6 FEBRUARY 1953, Page 18

The Nairobi Demonstration

Sut,—I seek the hospitality of your columns to correct the unfortunate impression made by incorrect reporting of the meeting of Kenya settlers outside Government House, Nairobi. My father and mother were both there as settlers of over twenty years' standing, and it is quite incorrect to state, as has been stated in some publications, that the " mob " consisted of irresponsible elements in favour of lynch law. I quote from a letter:—" We went in support of `they Elected Members, but owing to an unfortunate misunderstanding they did not seem to know that. . . . Who ever ordered out all the police was a- fooL As if we had any evil intent ! We were a perfectly orderly crowd going to show the Governor and the Colonial Office that we wanted action at once, not six months hence. The askaris were rushed out practically shoulder to shoulder with rifles !"

The crowd was then asked if it would go on to the lawn, and it was promised that the police would be removed. I quote again:—" After about five minutes when no move was made to remove the askaris we simply walked back again and right through the police. . . . We went in peace to show support for our Elected Members for the battle they are putting up."

In view of the difficulties already being experienced by the settlers I think that the original impression created by the report should be corrected.—Yours faithfully, SUSANNE FISHER. Cound, Wood Lane, Fleet, Hants.