SERETSE CASE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 128, 15 March 1950, Page 3

SERETSE CASE

ACTION BY TRIBE ADMINISTRATION BY-PASSED IN.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright). (Rec. 10.15),CAPE TOWN, March 14. At Serowe (Reehuanaland) , headmen of the Bamangwato tribe, who yesterday refused to pay taxes until Seretse. Khama, their banished chief-designate, was brought home, to-day accused the British District Commissioner, Mr R. Sullivan, of “treating ns in a high-handed manner” and “acting as chief of the tribe.” Fpr this reason they said they had decided to by-pass the Beuchuanaland Administration and to forward their non-co-operation decision to the tribe’s legal advisers in Mafeking with a request that it be transmitted direct to the British Government. Mr Sullivan said to-day that he did not believe the refusal of the tribe's leaders to pay taxes would be very effective. Most of the taxes for the year ending this month had been collected. He said that the Administration received about £30,000 sterling .a-.year in taxes from the people in the Banifingwhto reserve. Meanwhile in London Seretse and his legaHadvisers are awaiting the British Government’s decision on an < application that Seretse be allowed to return to his territory to collect evidence. for a civil action regarding his inheritance from his grandfather and father, which .is due for hearing on April 11. / ’