[3] However, it was only after the British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan’s "Wind of Change" African tour in January and February 1960, which included a visit to Nyasaland, that Banda was released from detention in April 1960, and the State of Emergency was not lifted until 16 June 1960.
Since the declaration of the State of Emergency, the Nyasaland police force had been expanded significantly, and special anti-riot squads had been formed to counter any violence.
Some of the British journalists present reported that the police provoked a riot by tearing down banners, striking demonstrators with batons and making arrests.
However, the Colonial Secretary, Ian Macleod bowed to press and parliamentary pressure and, on 2 February, agreed to a judge-led inquiry, instructing Armitage to arrange it.
He concluded that the police tearing down the demonstrators' banners was in reaction to the crowd's aggressive behaviour, which in part he attributed to the presence of the press.
Finally, Southworth determined that the two European police officers named as having used excessive force had acted with restraint in the face of intense provocation.
[18] The events of 1959 and early 1960 discredited Armitage: he lost McLeod's confidence and seen as an obstacle to progress by Macleod and unacceptable to the Malawi Congress Party.
After Banda's release, and although his governorship was not due to end until April 1961, Armitage was advised go on leave in August 1960 and he retired without returning to Nyasaland.