Basutoland Memorandum

Identity Statement

Reference code(s)	: GB 0101 ICS 4
Held at	: Institute of Commonwealth Studies   Click here to find out how to view this collection at http://commonwealth.sas.ac.uk/resources/library ›
Full title	: Basutoland Memorandum
Date(s)	: 1961
Level of description	: Collection (Fonds)
Extent	: 1 file
Name of creator(s)	: Lefela | Josiel | fl.1916-1961 | political activist
Detailed catalogue	: Click here to view repository detailed catalogue

Context

Administrative/Biographical history:

In 1961 Basutoland was one of three British High Commission Territories in South Africa. In the original treaties between the British Government and Chief Moshoeshoe [Mshweshwe] on behalf of the Sotho people in 1843 and 1862, a British Protectorate was established. In 1871, after Moshoeshoe's death, Basutoland became part of Cape Colony without the consent of the Sotho, and then in 1884 was relinquished to British rule, becoming a High Commission Territory. During the 20th century there was increasing concern among the Sotho people about continued colonial rule, not least because the changes in status of Basutoland had not been subject to their agreement and were contrary to the original treaties. Also, there were serious fears about the possibility of the territory becoming part of the Union of South Africa, which became acute when the Republic of South Africa was due to be created at the time of the memorandum in 1961. The memorandum details these issues, and seeks UN aid in making the voice of the Basuto nation heard. It was written by Josiel Lefela, a member of the National Council since 1916. In the event, Basutoland remained outside the Republic of South Africa and became independent as Lesotho in 1966.

Content

Scope and content/abstract:

Manuscript copy (sent by Josiel Lefela to the High Commissioner for Basutoland, Bechuanaland Protectorate and Swaziland) of memorandum on relations between the British Government and Basuto Nation, presented to the United Nations, 1961.

Access & Use

Language/scripts of material:
English

System of arrangement:

Single item

Conditions governing access:

Open although advance notice should be given.

Conditions governing reproduction:

A photocopying service is available, at the discretion of the Library staff. Copies are supplied solely for research or private study. Requests to publish or quote from original material should be submitted to the Information Resources Manager.

Finding aids:

A list is available in the ICS Library.

Archival Information

Archival history:

Stamped as received by the High Commisioner for Basutoland, Bechuanaland Protectorate and Swaziland in 1961. Thought to have been donated to ICS by Baruch Hirson but its intervening provenence is not clear

Immediate source of acquisition:

Allied Materials

Related material:

Publication note:

Description Notes

Archivist's note:
Compiled 2000, revised by Alan Kucia as part of the RSLP AIM25 Project

Rules or conventions:
Compiled in compliance with General International Standard Archival Description, ISAD(G), second edition, 2000; National Council on Archives Rules for the Construction of Personal Place and Corporate Names 1997.

Date(s) of descriptions:
Created 12/07/2000