TANGANYIKA

An important conference of the area representatives of the Tanganyika League was held in Nairobi. It was attended by people from neighbouring territories and is reported to be the largest interterritorial gathering ever held in East Africa. The Conference was called for the purpose of deciding on the future policy of the League and to setup a strong and representative Central Council to carry on the League's work. The opportunity was taken to present to the Conference the report of the activities of the League by Major Cavendish Bentinck, the chief organiser and the real force behind the League.

The Conference discussed the future policy of the League behind closed doors and hence unless a communique is issued it is difficult to say what that policy is. In any case there could be no fear about the principle of opposition to the cession of Tanganyika to Germany. Indian representatives were present at this conference but their number was very small and we think large number of Indian representation is necessary. The League organiser may well arrange such representation next time if they did not want to create an impression abroad that after the first purpose was served they did not need Indians any further. On their part Indians must also join the League in large numbers and take active interest in its work. We do not know what discussions took place in the Conference or what decisions were taken but we hope the organisers will see that the League does not indulge into activities beyond the main object for which it is formed. Any effort to deal with such questions as future constitutional relations between Tanganyika and Kenya and Uganda will lead to immediate disruption of the League. Its main objective is to secure Tanganyika for Britain and once that aim is achieved it should be dissolved.

There is already a strongly organised Indian opinion definitely and unanimously opposed to any return of Tanganyika to Germany. What Sardar's visit will do is to cement it still further and remove for ever any doubt which some of us may have about it. Therefore, if one takes narrow view of the Visit on may say that sacrifice of time bye so important a man as Sardar Patel is not worth the work he may do here. But that is not so. The visit must be looked upon from the viewpoint of the personal knowledge which such a man will have of the position of Tanganyika in East Africa and the conditions in which his fellow-countrymen are living here.

Source : Indian Social Reformer - February 11, 1939

Kenya Daily Mail