Has Britain Too Many Colonies?

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 189, 12 August 1939, Page 3 (Supplement)

Has Britain Too Many Colonies?

EVENTS have been taking pi ace lately in the Crown colonies which have not only surprised but gravely disturbed many who wish the British Empire well. There has been sharp criticism of the Government and the Colonial Office, for the most part by those who have small conception of the magnitude of Britain's Imperial task. lew of the voters, who nre ultimately responsible for the Empire, could give off In*iid anything like a complete list of

By Eric Logan {\\ ell-known Publicist on Imperial Affairs.) the colonies and dependencies which Britain holds in every continent. The reason is that India and the Dominions steal most of the Imperial limelight, and these Cittderellas of the Empire are forgotten except in time of trouble. In addition -to tlie colonies, dependencies and protectorates, which are governed directly from Whitehall, there

are territories in the British Empire administered by the Governments of India, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, independently of London. This imposing chain of possessions, stretching round the globe, should surely be a source of strength by till reasonable calculations. Unfortunately, as the distressful happenings in the West Indies have recently revealed, they are too often a liability. Though rich in natural resources and offering splendid opportunities for enterprise and development, colonies are sometimes kept on their feet only by subsidies from the Imperial Exchequer.

Perhaps the British Empire is too unwieldy. Possibly, iJ we had fewer colonies, we could make better use of them. Our energies and resources, maybe, are spread over too many cases and causes; and for that reason some wonderful opportunities are only half exploited, while others are neglected altogether. Britain's trouble is. she is not making her colonies pay, as France, for example, makes hers pay. In the West Indies, where dissatisfaction has found expression in turbulent outbreak, the United States watches our way with the islands and, candidly, is not greatly impressed. She has done far better herself. But

then, her possessions are fewer and liar efforts more concentrated. The question may well be asked whether it would not be wiser to put a limit to our obligations and reduce our commitments. This does not mean that we should throw our hand in and abandon a colony to its fate. Xor does it imply breaking faith with those who have lived under the flag for generations,

by merely walking out. Our withdrawal from any part of the lands now British could only be countenanced if it was in the best interests of all concerned, and particularly of the native populations. Bearing this in mind, Britain could make a reduction of her Empire good business. There are not many Britons who can hear a reference to our war debt to America without feeling uncomfortable. We know the money was spent in America and went into American pockets for the making in American factories of munitions which we handed over to France and Italy. We know that Britain never benefited herself to the smallest

degree. We remember that she generously forgave her creditors while her debtor held her sternly to her bargain. But argue as we will, the unpalatable truth remains that Britain defaulted— on its interest payments, anyhow. Why not lighten the burden of responsibility resting on our shoulders and at the same time negotiate a friendly settlement with America? In return for a can-

cellation of the war debt, let us transfer to her the sovereignty of certain of the West Indian islands and one or two of the Pacific groups. We cannot blink the fact that Porto Rico and the American Virgin Islands under the Stars and Stripes are better off than the British colonies. They enjoy the enormous advantage of a market for their produce conveniently at hand, a market from which the British West Indies have been excluded. Would it not beneSt everyone, especially the West Indians themselves, to make this transfer? Those of us who hate the idea of surrendering British territory under any consideration whatever (and the writer is one) should remember that a man with many possessions who does not pay his debts is not an object of admiration. The United States would surely enter into the spirit of the bargain. Tht?y would appreciate the acknowledgment of our indebtedness and the offer to settle. It would improve still further the rela-

tions between the two countries and assist the working of the coming comprehensive trade agreement. The Americans eould make good use of the West Indies, as indeed they have already proved. Turning to the Pacific, America is experiencing a growing need for air and naval bases. Last year there -was a mild dispute between us as to the sovereignty of certain islands in the Phoenix group. This has been amicably settled to the full satisfaction of both sides—an example of what can be done when mutual goodwill is allowed to.operate. The process could be extended. Other groups, more useful to the United States than to Britain, might well be ceded, thus paving the way for closer co-opera-tion between the two democracies in the Far East. Such results would far outweigh any sacrifice of sentiment. There are other continents where we could reduce our holdings with profit. The mandated territories added to the

Empire as a result of the Great War have not done us any real good. We see now we should never have taken them on. Certain of them have landed us in profitless expenditure and needless anxiety. Now Germany wants her colonies hack. Britain holds the most important, but has no real need of them. Here, surely, is another opportunity to clear a mountain of trouble out of our path. True, the matter bristles with difficulties. British investors must be fairly treated; the must be no worse off than at present; Germany must make her contribution, and not take all and give nothing. But the end might be peace, for an understanding between Britain and Germany would bring universal peace nearer. By one or two judicious moves of this character Britain could reduce her unwieldy Empire to manageable proportions, and exchange idle and surplus assets for solid, practical advantages.