Mrs Pethick Lawrence to Mrs Solomon

Thanks her for letter. Knows that what she says about natives in South Africa is true. What she said has been misrepresented in 'The Vote' She did not speak of their 'buying their wives' but that system of 'Lobola' appeared like that to us when we did not understand its significance. Thinks natives will take cue from whites in emancipating women if white people earn their respect. Native people 'so wonderfully imitative like bright and intelligent children'. Spoke recently at very interesting House of Commons meeting of Labour Commonwealth Protectorates. Encloses copy of letter from T.Drummond Shiels, Under Secretary at Colonial Office, referring to meeting. Sorry he had to leave before he could second vote of thanks to her. Very much concerned about South Africa; particularly interested in what she said about Protectorates. Very important there should be control on sale of land to anyone other than natives, as in West Africa. Copy letter present.