Independence For Basutoland Urged

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30269, 23 October 1963, Page 13

Independence For Basutoland Urged

(N Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) MASERU (Basutoland), October 22. Basutoland, the British territory embedded in the heart of South Africa, should have independence by 1965, a constitutional commission recommended last night.

The commission, set up by the territory’s Legislative Council two years ago, and composed of representatives of all main political parties, also recommended that the country should be renamed Lesotho. It should have its own constitutional monarch Paramount Chief Moshoeshoe ll—who would become King of Lesotho, its own parliament, prime minister, and cabinet, national anthem and flag. Lesotho—the size of Belgium—should be prepared for independence within the Commonwealth 12 months after the introduction of a

new constitution, the commissioners said. Before independence Lesotho should have the status of a piotected State. The commission’s proposals called for a national assembly composed of 54 or 60 members elected on the basis of “one man, one vote,” and a senate of 33 members, to include the territory's 22 leading chiefs and 11 members nominated by the King.

The cabinet would be collectively responsible to the national assembly. The King would be advised by a privy council, including the prime ihinister, and u British adviser, and would be obliged to accept its advice. The council would also act as consultative body in defence. external affairs, and internal security matters. The British adviser, with diplomatic privileges and immunities, would control Britain’s defence, external affairs and internal security responsibilities in Lesotho.

The report will be debated in the Legislative Council next month. It is to be submitted for approval to a Basutoland constitutional conference, expected to be held in London early next year.