File 13/1 'Slavery in the Persian Gulf' [‎121v] (253/526)

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ANNEX 12.
G-C-E.E.iae,
COMMUNICATION, DATED SEPTEMBER 14th, 1936, FROM THE GOVERNMENT
OF INDIA TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS.
I am directed by the Secretary of State for India to refer to the letter from this Office
of March 31st, 19364 regarding the recommendation made in the report of the second session
of the Advisory Committee of Experts on Slavery concerning the reservation of certain areas
in Burma from the operation of Articles 2(6), 6 and 7 of the Slavery Convention of 1926.
I am to inform you that the Secretary of State, having consulted the Government of
India has decided that measures shall again be undertaken for the abolition of slavery i n
the Naga tracts to which the above-mentioned reservation applies. It will be appreciated
that the areas in question are remote, inaccessible and trackless, and that they are inhabited
by a number of mutually hostile tribes differing in race, language and customs. Expeditions
despatched to these areas involve very heavy expenditure, and would probably have to be
continued for several years before the country was ready for administration such as was
recently extended to the Triangle and the Hukawng Valley areas of Burma. Moreover, the
Secretary of State is satisfied, from the experience of the past, that this heavy expenditure
is disproportionate to any effects that can be achieved by this method employed as a primary
means of penetration. In such country, the effects of an expedition are both limited in extent
and transitory. He considers that the only practicable means for the eventual abolition of
slavery in this territory lies in the adoption, in the first instance, of a policy of peaceful
penetration by establishing contact with the nearest tribes and gradually extending the
influence of Government. At the same time, he feels it necessary to point out that, while,
as stated in my letter quoted above, the number of slaves remaining in these areas is very I •
small, the complete abolition of slavery in them will of necessity be a slow process.
I am further to say that, in addition to considering the position in Burma, the Secretary
of State, in consultation with the Government of India, has been giving his close attention
to the similar problem in Assam. The territories in Assam which are reserved from the
operation of certain articles of the Slavery Convention are “ the Sadiya and Balipara frontier
tracts; the tribal area to the east of the Naga Hills district, up to the Burma boundary; and
a small tract in the south of the Lushai Hills district ”.
The tract in the Lushai Hills district is now under regular administration and no slavery
exists there.
As regards the tribal area to the east of the Naga Hills district, up to the Burma boundary 1 ,
it is reported that no trade in slaves exists in the area, that reported cases of slavery are
extremely rare, and that slavery proper is confined to one small circumscribed area. It is
proposed to extend the sphere of control to this comparatively small area, and it is hoped
by this means and by subsequent occasional visits to the area by a small force to bring the
system of slavery to an end within a reasonably short time.
The Sadiya and Balipara frontier tracts comprise partly administered and partly
unadministered territory. The administered portion has now been brought under regular
administration and is free from anything that savours of slavery. A very loose control is
exercised over the tribes in the parts of the area that adjoin the administered area, mainly
with a view to protecting the inhabitants of the latter area from any hostile incursions,
There is some slavery in the unadministered area, and to bring about progressively and as
soon as possible the complete abolition of slavery in all its forms would necessitate the actual
occupation of the country and the establishment of regular administration — a course which
would be quite impracticable, as the country is inaccessible for the greater part of the year and
is inhabited by an intractable population. Even in this area, however, the local Government
contemplate some action by making it possible for a Political Officer to tour and make known
the wishes of Government about the abolition of slavery. He would in course of time be in
a posrtion to take steps to prevent and punish the buying and selling of slaves, but it is doubtful
it the action contemplated, which is the maximum practicable at present, could be expected
to eradicate slavery in the foreseeable future.
rn J n V1 f W f h o. a ? tion alread y tak en or contemplated in Burma and Assam in this matter.
a fZ_°j.- a ^ e on siders that the modification of the reservation which is appended
wtnVWif, S ,!?, na w e S l avery Convention would be justified in respect of those areas in
haS already been ab0llshed or ln which active steps are contemplated for
nort nnf nf Q.^ m are the Naga tracts in Burma and Assam, the administered
Lushar mil^dis^Hct 3 and Ba lpara fron t ier tracts, and the small tract in the south of 1 '
lismoTi of fhp .,^1 r. ^ the wording of the reservation may be amended by the
m of th P wnrT-' S - T rm ?u- • ■ Lushai Hills district” and the substitution for
ntier tnrts ” m ssam > the unadministered portions of the Sadiya and Balipa ra
(Signed) E. J. Turner.
See page 82 of the 1936 report.
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