibilities of developing the Northern Frontier District as a stockgrazing country. If you are inclined to favour this proposal, I shall be glad if you will inform me by cable so that a preliminary survey may be made. 10. In view of the arguments adduced, it will be clear that the forcible repatriation of the Degodi to Abyssinia was inevitable; I would point out, however, that had the Degodi been allowed to stay at Wajir, serious losses of stock, both of the Degodi and of our own people, would have occurred as a result of overcrowding and the consequent shortage of pasturage within measurable distance of the wells. Sir, No. 11. Sir R. Coryndon to Mr. J. H. Thomas, Secretary of State for the Colonies. Nairobi, April 7, 1924. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge receipt of your predecessor's despatch of the 29th November last on the subject of the forcible repatriation of certain Abyssinian tribesmen. 2. The constant migrations of Abyssinian subjects into British territory have been a source of concern to the authorities in the Northern Frontier area for some time. In the majority of cases the migrations have been caused by the maladministration of the southern portion of Abyssinia, and many natives have obtained refuge in British territory from ill-treatment by the Abyssinian authorities. 3. It must be remembered, however, that as regards the interests of the northern territories of this colony the scarcity of water is at the root of the matter. The position was at last reached when it became necessary to choose between the acceptance of refugees in the cause of humanity and the interests of our own natives, who would suffer severely by any further migration. The officer in charge of the Northern Frontier District asked for instructions in the matter, and it was left to his discretion to refuse to allow the influx of further stock if likely to prove detrimental to the interests of our own natives. Refugees without stock fleeing from injustice were allowed to remain in British territory, but among these nomadic people it is a rare occurrence that a native should travel without stock. 4. In the particular case mentioned in the despatch under reference the natives concerned were Degodi, a Somali tribe, and it is convenient at this point to refer to the different conditions arising from the migration of Somali tribes and that of others, such as the Boran and Gabbra, of Galla extraction, with regard to whom the arguments in paragraphs 2 and 3 above are chiefly concerned. 5. You will be aware that history shows a constant trend of migration to the south and the west of all Somali tribes; it is a fact, for instance, that the Somali invasion from the north and east only reached Jubaland some sixty years ago, and that before that time. there were no Somalis in the area which is now Kenya Colony; the methods employed are invariably peaceful penetration until a sound footing in the area has been obtained, when a cause of quarrel with the inhabitants is found with the result that the warlike Somali defeats and enslaves the more peaceful and earlier population and expels them from the area. As soon as Government took over the administration of these northern areas it became clear that the Somalis, following their normal trend of migration, would oust all the weaker tribes, such as the Galla, unless definite steps were taken in regard to the movements of Somali tribes. It has therefore been the constant policy to prevent Somali migration to the west of the present Jubaland * No. 7. Northern Frontier boundary; in other words, the Somali tribes (with the exception of such people as the Ajuran, who had already settled in the Northern Frontier District and intermarried with the Galla when administration of the area was commenced) are confined to the Jubaland Province. As the Jubaland Province already possesses as much stock as the water and grazing facilities permit, it is clear that, in furtherance of the policy indicated, no large migration of Somali tribes into Kenya can be permitted. 6. The position in regard to the Galla tribes, such as the Boran and Gabbra, has been somewhat different inasmuch as the tribes have been cut into two parts by the Abyssinian boundary, and the Northern Frontier area has in the past been capable of absorbing additional stock. The possibility of accepting refugees without disturbing the vested interests of our own natives has allowed Government to pursue the policy as stated in paragraph 2 above. 7. In regard to paragraph 2 of your despatch, I regret that at the present time there is no area in Kenya where the vested interests of those already in occupation would not be seriously prejudiced by the acceptance of refugees from Abyssinia. 8. There is, however, a solution of the difficulty which may be found in the opening up of large areas in the Northern Frontier District by the provision of wells. The problem in those districts is the lack of water, and not of grazing, and if wells can be provided in various localities the stock-carrying capacity will be very largely increased. In a despatch which follows I am recommending, with other proposals, the allocation from the assisted loan of £2,500 to provide for water-boring apparatus, &c., and I would strongly urge that this expenditure may be approved. There can be little doubt that a careful survey of the country will show the possibility of sinking wells in many places which now suffer from absence of water, and I am convinced that the solution suggested will be effective in removing the disabilities which now exist in the Northern Frontier District and which otherwise present insoluble difficulties, resulting in cases of great hardship to individuals. 9. I have referred above to the difference between the Somali and Galla tribes as I am anxious to make it clear, in the event of future negotiations, that it will be necessary to maintain the policy in regard to Somali tribes, even should the solution suggested in paragraph 7 be carried into effect. Further, this scheme offers possibilities of developing the Northern Frontier District as a stockgrazing country. If you are inclined to favour this proposal, I shall be glad if you will inform me by cable so that a preliminary survey may be made. 10. In view of the arguments adduced, it will be clear that the forcible repatriation of the Degodi to Abyssinia was inevitable; I would point out, however, that had the Degodi been allowed to stay at Wajir, serious losses of stock, both of the Degodi and of our own people, would have occurred as a result of overcrowding and the consequent shortage of pasturage within measurable distance of the wells. 11. In this connection I enclose for your information a letter which has just been received from the officer-in-charge, Northern Frontier District, reporting the migration of a very large number of Degodi. I have no alternative but to issue instructions that these people should be returned to Abyssinia, all possible steps being taken to guard against loss and suffering. As a preliminary step I have sent a telegram to His Britannic Majesty's Minister at Addis Ababa reporting the migration and stating that the Degodi are being collected in one locality with a view to repatriation at a later date. Fortunately the rains in the Northern Frontier District have been exceptionally heavy, and there is no further immediate action. necessary; it will be possible therefore for His Britannic Majesty's Minister to make representations for some degree of reform and for a humane treatment of the refugees when it becomes necessary to return them to the Yaben Province in the course of the next few months. Past experience has proved, however, that little can be expected in the way of reform in Southern Abyssinia unless some new method of diplomatic pressure can be devised. I would urge therefore that the whole question of the administration of Southern Abyssinia should be strongly represented to the League of Nations. Sır. I have, &c. R. T. CORYNDON, Governor. Enclosure 1 in No. 11. Lieutenant-Colonel Muirhead to Sir R. Coryndon. Northern Frontier District Headquarters, Meru, March 12, 1924. I HAVE to report that information has been received that a large number of Abyssinian Degodia, estimated at 3,000 adults and 30,000 head of stock, have recently migrated into British territory. They have scattered in the Wajir and Serenli districts, some even as far south as the Afmadu district, latter not yet confirmed. Degodia chiefs have appeared before officer-in-charge, Gurreh, and also officer-in-charge, Wajir districts. They complain of cruelty at the hands of Abyssinian officials, and refuse definitely to return to Abyssinia. The chiefs of the Degodia brought in men who had been cruelly mutilated by, they say, Abyssinian officials or their soldiers. They also complain that their women have been raped. The officer-in-charge, Gurreh, who left Mandera a few days ago after this incursion, also states that some Degodia chiefs produced men before him who had been mutilated. To recapitulate. In December last the officer-in-charge, Gurreh, reported that British territory was clear of Abyssinian Degodia. They had voluntarily gone back to Abyssinia, as their friends there had told them that under Ato Gabru, the Abyssinian military official in charge of their district, they were being well administered and treated justly. |