British South Africa

Abstract

The three Territories in Southern Africa which are not part of the Union: Basutoland, the Bechuanaland Protectorate and Swaziland, are administered, under general direction and control from the Commonwealth Relations Office in London, by a High Commissioner appointed by the Queen. The High Commissioner also holds the office of High Commissioner for the United Kingdom in the Union of South Africa. He is the sole legislative authority for these Territories, and is in much the same position as a Colonial Governor, but responsible to the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations. The day to day government of the Territories under the High Commissioner is conducted by 3 Resident Commissioners. The Territories are generally referred to for convenience as the High Commission Territories in South Africa.