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UNITED NATIONS Distr. GENERAL

TRUSTEESHIP COUNCIL

T/PET.5/903 10 September 1956 ENGLISH ORIGINAL: FRENCH

FORTY-SIX PETITIONS CONCERNING THE CAMEROONS UNDER FRENCH ADMINISTRATION

(Circulated in accordance with rule 85 of the rules of procedure of the Trusteeship Co~ncil)

Note by the Secretariat: The petitions circulated in this document are those mentioned in paragraph 6 (a) of the final report of the Ccmmittee on Communications frcm the Cameroons under French Administration (T/1.671). All contain complaints concerning material damage· and loss of property re~ulting from the incidents of May 1955 in the Nkongsamba Subdivision, Mungo Region. The petitions have been collected in one document in order to facilitate their examination by the members of the Trusteeship Council. The Secretariat has grouped together the various articles enumerated in the unduly long lists attached to some of the petitions; where this has been done, the acridged lists are given in square brackets.

Section:

1. Petition frcm Mr. Denis Nguencm . . . . . '. . . . . . . ..-, . 2. Petition from Mr. Emmanuel Waffo . . . . . . . . . 3. Petition from Mr. Louis Yangcm . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4. Petition from the Manjo central branch of the Jeunesse

democratique . du Cameroun • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

5. Petition from Mrs. Secile Youmbi • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

6. Petition from Mr. Joseph Youmguela ••••••••••••••

7. Petition from Mr. Marcous LeudjoU • • • • • • • • • • • •

8. Petition frcm the Manjo ("Garer Agricultural Workers Union • • •

9. 10.

11.

12.

Petition

Petition

Petition

Petition

fro:qi. Mr.

frcm Mr.

from Mr.

from Mr.

Mathieu Tchcmgoua

Jean Ngueyemp . . Franqois Mbettom

Tou.ko Crebanou •

• . . . . . . - . . . . . . . . . . .

• . • > • . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . • . . . . . . . .

3

5 6

7

8

9 10

J.2

14 16 18 19'

13. Petition from Mr. Dominique Nguedie. • • • • • • • • • • 20

14. Petition frcm Mr. David Njomo ••• • • • • • • • • • • • 21

\,

T/PET.5/903 English Page 2

Section:

15. Petition from Mr. Pene ·• _ • • • • • • • • . . . . 16. Petition from Mr. Abraham Toutcheu ••• . . . . . .

\-

17. .Petition frcm Mr. Alphonse Potchimie. . . . . . 18. Petition frcm Mr. Richard Teguia •••••••••••••••

19. Petition frcm Mr. Pierre Kwakam . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20.

21.

22.

23. 24. 25. 26.

27. 28.

29. 30.

31. 32.

33. 34.

35--36.

38.

39. 4J. 41.

42. 43.

44. 45. 46.

. . ,·.

. . . . . . . Petition frcm Mr. Jean Tchumchie

Petition frcm Mr. Joseph Tchuente

Petition from Mr. Henri Mboyon ••••

Petition from Mr. Gabriel Pouanie

Petition from Mr. Inocent Waffo

Petition from Mr. Jean Ndjeng Makongo

. -• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Petition frcm Mr. Leon Amangou

Petition from Mr. Lucien Eboh

Petition from Mr. Marcus Eboh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Petition from Mr. Thomas Eloungo

Fetition from Mr. Louis Emandion

. . . . . .

. . . . . . . Petition from Mr. Patrice Enongene •••

Petition from Mr. Fobien Etieko •••••

Petition from Mr. Thcmas Ewane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . Petition frcm Mr~ Victor Ewane.

Petition frcm Mr. A~gustin M'bebe

Petition frcm Mr. Jony Mbene •• -

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ' . . . . . . . . . . .

. -. Petition frcm Mr. Mesakola Nane ••••••••

Petition from Mr. Philippe Ndapa ••••••••

Petition frcm Mr. Henri Njoba •••••••••

. . . . .

. . . . . . .

. '. . . . Petition from Mr. Lucas S~kang • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Petition from Mr. Jean Doumbe Ewune

Petition from Mr. Guillaume Ebombe.

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . ' . . . . . . . . Petition from Mr. Magino Ekango ••••••• • •••• • • •

Petition from Mr. Elie Ekoume

Petition from Mr. Faul M'bcma

Petition frcm Mr. Jacques Ndame

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .

· Page

22

23

24 25 26

27 28

29 30

31 32

33 34

35

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39 40

42 44 45

47 48 49

50 52 54

55 56

57 58

59

Union des Populations du Cameroun, Cameroons Branch of the Rassemblement Democratique africain, Manjo Central Ccrtmittee of the u.P.c. In the maquis

1. Petition from Mr. Denis Nguencm

To the Secretary-Geperal of the United Nations, New York


It is with the greatest respect that as the General Secretary of the.Manjo

Central Ccmmittee of the u.P.c., I approach you on behalf of the Cameroonian

people.

I submit to you herewith an account of their losses during the massacre

of May last.

In the first place, we lost an office c_onsisti:ng of five rocms:

It is my duty to present the acco~nts to you, because the office was

entrust~d to me in its entirely in all the following respects:

The office was destroyed in the presence of the Chief Subdivisional

Officer of Nkongsamba and a police superintendent, and on the same day heavily I

armed groups of soldiers took all the movable property from tpe building.

As for the General Treasurer of the Manjo central committee, I know·

that his house was destroyed and everything taken, but I do not know how much I

money was lost because no inventory has been made and I am not in the same

place as he; he is. in the maquis in the British zone.

I myself am in the Cameroons under French Administration and I shall

therefore transmit the inventory to you if I see him once the French colonialist

brutalities in the Caraeroons have ceased.

Here is a list of.the losses of -which I am aware.

I have the honour to be, etc.

(Signed) Nguenom Denis

General Secretary of the Manjo Central Committee of the u.P.C. Manjo, i5 November 1955

T/PET.5/903 English Fage,4

A~count of losses during the massacre in the Cameroons in May 1955

100 chairs

1 copy of the criminal code

3 suitcases

1 pig

1 pair of spectacles

my UPC identity cards

1 loudspeaker

contributions I,

the ccmpcnent parts of a five-rocmed hut which cost 25,000 francs to build

106 pieces of furniture

541 miscellaneous household_articles

22 miscellaneous items of bedding

74 miscellaneous articles of clothing

Total:

Francs

55,000

1,000

1,500

5,000

700

130

20,000

9,000

25,000

61,000

31,715

19~800

33,300

432,645

e--. ~L.ition from M:c. li'rr•:rnnnuc:l Waffo


Waf:o Emmanuel, planter, member of the Manjo Centre Local Committee of the

u.P.c. Report on property damaged or looted when my house was set on fire on

5 June 1955.

To the Chairman of the United Nations Visiting Mission to the Cmaeroons~:

Sir,

I have the honour to transmit to you this report on the material losses

I suffered when my house was set on fire in Mr. Roland Pre's war.

Items

1 room burnt out

l standard chest containing:

12 pairs of shorts

12 shirts

16 undervests

2 black suits

3 woolen blankets

personal capital

3 pairs of standard shoes, brown

3 pillows

3 hats

Total

Francs

7,200

9,000

10,000

8,000

3,600

200,000

1.,500

1,500

2,100

247,000

In view of this unhappy situation from which the Cameroonian people have

for so long been suffering, I hope that the United Nations Visiting Mission

to the Cameroons will take steps to secure the release of the many Cameroonians

now in prison, so that peace may be restored to the Cameroons forthwith and

that the issuing of warrants of arrest against Cameroonians in the maquis may I

be brought to an end.


Done in the maquis; Tcmbel, 2 October 1955 (Signed) Waff o Emmanuel

-T/PEl.5/903 English Page 6

1.

2.

Petition from Mr. Louis Yangorr1

Yangom Louis, mason at Manjo

Losses caused by the N'Kongsamba administrator at Manjo on 25 May 1955

Items -Taken frcm my house

My working tools

Total

Francs

25,000

50,000

95,000

I ask for the immediate unification and inde~endence of the Cameroons.

I ask for compensation for the damage caused by Roland Pre.

Done in the maquis, 9 September 1955 Signature No, 7


4. Petition from the Manjo Central Branch of the Jeunesse democratique du cameroun

Losses

Property destroyed by the French colonialists o~ 25 May 1955 in the office

of the Manjo Central Branch of the J.D.C.

Items

l· sewing-machine

1 typewriter

contributions

case of uniforms

250 J.D.C. cards

money for J.n.c. cards

Total

Francs

15.,000

17,5CO

29,000

89.,000

25,000

13.,000

188.,500

Finally, we also seek damages for the harm we suffered during the

incidents of May 1955.

(Signed) Youmbi David,

General Secretary

for the committee

Done on 8 July 1955

(Signed) Tangnembou Abraham

Chairman

T/PET. 5/903 English Page 8

5. Petition from Mrs. Secile Youmbi

Youmbi Secile, planter, Treasurer of the Union des Femmes camerounaises,

Manjo Local Committee Nkongsamba Subdivision, Mungo Region

To the Chairman of the United Nations Visiting Mission to the Cameroons:

Sir,

Ever since the crushing blow of the incidents of 25 May last and the many

difficulties they caused, there has been nothing but deaths and prosecutions

and innumerable imprisonments threatening the Cameroonians.

If we are not to see the irr.mediate unification and independence of the

Cameroons it would be better to put an end to the few Cameroonians remaining

rather than let them go on suffering under such an authority.

Claims

I ask for the immediate unification and independence of the Cameroons.

I ask for the immediate cancellation of the warrants of arrest issued

against the active members and leaders of political movements.

I ask for the setti?g up of our own system of goverP..ment.

The following is a list of the property I lost. I

Losses

l table and 8 chairs

4 arm-chairs and l cupboard

7 soup-tureens and 30 dinner-plates

4 beds and 10 blankets

4 mattresses and 30 spoons

30 forks and l grinder

30 UDEFEC cards and 3 velvet suits

10 dresses and 10 scarves

Francs

5,500 I 18,200

5,000

14,800

5,000

23,000

19,500

the UDEFEC library and the UDEFEC's social capital

savings in cash

9,-500

100,000

150,000

325,400

I.

Total


(Signed) Youmbi: Secile

Done in the maquis on 30 October_ 1955

T/PNr.5/903English Page 9

6. Petition frcm Mr. Joseph Youmguela

Ycumguela Joseph, member of the JDC, lf_anjo Central Regional Branch;

Nkongsnmbo. Subdivision, Mungo Region

Full_.staterrent: Befort on the material losses I suffered frcm the depredations of

the colcnialist arThy en 25 May 1955

Items

1 stnndard,cne-rccrred hut

7 standard pairs cf trousers

5 standard pairs of shorts

7 undervests

3 items Jf underwear

l' d:nen glasses

l dezen spc\Jns

1 d'lzen f ,.rks

l standa~d woJden bedstead

l blanket

5 pill-JWS

2 ra:Lrs 1if' shoes

1 pair of tennis · shces

!. chairs

1 'hat

1 loin-cloth

1 stcol

1 mosquito-net

1 mattress

Tctal

Francs

15,000

8,900

2,200

5,800

3co 260

260

260

1,500

900

3,000

2.,900

250

1,200

500

1,000

500

610

500

43.,830

Done in the maquis, Tcmbel, 13 October 1955 Signed in the maquis

(Signed) Youmguela Joseph

T/PET.5/903· ---English

Page 10

7. Petition frcm Mr. Marcous Leudjou

Leudjou Marcous, planter, member of the UPC at Manjou, Nkongsamba Subdivision.

To the Chairman of the United Nations Visiting Mission to the Cameroons

Sir.,

Attached is a list of the property of mine which was ruined. On behalf of

my family of eighty persons I have the honour to submit a petition. ' ,

I ask for the immediate unification and independence of the Cameroons.

I ask for the assistance of the_ United Nations in the formation of a

Cameroonian state.

I ask for ccmpensation for the damage caused by French troops in the

pay of Roland Pre.

On behalf of my family, I have the honour to be etc.

Done in the maquis, 30 October 1955

(Signed) Marcous Leudjou

Report on property looted.

Leudjou Marcous., planter, member of the Manjo (gare) Committee of the

u.p.c., Nkongsamba Subdivision, Mungo Region.

To the Chairman of the United Nations Visiting Mission to the Car:teroons

I have the honour to give you details of the property of mine which was

damaged by the French troops.

Item

1 eight-rocmed house

1 Singer sewing-machine

52 sacks of unhulled coffee

1 barrel of palm oil and 2 bottles of rum

29 ducks, 14 chickens and 49 empty sacks

4 picks, 4 jackets and 1 briefcase

3 chests containing the_ clothes of my three ladies

3 suitcases containing my children's clothes

money in cash


Francs

1,200,000

22,000

364,ooo 3,400

22,620

12,215

120,000

100,000

977,000 175.,000

Item

30 miscellaneous pieces of furniture

123 miscellaneous household articles


miscellaneous tools

Total

Francs

15,000 28,325,

110,100 169,250

3.,317,960

T/PET. 5/ 903 English Page 11

T/PET115/903 English Page 12

8.· Petition frcm the Manjo (Gare) Agricultural Workers' Union

Manjo (Gare) Agricultural Horkers' Union

To the Chairman of the United Nations Visiting Mission to the cameroons

Sir,

We the members of this organization wish very forcibly to bring to your

notice this report on the property of our union which was looted and destroyed

in the war unlea~hed by Mr. Roland Pre1 the representative of France in the

cameroons on 23 May 1955. The reason for it was that the Cameroonian people 1 men and wcmen, are

for immediate Unification and Independence of .the cameroons.

First, we should like to welcome you all and to offer you our best

wishes for the mission you have come to carry out in the Cameroons at the

reg_uest of the United, Nations •.

We ask for the release of our brothers who are imprisoned and the

cancellation of the warrants of arrest issued by the high authorities-in the

Territory against the le~ders of the progressive movements in the Cameroons.

We uphold the Joint Proclamation 1 signed by the progressive organizations,

namely the UPC, the USCC 1 the JDC and the UDEFEC 1 for the ending of the

Trusteeship System in the cameroons, by means of three steps:

1. A general election before l December 1955 for the creation of a

Cameroonian constituent national assembly.

2. The immediate setting up of an executive ccrmnittee as a

provisional government to organize the general elections.

3. The immediate despatch to the Territory of a United Nations Commission

to supervise the setting up of the institutions of the future

Cameroonian state.-

We believe that you will make an effort to _visit every canton in the

country for the purpose of the mission you have come to perform in the

Territory of the Cameroons, of which ycu procably know nothing but the name

and which you never in your life thought you might one day visit, even as a

tourist.· But the blood spilled in our dear fatherland during the war of

25 May last should convince you that all our claims, petitions, resolutions

and declarations which are sent to you from time to time by the unions and PY


all the other progressive organizations of Cameroonian men and women are right

in what they say about the deeds of the French colonialists and their lackeyse

We should also like to inform you, our mentors, .that since the unleashing

of the war of 25 May the mail arriving for the Manjo (Gare) union has been

seized by the French colonialists in the person of Mr. Delie, who lives near

the station.

You.will assuredly not fail to assist the refugees to return to their

regions during your stay in the Cameroons. We of the Manjo Gare Union hope to

be able to read the records of the United Nations debate on the Cameroons

concerning the Joint Proclamation of the progressive organizations and the

incidents of 25 May last.

You will find attached a list of the property lost by the union as a

result of the war.

Items Francs

1 office cabinet of three drawers containing union supplies and literature to a total value of · 15,000

600

1,800

1 account book

files and folders

Records of claims, Government union stationery, standard union rules

300 agricultural union stamps, worth 30 francs each

100 union cards worth 30 francs each

l office table

5 office chairs

.6 long benches

1 chest of reserve union supplies

Total

9,000

5,000

3,000

2,800

4,800

8,000

50,000 ·

(Signed) Fotso Wandjie Justin

Secretary

Maquis, 25 October 1955

'T/PET. 5/ 903 English. Page 14

9. Petition from Mr. Mathieu Tchomgoua

Statement .by Mr. Tchomgoua Mathieu, planter at Manjo, member of the

Manjo Gare Central Committee of the u.P.c. To the Chairman of the United Nations Visiting Mission to the Cameroons

Sir,

It was with great pleasure that I learned of your arrival in the

Cameroons to inquire into the wishes of the Cameroonian people with regard to

the immediate unification and independence of the Cameroons and into the war

unleashed by the French colonialists in the Cameroons under French

Administration. Many were victims of this massacre. Not, only were thousands

killed or wounded during this armed repression but there was also any amount of

looting. I mysel~, for instance suffered the following losses:

Item

2 houses built of carbottes

cash

3 plantation contracts

l travelling briefcase

1 .lady's sewing-machine


12 chickens

24 miscellaneous pieces of furniture

i3 pairs of shoes


65 miscellaneous tools

miscellaneous articles of clothing

miscellaneous foodstuffs

Total:

Francs

210,000

5ho,ooo

3,500 15,000

144,ooo 4,800

49,700 10,.795 18,285

29,410 33,100

36,310

1,094,685

Al though we are robbed and hunted by the French c·o1onialists and their

lackeys in the co~ntry which belongs to us by right and not through the

generosity of any il./ltv:i.dnal) we shall :persist in our claims until they are

satisfied. The tragic mR .. ~s~ 0 1· 0 s and the robberJ es of all kinds which have


taken place must not deter us in our struggle against colonialism and

imperialism.

The Cameroonian people want to live and must live like citizens in their

own country and not like foreigners. Our situation cannot even be compared with -

that of foreigners in a country which is not their ownJ for foreigners in our

country at least enjoy the right amount of freedom, whereas the indigenous

inhabitants are always denied their rights. The foreigners are free to engage in

export and import trade, whereas the powers of the indigenous inhabitants in

this respect are absolutely limited. A Cameroonian can never become an

importer or exporter unless he becomes one of the 0 Benis Cui Oui"J after which

he can never protest even if his rights are infringed. Why should they not

rob us., since they are in the habit of treating us as malcontents and

ne'er-do-wells? Why should they not rob us and hunt us down, when they are

afraid that the Mission will discover that the people they treat as thieves,

vagabonds and san-san-boys who do not want to work for their food are in fact

large-scale ,Planters and traders anxious for the immediate unification and

independence of their country'? Why should Roland Pre not use his arms and

cannons to show u·s that France is strongJ whereas in fact it was we who came

forward yesterday to release France from the German yoke,

Yesterday, indeed} we helped to liberate France but today it is our turn

to be freed. That is our wish and we are convinced that nothing can stop us·

in our struggle for freedom.

We vote heartily for the immediate tnification and independence of the

Cameroons and for freedcm,to form our own Government under the aegis of a

commission of experts of the United Nations appointed by the tenth session of

the General Assembly and consequently for the end of Franco-British Trusteeship

over our country.

Lastly; we request the payment of damages for the losses caused by the

French colonialists during the May incidents.


Done in the inaquis on 18 October 1955 I

(Signed) Tchcmgoua Mathieu, planter at Manjo Gare,

Nkongsamba Subdivision,

Moungo Region

T/PET.5/903 English

· Page 16

lO. Petition from Mr. Jean Ngueyernp

Ngu6yemp Jean, Planter, Chairman of the Manjo Sang-sang Local Committee of ' .the UPC., Nkongsamba Subdivision, Mungo Region


Sir,

Jam submitting this petition in order to acquaint you with'the following ' facts.

During the month of May last the Cameroons w~s overtaken by a cold war

started by order_ of Mr. Roland Pre, colonial Governor and representative ?f France

in the Carr.eroons. In the course of this bloody war, a number of.compatriots who

were struggling tor·t~e imrr.ediate independence and unification of the Cameroons

lost their lives. Not only was.there this wholesale slaughter but also arbitrary

imprisomr:.ents and warrants of arrest issued against the leaders and active

members of the progressive_Cameroonian rr..ovements because of the Joint Proclamation

they issued from the headquarters of the national moveffient at Douala on

22 April 1955. Claims.

I ask for the imn:ediate Unification and Independence of the Cameroons.

I ask for the cancellation of the prosecutions, the release of political

prisoners and the cancellati9n of the warrants of arrest_ issued against those who

struggle for the unity and independence of their' co~ntry.

The following is a list of the property I lo~t-

30 sacks of coffee berries; 4 gcats 2 pigs ·and 10 chickens

6 sacks of maize, 2 sewing-machines, 1 pair of scales and 2 huts

2 tables, 12 chairs, 2 lamps of different kinds and 2 cupboards with their contents

1 family cash-box containing

1 Protestant Mission cash-box containing

Savings in cash

1 chest and its contents, a large chest full of my clothes

Francs

207,000

316,700 -

31,700

45,000

18,000

745,000

100,000

1 suitcase containing children's clothes and one chest containing my effects

1 bicycle and parts

office e4uiprrent

Total:



31,000

15,000

17,000

1,580,400

Done in the Maquis, 11 November-1955

(Signed) Ngueyemp Jean

' . T/PET. 5/903 · English Page 18

·11. ·petition from Mr. Frangois Mbettom

Mbetton Inza Franqois, Secretary of the Edanguessi (Manjo) Local Committee of the ·UPC

Report of property lost in my hut, which was not destroyed

Francs

3 chairs

1 wooden bed

capital

1 pair of shoes

1 wooden suitcase


35 miscellaneous.household articles


3 tools

Total:

1,050 1,200

17,000

2,500

700

2,550

2,565 5,400

, 410

33,745

12. Petition from Mr. Touko Crebanou,


Crebanou Touko, planter, member of the Etoube I Manjo local committee of tbe UPC, Nkongsamba Subdivision, Mungo Region

Statement of material loss

2 standard huts

1 cupboard

2 wooden beds

12 chairs

1 table

1 table clock

2 standard suitcases

l cardboard suitcase

1 Aida lamp


10 pairs of shoes



Total:

Francs

-99,200 6,900 4,ooo 6,000

1,800

1,000

750

600

4,ooo 18,100

6,200

9,080

7,600

160,330

Done in the MaQuis, 11 October 1955 (Signed) Touko Crebanou

. T/PET. 5/903 E,nglish

. Page 20

13. ·Petition from Mr. Dominique Nguedie

Nguedie Dominique, planter, Chairman of the'Etoube I Manjo local committee

Sir,

of the UPC, N'Kongsamba Subdivision, Mungo Region

Full statement: Destruction of my hut by military forces under colonialist

pressure on 6 July 1955.


"I submit to you herewith a list of the material losses .I suffered as a result

of these operations.

Items

1 hut constructed of hard local materials

1 cupb.oard

Francs

100,000

6,300 600,000

7,000 .

6,000

savings in cash

my wife's savings from under the bed

12 chairs

1 standard table

3 wooden beds

4 ducks

3 cocks

23 chickens

l rifle, indigenous make



13 pairs of shoes

miscellaneous articles of clothi~g


Total:

700

9,000

2,000

l,050

6,900

6,000 15,000

16,340 9,600

50,600

845,990

Done in the rw:iquj s, 25 October 1955 (Signed) Dominique Nguedie

14. Petition from Mr. David N,iomo


Njome David, planter, member of the Manengoteng local committee of the UPC, (N'kongsamba Subdivision, Mungo Region)

1 six-roamed hut

personal capital

Losses

1 tailor's chest containing 200 suits

1 granary full of maize, I do not know the value

1 sewing-machine

miscellaneous pieces of furniture

miscellaneous articles of clothing

miscellaneous tools

miscellaneous household articles

miscellaneous foodstuffs

- Total:

Francs

160,000

300,000

100,000

25,000

32,900

56,600

4,900

8,750 6,500

832,~60

(Signed) Djomo David, planter

MaQuis, 3 October 1955


15. Petition from Mr. Pene

Pene, planter, member.of the Etoube I Manjo Local Committee of the UPC, N'kongsamba Subdivision~ Mungo Region

Full statement: Destruction of my hut by the French colonialist army during

the bloody incidents of 25 May last.'

To the Chairman of the United Nations Visiting Mission to the Cameroons:

Sir,

I should like to submit to your high authority the text of this report on the

material losses I suffered at the hands of the French colonialists during the

bloody incidents of 25 May last, on which date the Cameroons was the scene of a

historic event. This was the result of the Cameroonians' seeking the immediate

Unification and Independence of their country.·

Items

1 standard 5-roomed hut made of hard materials 14 wooden chairs

Frarics

69,000 1,000 5,000

,3,000 · 1 cupboard with four compartments ' 1 telly lam:p , 2 lanterns

2 wooden beds 1 table-clock 1 case and its contents 1 table 10 hens

/

48 miscellaneous household articles . 14 miscellaneous i terns o'f bedding 60 miscellaneous articles of clothing

Total:

700 3,000 1,000

800 1,400 3,000

10,900 8,000

26,400

139,220 My family an~ I unreservedly call for the immediate Independence and

Unification of the Cameroons, the only solutions which appeal to all Cameroonians.


·none in the ~aquis, 24 October 1955 (Signed) Pene

16. Petition from Mr. Abraham Doutcheu


Doutcheu, Abraham, under contract after six years of service, Secretary of the Etcute II Mnnjo Local Committee of the UPC, Nkongsamba Subdivision, Mungo Region

Composite Report


Sir,

I wish to deplore openly the_ events th~t flared up as a result of the cold

war launched arbitrarily in the Cameroons by Mr. Roland Pre, colonial Governor and

representative of France in the Cameroons, with the assistance of airborne troops

from .the Chad.

The destiny of the Cameroons is now in the balance. It appears that

Mr. Roland Pre is openly taking part in the events and actually threw a bomb.

With the loss of our brothers fallen in the same cause, for the liberation of the

Cameroonians, who are determined to put an end to colonization, it is already

becoming clear to nations.all over the world that the Cameroonians are resolutely

asking for the immediate Independence and Unification of their country.

Below is a list of belongings lost.

1 standard hut 3 beds of different types 1 suitcase· 10 hens 4 wooden chairs l dining-table 30 miscellaneous articles of clothing 6 pairs of shoes 82 miscellaneous household articles 8 miscellaneous pieces of bedding

Total

Francs

55,000· 2,400

900 2,700 2,000 1,500

16,575 5,600 6,595 · 4,000

97,070 I ask for the immediate independence and unification of my country.

I have the honour to be etc.

(Signed)

T/PET.5/903· .English Page 24

17. Petition from Mr. Alphonse Botchimie

Botchimie, Alphonse, ex-serviceman, planter, Chairman of the Manten I Local

Committee of the UPC,. Nkongsamba Subdivision,, Mungo Region

List of damage·s and losses resulting from the destruction of my hut

This occurred on 25 May 1955 as a result of the military_repression under

Mr. Roland Pre, colonial Governor.

1 standard seven-roomed hut

Savings in cash

1 cookhouse

100 metal sheets

6 standard beds

2 dining-tables

7 dining-chairs

1 "Maurice" armchair

24 hens

1 axe, 4 files and 1 sewing-machine

2 caps, 1 hat and 3 empty barrels

6 empty sacks, 1 jacket of black material and 1 sack of groundnuts

3 sacks of maize, 3 umbrellas and 2 coats



7 pairs of shoes

53 miscellaneous household articles ·

Miscellaneous foodstuffs

Total

Francs

145,000

412,000

7,000

50,000

7,000

3,000

2,100

500

6,050 17,900 3,150

3,750

4,300

8,200

33,480 10,750

26,510

4,300

736,540

Done in the maquis, 31 October 1955 (Signed) Botchimie Alphonse

18. Petition from Mr. Richard Teguia

T/Pm.5/903 English Page 25

Teguia Richard, Planter, Secretary of the Manten I Manjo Local Committee of

the UPC, Nkongsarnba Subdivision (Mungo Region)

Full statement: My hut was destroyed by the troops in the colonialist oppression

on 25 May 1955. Losses

1 standard 6-room hut

1 cookhouse

Savings in cash

14 sacks of coffee berries

12 dining-chairs

3 "Maurice" armchairs

1 pair of Robervale scales

2 fine-quality wardrobes

3 tins of palm oil and salt



13 pairs of shoes



Total

Francs

100,-920

5,050 70,080-

70,000

8,500

1,750 29,630 18,085

3,830 29,910 41,455 12,960

25, 79~ 26,290

447,705

Done in the maquis, 25 October 1955 (Signed) Teguia Richard

T/PNr, 5/ 903 English Page 26.

19. Petition from Mr. Pierre Kwakam

'Kwakam Pierre, planter at Matern Manjo, N'kongsamba Subdivision (Mungo Region)

To t~e President of the United Nations, New York (USA)

Sir,

4 I beg respectfully to submit to you a list of my belongings taken by the

French Government during the events of 1955. Losses

1 three-room hut made of caraoottes

Cash

6 chairs, 3 wooden beds

1 saucepan, 2 basins

4 ·soup~tureens, 12 spoons

~l mosquito net, 4 sacks of coffee

1 sack of cocoa, 1 t_able

l cupboard, 1 axe, 6 coupe-coupes

2 spades

2 files

1 empty barrel

2 buckets for drawing water

6 pillows

l demijohn

3 pairs of shoes._

2 pairs of tennis shoes

15 drinking glasses

3 hats

Francs

16,600

100,000

7,500

3,100

1,320

16,900

8,500

3,350

700

150

1,000

1,000

3,000

250

4,500

600

300 1,Boo

2 suitcases containing various articles

Total 176,720

(Signed) Kwakarn Pierre, Planter

Done in the maquis, 2 December 1955

20. Petition from Mr. Jean Tchumchie


Tchumchie Jean, planter, Chairman of the Ngolissi Manjo Local Committee

of the UPC, Nkongsamba Subdivision, Mungo Region

Statement of property losses


Sir,

I have the honour to bring to your attention the following list of my

belongings, lost during the bloody incidents in the Cameroons under the French

colonialist Government of Mr. Roland Pre.

1 six-room hut, built of solid local material

S~vings in cash, taken from the cupboard

Savings belonging to my wife

43 sacks· of coffee berries

14 sacks of groundnuts

6 sacks of maize

1 suitcase

l sewing-machine

2 silver chains

7 cocks

18 hens

200 crabottes

21 miscellaneous articles of furniture


113 miscellaneous items of clothing

13 pairs of shoes



Total

Francs

300,000

Boo,ooo . 50,000

215,000

35,000

14,400

700

16,000

1,200

2,800

5,400

10,000

33,000

42,150

69., 250

17.,550 18,950

1, 641., 650

Done in the maquis, 11 October 1955 (Signed) Tchumchie Jean

T/PET.5/903:English Page 28

.21. Petition from Mr. Joseph Tchuente

List of articles belonging to Tchuente Joseph, Secretary of the Local Committee

of the UPC, planter a~ Mjoumbeng-Manjo, looted during the May incidents in the

Cameroons.

-To the Chairman of the United Nations Visiting Mission to the Cameroons

Losses

1 eight-room house

Cash

2 chests contaning men's and women's clothing

1 copy of the French Penal Code

3 empty demi-john~ and 4 indigenous gourds

1 large umbrella and 1 small cooking-stove

l.family. savings~bank containing:

3 sacks of unhulled groundnuts and 5 sacks of maize

9 hens

5 sacks of unhulled coffee from my plantation

1 money voucher worth

23 miscellaneous articles of furniture


12 pairs of shoes , -

45 miscellaneous household. articles

Total

Francs

53,850

1,750.

3,000

1,700

1,950 8,750

14,700 2,950

30,000· 7,000

29,255 5,260

16,845 13,335

266,855

My plantation contract and my planter's card were also stolen. You see

what an ordinary planter has lost.

Imagine what it is like for -planters and tradesmen working on a large scale.

· And all these evils are going on in·a country under United Nations trusteeship.

(Signed) Tchuente Joseph, small planter

Done in the ma~uis, 26 October 1955

22. Petition from Mr. Henri Mboyom


Mboyom Henri, planter, member of the Nkout, Via Manjo, Local Committee of

the UPC, in the British Zone.


Sir,

Taking advantage of your presence here, I have the honour to deplore the

lamentable situation now afflicting the whole of the Cameroons. During the

events of the 25th of May last, despite the fact that my domicile was inside the

British Zone, M. Roland Pre made a point of breaking into the house with his

soldiers from Chad to plunder my belongings, a list of which I give below:

1 papier-mache suitcase

1 wristwatch

l clock

1 wooden bed

Savings in cash

8 metres of cloth



3 pairs of shoes

59 miscellaneous

Claims

Total

Francs

450 2,500

500

Boo 17,000

1,200

1,900

9,000

5,300

1,880

43,100

I ask for the immediate Unification and Independence of the Cameroons.

I ask for the formation of our system of sovereign government.

I ask for the· adoption of the Cameroonian flag.


(Signed) Mboyom Henri


T/PET.5/903· .English Page 30

23. Petition from Mr • .Gabriel Pouanie·

Pouanie Gabriel, planter, member of the Nkout Local Committee of the UPC.

List of my belongings destroyed by the reinforcements brought in by the

colonialist authorities on 2 June 1955:

1 hut

6 chairs

1 dining-table

4 wooden beds

- Personal capital

1 table-clock


~ 83 miscellaneous articles of clothing

4 pairs of shoes



Total

Francs

5,900

990 , '

4,300

70,000 Boo

8,400

48,225 4,Soo

16,975 3,800

165,190

24. Petition from Mr. Inocent Waffo


Waffo Inocent, under contract, member of the Ntoumko Manjo Local Committee of the UPC, Nkongsamba Subdivision, Mungo Region

To the Chairman of the UN Visiting Mission to the Cameroons

Sir,

Last May the government department responsible for Overseas France launched

an undeclared war throughout the-Carneroons, a territory unde~ United Nations

Trusteeship, all because on 22 April 1955 we had proclaimed as our unqualified

aim the immediate Unification and Independence of the C ameroons ..

In our Joint Proclamation we called for:

the immediate Independence and Unification of the Cameroons;

the cancellation of warrants of arrest and of pros~cutions against the

leaders of the Carneroonian political movements.

Below is a list of my belongings.

2 large plates, 2 paraffin lamps, 5 dishes with lids

22 plates, 2 kettles, 2 saucepans, 1 chest, 6 pairs of trousers

4 shirts, 4 undervests, 2 pairs of shoes, 30 spoons

25 forks, cash savings, 4 beds, 4 blankets

1 gramophone, 25 records, 7 woman 1 s dresses, 2 pairs of shoes

2 pairs of boots, 2 pairs of tennis shoes, 4 scarves, 1 flat-iron

1 book-case with 7 books, l table, 13 chairs

Total

Long live the .United Nations.

Long live the UN Visiting Mission to the Cameroons.

Long live a unified and independent Cameroons.

Francs

. 3,800

. 13,850

7,900 25,750

26,550

4,400

27,850

109,300

Done in the maquis, 11 November 1955

(Signed) Waffo Inocent


25. Petition fiom :Mr. Jean Nd.ieng Makongo

Makongo Ndjeng Jean, planter for the last fifteen years, Member of the Toumko Local Committee of the UPC, Manjo, Nkongsamba, Mungo Region

List of belongings lost in the colonialist plundering of 3 June 1955


Sir,

I have the honour to report to you the plundering of property by

Mr. Roland Pre's men during the incidents of 25 May 1955. Items lost

1 standard six-room but - assessed according to the cost of building materials and of labour

· ·1 dining-table

12 dining-chairs

1·st. Etienne suite

l sideboard

l bed (Gallerie ·Japomma, Douala)

2 chests, one containing my own clothes, one containing my wife 1s clothes and several woman!s dresses

Coats, men's and women 1 s

Singer sewing-machine

Self-propelled bicycle

1 complete cookhouse, 5.5oru. x 4.5om., with pantry

1 gramophone (His Master 1 s Voice)

2 wristwatches


19 pairs of shoe~

I have the honour.to be, etc.

Total

Francs

150,000

2,000

6,000

30,000

20,000

5,000

55,500

2,400

14·,500

12,500

100,005

12,000

6,000

30,500

24,900

549,005

(Signed) Makongo Ndjeng Jean.

Done in the maquis, Mpoko, 5 October 1955

26. Petition from Mr. Leon .Amangou

T/Pfil.5/903English Page.33

.Amangou Leon, member and treasurer of the UPC ·at M'boussam (Mungo Region)

To the members of the UN Visiting Mission to the Cameroons

Dear Sirs,

On 24 May last, the Government of Roland Pre, representing France in the

Cameroons, decreed a curfew throughout the whole Territory: We lost a number of

Carneroonian patriots. Many good comrades taking part in the struggle for the

immediate Unification and Independence of the Cameroons were arbitrarily.arrested

and imprisoned by the French Government. ·All because on 22 April 1955 we

unanimously proclaimed as our aim the immediate unification and independence of

the Cameroons.

I continue to give my support to the joint proclamation sponsored by the

Cemeroonian progressive movements.

I resolutely ask for:

1. The immediate Unification and Independence of the Cameroons.

2. The setting u~ of a government of our own in the Cameroons.

3~ The appointment of a UN High Commissioner to the Cameroons.

4. The cancellation of the arrest warrants issued against the political

leaders.

5. The liberation of the political prisoners.

6. The cancellation of the Tr1usteeship Agreement in our country.

Below is a list of my belongings seized by the French colonialists in

the Cameroons.

UPC funds


4 pigs

3 sheep

2 rows of coffee seedlings (uprooted)

6 chickens

2 chests containing my clothes


Total

Francs

300,000

30,000·

28,000,

'4,500

l,8oo

364,300

(Signed) .Amangou Leon, Treasurer


T/Pm.5/903English Page 34

27. Petition from Mr. Lucien Eboh

Eb9h Lucien, Member of the Local UPC Committee, planter·at Mouassoum, . N1kongsarnba Sub~ivision (Mungo Region)


Sir,

I have the honour-to submit to'you the following report:

Last May, the French colonialists unleashed a cold war against the unarmed

people of the Carileroons, a country under United Nations.trusteeship, for the

simple reason that the Cameroonians had claimed their legitimate rights.

The mass killings and the prosecution of the leaders and active.members of

.· the political movements are still going on to this day.

Although the French colonialists ar~ engaging in every kind of intrigue to

s·abotage the achievement of the Camerbonians' aims, we are sure that the

·united Nations Mission will free us from the colonial yoke.

Below is a list of my things taken by the colonialists and their lackeys.

Savings

2 pigs ·

3 goats /

7 heris

Total

All these things have been taken from me. I ask for:

"Francs

.30 ,_000

15 ,ooo 4,500

2,100

51,600

the immediate unification and independence of the Cameroons.

the cancellation of the Trusteeship Agreement in our country.

the setting up of a Government of our own.

the appointment of a United Nations High Commissioner to the Cameroons.

the adoption of a Cameroonian flag.

the liberation of political prisoners.

I have the honour to oe, etc.

(Signed) Eboh Lucien

T/PNr.5/903 English , Page 35

28. Petition from Mr. Marcus Eboh

· Eboh, Marcus, member of the UPC, planter at Mboussoum, Moungo Region, Nko_ngsamba ·

To the Chairman of the United Nations Visiting Mission in the Cameroons

Sir,

I have the-honour to submit this petition in order to inform you of the

following facts:

On 25 May last, a cold war was unleashed by Pre Roland, the colonial

Governor, repres~ntative of France in the Cameroons, for the simple reason that·

we had proclaimed the immediate Unification and Independence of our country.

Since that date we have lost many Cemeroonians, shot by the French

colonialists and their airborne troops. Our brothers are suffering in prison

and in the maquis for the same crime.

In order that real calm may be restored, I eppeal to the Chairman and members

of the Visiting Mission to bring about the following:

1. The adoption of our Cameroonian flag.

2. The immediate-Unification and Independence of our country.

3. The liberation of political prisoners.

4. The cancellation of the warrants of arrest issued against the leaders

and active members of the progressive movements in the Cameroons.

5. . The dppointment of a United Nations High Commissioner to the Cameroons.

Below is a list of my losses.

Cash

23 goats at 1,500 francs apiece

10 hens at 300 francs apiece


Total

Francs

47,090 34,500 3,000

84,500

(Signed) Eboh Marcus


T/PET.5/903 English_

Page 36

-29. Petition from Mr. Thomas Eloungo

·Eloungo Thomas, planter, member of' the local committee, -living at M1bouassoum (N'kongsamba Subdivision, Mungo Region)

To the Chairman of the UN Visiting Mission to the Cameroons

I have the honour to submit to you' a statement of the losses I suffered

during the bloody events of last May, brought about by Mr. Roland Pre.

Savings

4 pigs

10 hens


2 sheep

Total

Francs

60,000

28,000

_ 3,000

_ 15 ,ooo 3,000

· 109,000

Although all my things have been taken by the French colonialists,

I ask for:

the immediate Unification and Independence of our country.

the setting up of a Cameroonian government of our own.

the appointment of a UN.High Commissioner to the Cameroons.

the adoption of a Cameroonian flag.

a bodyguard to be sent by the United Nations to protect the few remaining

Cameroonians.

the cancellation of the Trusteeship Agreement of our country.



(Signed) Eloungo Thomas


30 •· Petit ion frcm Mr. Louis Emandion

Emandion Louis, Member of the UPC Executive Committee, planter, domiciled at M1bouassoum (Mungo Region)

~', I .-:,i.

T/PET.5/903 . English·

Page 37

To the Chairman-of the United Nations Visiting Mission to the Cameroons

Sir,

I have the honour to bring the following to your attention:

On 28 May last, at about two o'clock in the morning, the Chief of the

Melong sector, accompanied by a European gendarme and some soldiers, broke into

my house.

They made off with all the UPC material, ransacked my hut and took away

its contents, of which I attach a list. All because we are asking for the

immediate Unification and Independence of the Carneroons.

I ask the Chairman and members of the United Nations Mission if that is

how the French Government undertook to administer the Cameroons in accordance

with the United Nations Charter and the Trusteeship Agreement.

In accordance with the United Nations Charter and the Trusteeship Agreement,

my family and I ·ask for the immediate Unification and Independence of the

Cameroons, as also for:

the setting up of a Cameroonian Government of our own.


the cancellation of the Trusteeship Agreement in otir country.

the adoption of a Cameroonian flag - a natural-coloured crab centred on a

red ground.

the cancellation of the warrants of arrest issued against the leaders and

active members of the progressive movements.


Long live the United Nations Charter.

Long live the United Nations.

Long live a unified and inde~endent Cameroons.

Long-live the right of peoples to self-determination.

Long live peace.·


(Signed) Emandion Louis·



Emandion Louis, Member of the UPC Executive Committee, Mboassom Local Committee (planter)

List of my belongings lost during the incidents of last May

Losses

General savings (French money)

British money


30 chickens

2 dogs

4 male pigs

9 sheep

2 Singer sewing-machines

2 wooden beds

1 iron chest containing my wife's effects

lO miscellaneous items of bedding


7 pairs of shoes



(Signed).

Francs

30,000

(£40) 30,000.

7,500

6,000

28,000

13,500

50,000

4,ooo 75,000 14,000

88,180 6,300 8,710 6,695

31. Petition from Mr. Patrice En8ngene

T/PET.5/903 English, Page 39

Enongene Patrice, member of the UPC Local Committee, planter at Mboassum, Nkgsam Subdivision, Mungo Region

To the Chairman of the United Nations Visiting Mission to tte Cameroons

Sir,

We welcome you to the Cameroon~. I have the honour to inform you of the

following: In spite of the killings, threats and bloodshed in our country, an

unarmed country under United Nations Trusteeship, as far as the issue of immediate

independence and unification of our country is concerned we and all our families

give our unremitting support·to the Joint Proclamation of 22 April issued by

the Cameroonian progressive movements.

I attach a list of-my belongings, plundered by the_French colonialists and

their lackeys.

Cash savings

Hut, made of materials valued at:


Total

Francs

124,800

150,500

275,300

Long live the Chairman of the United Nations Mission to the Cameroons.

Long live a unified and independent Carneroons.

Long live the UPC.

Long live the Cameroonian flag.

(Signed) Enongene Patrice

In the maquis, 15'November 1955

T/PET.5/903 -. English -

· - Page 40 ·

32, Mr, Fobien Etieko

Etieko Fobien, small planter; member of the Mbouassoum Local Committee of the UPC Nkongsamba Subdivisi?n, Mungo Region

Statement regarding' my losses and. the damage to my property caused by the French colonialists and their lackeys, using military forces, on 25 May 1955.


Sir,

On 25 May 1955, on orders from Mr. Roland Pre, colonial Governor and

representative of France in the Cameroons, military forces imposed a curfew in

the Cameroons.

Many of our compatriots, including leaders of the Cameroonian progressive

movements, were victims of these measures. Taking into account the severe measures

and the loss of our brothers; the brutal measures of colonial oppression of our

country into two zones; the favoured position these people hold in our country,

which is determined to put an end to colonization; the deceitful attitude of

the colonial administration regarding ~he issue of immediate Unity and

Independence for the Cameroons; the fact that among peoples who desire the

Independence and Unification of their country the only excuse for the use of

arms is to protect the interests of civilization.

I ~herefore ask for:

the immediate Unity and Independence of the Cameroons;

the cancellation of the arrest warrants issued illegally against the

leaders of the political movements, and the liberation of our brothers

impriso~ed for having called for the immediate Independence and Unification of

their country;

a sovereign government of our own, assisted by a High Commissioner from the

United Nations;

the adoption of the Cameroonian flag-: a natural-coloured crab centred on a

red ground.

Below is a list of my losses.

Savings in Cash

6 pigs

9 hens Total

Francs

93,000

7,000

300

100,300


Hoping that the United Nations will be good enough to.consider the

Cameroonian problems.


·none in the maquis, 12 October 1955 (Signed) Etieko Fobien

T/PET.5/903· English Page 42-

33. Petition from Mr. Thcrr.as Ewane:

Ewane Thomas, planter, member of the M'bouassoum.U.P.C. committee, Mungo Region (N 1kongsamba)


Sir,

on·25 M~y last the Government of Roland Pre, representative of France in the

Cameroons, unleashed a war in the Territory of the Cameroons in which we lost

several Cameroonian compatriots.

The cause _of this war w~s our request for the immediate Unification and

Independence of the Cameroons.

In spite of all these difficulties, I still persist in requesting approval

for the joint proclamation of 22 April 1955 drawn up by the Cameroonian

progressive movements. Its' aims, which remain unchanged, are:

1. Immediate Unification and Independence of the Cameroons.

2. Constitution of a sovereign Cameroonian State.

3. Adoption of the Cameroonian flag, etc.

4. Appointment of a United Nations High Commissioner.

I submit below a list of my belongings seized by the colonialists during

the events of May last.

1 hut built from local materials

savings

12 metres of unsewn material

1 bicycle

6 pairs of trousers

4 pairs of trunks

1 Aida

1 helmet

2 large traps

4 blankets

3 sheep

4 pigs


Francs

6q,ooo 160,000

1,800

15,000

4,200

2,000

3,500

1,000

15,000

2,800

4,500

28,000

10,000

Total 307,900


~/PET.5/903 English Page 43

Done in the maquis, 15 September 1955

(Signed) Ewane Thomas, planter


34. Petition from Mr, Victor Ewane

Ewane Victor, planter and member of the M'Bouassoum UPC. CorrJDittee (N 1kongsamba SubMvision, Mungo· Region)


Sir,

I have the honour very respectfully to inform you of the following:

On the occasion of your arrival in the Cameroons I wish you welcome and

hope that your stay in the United Nations Trust Territory will be a pleasant

one.

About 9 p.m. on 28 May last the Chief of the Melong sector, accompanied

by a gang of mercenaries and two European gendarmes, broke into my hut after

having bound me. I left by the back door and hid in some bushes. ihey forced

their way into my hut and ,.threw out my documents concerned with the ilLliiediate

Unification and Independence of our country.

Consequently,

I request the immediate Unification and Indep~ndence of our country. If If the setting up of our own Cameroonian government. II It the cessation of the Trusteeship Agreement in our country. ll n the cancellation of the warrants of arrest against our leaders •.

/ II fl the release of political prisoners.

I submit below a list of my belongings seized by the colonialists and their

lackeys with the help of Chad troops.

Cash

l pig

l sheep


Total

(Signed) Ewane Victor

Maquis, 14 November 1955

Francs

50,000

4,500

1,500

56,000

T/PET,5/903 English Page -45

35. Petition from Mr. Augustin M1bebi

Mbebi Augustin, planter, Chairman of the M'bouassoum Local Committee of the UPC, Samba Subdivisicn (Mungo Region)

To the Chairman of the United Nations Vipiting Mission to the Cameroons

Sir,

During the incidents of 25 May last the Government of Roland PrJ, representative of France in the Cameroons, instituted a curfew throughout the

whole Territory. We lost several of our Cameroonian patriots and many worthy

Cameroonians campaigning for the iw1nediate unification and independence of the

Cameroons were arbitrarily arrested and imprisoned by the French Government. All

this was because we had unanimously proclaimed the immediate Unification and

Independence of the Cameroons, our country. I and my whole family continue to ·

ask for the approval of the joint proclamation drawn up by the progressive

Cameroonian movements on 22 April 1955.

1.

2.

3.

4. 5.

6.

in

Claims:

I request the immediate Unification and Independence of the Cameroons. IJ

If

. It

"

It

I

the

ff

n

It

II

II

submit

the release of political_prisoners.

the cancellation of warrants for the arrest of worthy Cameroonians who put forward legitimate claims.

the adoption of the Cameroonian flag.


the cancellation of the Trusteeship Agreement in our count~y.

below a list of my belongings seized by the French colonialists

Cameroons.

Statement of losses suffered at the hands of the French colonialists during

the events of 25 May last.

1.

2.

3.

4. 5. 6.

7.

Savings I

Hut built of local materials

Pigs

Sheep

l electric coffee machine

Installation

Workshop under construction

Total:

Francs

850,000

70,000

. 9 ,ooo 6,000

>150, 000

9,500 15,500

1,109,500

T/PET.5/903 .. English

· Page 46


(Signed) M'bebi Augustin , Done in the maquis, 30 August 1955

36. Petition from Mr. Jony Mbene

T/PET.5/903 .English

. Page 47 - -·

Mbene Jony, ex-serviceman, small planter, member o~ the UPC committee, resident in Mbouassoum, N'kongsamba Subdivision (Mungo Region) 1

I


Sir,

On 25 May last the Government of Roland Pre, representative of France

in the Cameroons, unleashed a war throughout ~he whole Territory of the . '

Cameroons in which we lost many Cameroonians. Many worthy Cameroonians who

advocated the immediate Unification and-Independence of the Cameroons were

arrested and arbitrarily imprisoned by the French. All this was because on

22 April 1955 we unanimously proclaimed the iwJTiediate Unification and

Independence of our country.

My family and_I are not in~the ·least discouraged and still give our formal

support to the joint proclamation issued by the Cameroonian progressive movements • ... We claim:

1. The immediate unification and independence of our country.

2. The release of political prisoners.

3. The appointment of a United Nations High Cow.missioner to the Cameroons.

4. The constitution of _a Cameroonian government.

5~ The adoption of a Cameroonian flag.

I submit below a list of my belongings taken by

the incidents of May last.

Cash


12 hens

5 goats

6 pigs

2 hurricane lamps


the

Total: I have the honour to be etc.

colonialists during

Francs

165,000 50,000

3,600 8,500

42,000

720

269,820

Mbene"Jo~y, ex-serviceman no. 87732 Done in the maquis, 15 October 1955

/

\

/


37. Petition from Mr. Mesakola NAr~

Nane Mesakola, member of the UPC committee and planter at Mbouassoum, Mungo Region, Subdivision of Nkongsamba

To the Chainnan of the United Nations Visiting Mission to the Cameroons

Sir,

I have the honour to submit the following facts respectfully to your

attention:

In spite of all kinds of sabotage instigated by the French colonialists

on 25 May last~ Mr. Roland Pre, representative of Overseas France, unleashed

, an undeclared war, disregarding the provisions of the United Nations Charter.

We wish to inform you that several of our compatriots have be.en arrested,

threatened and imprisoned for the sole reason that they had requested the

approval of a joint proclamation drawn up by the progressive movements of our

country.

Claims

1. I persist in requesting the immediate Unification and Independence of our

country (Cameroons).

2. The release of our Cameroonian brothers who have been imprisoned-for

political reasons and the cancellation of the warrants of arrest issued against

the leaders of our progressive movements.

3. The adoption of the Cameroonian flag.

Herewith is a list of my losses:

Cash savings

6 pig~.

9 chickens


Total:

Nane Mesakola

Francs

93,000

42,000

2,700

137,700


38, Petition from Mr. Philippe Ndapa

T/PET.5/903. English Page 49

Report of losses suffered -during the bloody in~idents of May last ..

Ndapa Philippe, member of the M1bouassoum local committee, planter, N1kongsamba Subdivision, Mungo Region


Sir,

I have the honour to inform you of the following:

On 25 May 1955, the French colonialists unleashed a cold war against the

Cameroonian people, who are under-the trusteeship of the United Nations, for the

sole reason that they have requested the immediate Unification and Independence

of their country.

I vigorously support the _joint declaration signed by the national

movements on 22 April 1955. Consequently,

I request the immediate Unification and Independence of the Cameroons and

the release of political prisoners.

I .request the appointment of a United Nations High Commissioner to the

Cameroons.

I :request the cessation of the Trusteeship Agreement in our country.

I request the adoption of _the Cameroonian flag.

I submit below a list of my belongings taken by the French colonialists

and their lackeys.

Personal capital


2 goats

9 chickens


, Total: -

Francs 180,000

15,000

3,000

2;700

200,700

Ndapa Philippe, planter, M1bouassoum

Maquis, 10 October 1955


39. Petition from Mr. Henri N.ioba

Njoba Henri, planter and member of the M1bouassoum Committee of the UPC, N1kongsamba Subdivision (Mungo Region)

To the Chairman of the United Nations Vis'iting Mission to the Cameroons

Sir,

I have the honour to inform you that Roland Pre, the French representative

in the Cameroons,. has-unleashed a war in the Cameroons and we cannot-tell you

how many Cameroonians have been killed in it.

Many Cameroonians .campaigning for the immediate rnification and

Independence of their country, have been arrested and imprisoned by the

French Government in the Cameroons.

All these threats are due to the fact that on 22 April 1955 all the

progressive movements proclaimed the Unificaticn and Independence of cur

country, the Cameroons.

I do not believe that the Charter of the United Nations allows a single

country like France to dominate the United Nations.

In the hope that the United Nations Visiting Mission will see that the

Charter is respected, I request the immediate Unification and Independence of •.

the Cameroons.

The constitution of our Cameroonian Government.

The appointment of a United Nations High Commissioner to the Cameroons.

The adoption of a Cameroonian flag - a natural coloured crab on a red

bac~ground.

The cancellation of warrants for the arrest of the leaders ·of the

progressive movements.

The release of political prisoners.

The cancellation·of the Trusteeship Agreement in o~r country.

I submit herewith a list of my belongings seized by the French colonialists

in the Cameroons.


Njoba Henri

Done in the maquis, 25 June 1955

Savings

. 7 hens

5 goats

5 pigs

-4 sacks of unhulled coffee


2 rows of seedlings which were uprooted

Total:

T/PET.5/903 English Page 5l

Francs

130,000

2,100

8,500 42,000

2,000

202,600


4o. Petition from Mr. Lucas Sakang

Sakang Lucas, planter, member of the M'bouassoum Local Committee of the UPC, N1kongsamba Subdivision (Mungo Region)

To the Chairman of the United Nations Visiting Mission·to the Cameroons

Sir,

On 22 May last, the Government of Roland Pre, representative of France in

the-Cameroons, unleashed a war throughout the whole territory, in which we lost

many Cameroonians •·

This ruthless war, for which Roland Pr~ is unquestionably responsible, is

·designed to stifle the aspirations of the Cameroonians who are campaigning for

the independence and unification of their country. Several of our compatriots

were arrested, imprisoned, threatened and deported far from their homes, in an

appalling way.

The French colonialists are still continuing to institute legal

proceedings against the leaders and active members of the progressive movements.

They have completely forgotten the Charter of the United Nations and the

·Universal Declaration of Human Rights. All these schemes of theirs are sirrply

due to the fact that we have asked for our freedom. I maintain my request for

the immediate unification and independence of our country.

The constitution of our Cameroonian Government.


The adoption of our Cameroonian flag.

The release of political prisoners.

The cancellation of the Trusteeship Agreement in our country.

I submit below a list of my belongings taken by the colonialists and their

lackeys.

3 pigs

7 chickens·

2 sheep

Cash

2 oil lamps

1 che~t containing my clothes

Total:

Francs

3,400

700

2,100

21,000

37,000 39,720


T/PET.5/903 · English

(Signed) Sakang Lucas,

Maquis, 16 September 1955.

Page 53


41. Petition from Mr. Jean Doumbe Ewune

Doumbe Ewune Jean, member of the M1 bouroukou Local Committee and member of the Executive Committee of the UPC,. planter, (Mungo Region, N'kongsamba)


Sir,

, During the incidents of May last the Government of Roland Pre, representative

of France·in the Cameroons, unleashed a cold war throughout the whole territory.

Several patriots were victims of this war because they had requested the'immediate I

Uni~ication and Independence of their country. Others were arbitrarily arrested

and ,imprisoned by the French Government.

This was because they had unanimously proclaimed on 22 April 1955 the

immediate unification and independence of their country.

I continue to request that approval should be given to the joint ~roclamation

drawn up by'the Cameroonian progressive movements.

We vigorously claim

.· 1. The immediate Unification and Independence of our country.

· 2. The release of political prisoners.

3. The cancellation of warrants .. for the arrest of leaders and active members of

the progressive movements who are campaigning for their country's rights. j

4. The adoption of the Cameroonian flag.

I submit below a list of my belongings taken by the French colonialists in

the Cameroons.

Statement of my belongings taken by the colonialists during the incidents of

25 May 1955.

Savings chests containing my clothes pigs


Total

Francs

600,000 35,000 22,500

657,500

Done in the maquis, ••••••••.•• 55 Doumbe Ewane Jean

42. Petition from Mr. Guillaun:e Ebombe

T/PET.5/903 English , .... Page 55

Ebombe Guillaume, planter, member of the M'Bouroukou Local Committee of the UPC (Nkongsamba Subdivision, Mungo Region)


Sir,

During May last Mr. Roland Pre, Governor of the Cameroons, brutally unleashed

a war throughout the whole of the Cameroons against the active members of the UPC

who advocate the Independence and the Unification of their country.

During the night of 28 May, the Chief of the Melong sector, accompanied by

two lorry-loads of Chad and white troops, .attacked my hut. After having bound me,.

the Chief of the Melong sector and all this squad of troops broke into my hut and

carried away all my belongings.

To this day I do not know where my family is. I still re~uest that approval

should be given to the joint proclamation of 22 April 1955. I request the immediate Unification and Independence of the Cameroons.

The constitution of our system of government.


The adoption of the Cameroonian flag.

The cancellation of the Trusteeship Agreement in our country.

I submit below a list.of the losses I suffered during the May incidents.

Cash 6 pigs, 6 sheep, 2 suits, 2 pairs of shoes 10 chickens, 6 shirts, 5 undervests, 1 pair of American shoes 5 pairs of trousers, 4 pairs of trunks, 3 pairs of socks

Total:

Francs

250,000 52,800 12,400

8,275

323,475 . Done in the maquis, 11 November 1955

(Signed) Ebombe Guillaume


43. Petition from Mr. Magino Ekango

Eko.ngo Uagino, planter, secretary cf tl:.e Ecuroukcu local Ccn:.p1ittee of the UPC., Nkongsamba Subdivision, Mungo Region

To the Chairman of the'United Nations Visiting Mission to the Cameroons

Sir,

On 25 May last Mr. Roland Pre, Governor and representative of France in the

Cameroons, unleashed a war throughout the whole Territory in which we lost many

Cameroonians. Many worthy partisans of the campaign for the immediate Unification

and Independence of the Cameroons were arbitrarily arrested and imprisoned by the

French Government. All this was because on 22 April 1955 we had unanimously

proclaimed the immediate Unification and Independence of our Cameroons.

My family and I are not discouraged and we formally support the request for

approval of the joint.proclamation issued by the Cameroonian progressive movements.

Claims:

1. The immediate Unification and Independence of our country.

2. Release of political prisoners.

3. Cancellation of warrants for the arrest of members of Cameroonian political

bodies who.are claiming their legitimate rights.

4. Approval of the Cameroonian flag.

I submit below a list of my belongings taken by the French colonialists in

the Cameroons.

Savings

1 "Raleigh" bicycle

50 UPC cards

4 pigs

Total

I have the honour to be etc.,

Francs

550,000

19,625 5,300 7,000

571,625

Done in the maquis, 22 October 1955 (Signed) Ekango Magino


44. Petition ·from Mr. Elie Ekoume

Sir,

Ekoume Elie) member of the UPC, planter at Mbouroukou, Mungo Region, Nkongsamba

To the Chairman and members of the United Nations Visiting Mission to the Cameroons

I have the honour to inform you of the following facts:

During the month of May last, in spite of all opposition, the French

colonialists in the Cameroons, led by Roland P~e, representative of France in the

Cameroons, formally unleashed an undeclared war, with the help of Chad forces, in

order to stifle the popular aspirations of the Cameroons, a country under United

Nation.s Trusteeship.

Several Cameroonian men and women were arrested, murdered, threatened and

arbitrarily imprisoned because they claimed the immediate Unification and

Independence of the Cameroons.

In spite of these threats I still re~uest:

1. Approval of the joint.proclamation drawn up by the progressive movements in

the Cameroons on 22 April 1955. 2. Release of political prisoners.

3. Cancellation of the warrants for the arrest of Cameroonians claiming the

legitimate'rights of their country.

4. Adoption of the Cameroonian flag.

Herewith is a list of my belongings which were taken.

Cash savings

Hut

Pig

I have the honour to be

Total

etc.

Done

Francs

50,000

90,000

3,500

143,500

in the maquis, 30 October 1955 (Signed) Ekoume Elie

T/PET.5/903 -. · English Page 58

45. Petition from Mr. Paul M'boma

Sir,

M1boma Paul, planter, Vice~Chairman of the Mbouroukou local committee of the UPC (N'kongsamba Subdivision, Mungo Region)

To the Chairman of the United Nations Visiting Mission to_the Cameroons

In spite of all kinds,of sabotage instituted by the French colonialists on

25 May last, Mr. Roland Pre, the repre·sentati ve of overseas France, unleashed a

fierce war against.the Territory of the Cameroons.

This ruthless war, for which Mr. Roland Pre bears unquestionable

responsibility, was designed to stifle the aspirations of the Careeroonian people

who are campaigning· for the.immediate independence-and unification of their

country.

Several -of our compatriots were arrested, imprisoned and threatened in an

appalling way.

We request the iw.mediate Unification and Independence of the Cameroons, in

accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.

We request the wholesale release of political prisoners. 11

11

II

tl

the cancellation of warrants for the arrest of Cameroonians

claiming their legitimate rights.

· the adoption of a Cameroonian flag - a natural-coloured crab on a

red background.

the constitution of a Cameroonian Government.

the appointment of a United Nations High Commissioner to·the

Cameroons.

Herewith is a list of my belongings taken by the colonialists and their

lackeys during the bloody incidents of May last.

Personal savings 7 pigs 1 sheep

I have the honour to be etc..

Francs,

82,000 17,500 1,700

101,200

· (Signed) M'boma Paul, planter

Maquis, 4 November 1955


46. Petition from Mr. Jacques N'dme

Sir,

Ndame Jacques, planter, Chairman of the Mbouroukou Local Cow1nittee of the UPC and Member of the Executive Committee at Douala


During the month of May last, the Cameroons was supjected to an undeclared

war unleashed by the French Government in the Cameroons. The object of this war

was to oppose the aspirations of the Cameroonians who are r~solutely requesting

the immediate Unification and Independence of tneir country.

During this flagrant atta~k thousands were arrested, imprisoned and threatened

in every way because they openly approved of the text of the joint proclamation of

22 April 1955, which embodied the wishes of all Cameroopians campaigning for the

immediate Unification and Inde:pendence of their country, ..

I request: ..

1.. TJ::e immediate Unification and ;J:ndependence of our country.

2.. Release of political :prisoners.

3, Cancellation of warrants for the arrest of worthy Cameroonians who are

Jlairning their legitimate rights .•

4. Adoption of the Cameroonian flag.

Here~ith is a list of my belongings taken by the French colonialists in the

Camfroons.

Statement of Losses

Savings

, Shop and its. st.ock

i;rotal

I have'the honour to be etc.

Francs

1,100,000

90,000

1,190,000

Done in the maquis, 23 September 1955 (Signed) Ndame Jacques