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Actions Help FAQs Can't find what you're looking for? Browse Collections A-Z University of London Student Records	Basutoland Memorandum Remove from selection Add to selection Request this item TitleBasutoland Memorandum Held atInstitute of Commonwealth Studies Reference codeICS4 Date1961 Creator UnknownMore Info on CreatorLess Info on Creator Details of the creator were unknown at the time of the compilation of this finding aid. Lefela, Josiel (1885-1965) politicianMore Info on CreatorLess Info on Creator Josiel Lefela began his political career in 1916 when he joined the Basutoland National Council. He was in trouble with the colonial authorities and convicted of sedition in 1942. He was sentenced to two years. Lefela made a political comeback in 1946 by returning to the National Council as an elected representative. Scope and ContentManuscript copy sent by Josiel Lefela to the High Commissioner for the Three High Commission Territories. Comprises memorandum (36 leaves including covering letter) on relations between the British Government and Basuto Nation, presented to the United Nations. Also includes incomplete typescript transcript (10 pages). NotesIn 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. Conditions governing accessAt least 24 hours notice before a research visit. Extent1 file Level of descriptionfonds

TitleBasutoland Memorandum

Held atInstitute of Commonwealth Studies

Reference codeICS4

Date1961

Creator
- UnknownMore Info on CreatorLess Info on Creator
  Details of the creator were unknown at the time of the compilation of this finding aid.
- Lefela, Josiel (1885-1965) politicianMore Info on CreatorLess Info on Creator
  Josiel Lefela began his political career in 1916 when he joined the Basutoland National Council. He was in trouble with the colonial authorities and convicted of sedition in 1942. He was sentenced to two years. Lefela made a political comeback in 1946 by returning to the National Council as an elected representative.

Scope and ContentManuscript copy sent by Josiel Lefela to the High Commissioner for the Three High Commission Territories. Comprises memorandum (36 leaves including covering letter) on relations between the British Government and Basuto Nation, presented to the United Nations. Also includes incomplete typescript transcript (10 pages).

NotesIn 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.

Conditions governing accessAt least 24 hours notice before a research visit.

Extent1 file

Level of descriptionfonds

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