NO QUESTION OF TRANSFER

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 65, 9 December 1938, Page 11

NO QUESTION OF TRANSFER

Britain Stands Firm On Colonies Issue PUBLIC OPINION OPPOSED Minister’s Pledge To House Of Commons (British Official Wireless.) (Received December 8, 6.30 p.m.) RUGBY, December 7. “I do not believe that there is today any section of opinion in this country which is disposed to hand over to any other country one acre of any territories or peoples for whose government we are responsible either as a colonial or mandatory power.’’ This declaration was made by the Colonial Secretary. Mr. Malcolm MacDonald, in the House of Commons during the debate on the colonial question today, lhe Minister continued: “That view has been expressed in every part of the House, and that view is shared by the Government. We are not discussing it and we are not considering it.

“It is not now an issue in practical politics and if we were ever to come to a discussion of this question, there are certain tilings which would have to he borne in mind.” Mr. Macdonald emphasized that he would not do anything in this inattei' without the House of Commons having the fullest possible opportunity of discussion. In fact, nothing effective could be done without the positive approval of Parliament. Mandatory Principle. Referring to the part of the resolution under discussion which favoured an extension of the mandatory principle to all colonial territories, Mr. Macdonald urged the House to reject a proposition which, he argued, would be as unsettling as had been certain apprehensions and rumours which had lately been spread that the Government was contemplating a transfer of territories. Mr. Macdonald said: "I think the House is very conscious of the fact that the peoples of the colonies are not merely content but positively happy and proud to be among His Majesty s subjects.” lie contended that there was practically no restriction on access to raw materials in the British colonies, out the Government was still ready to consider anv proposals which might be brought forward for a more equitable distribution of raw materials. Economically, too, the first duty of Britain was to the native peoples—to foster their material well-being, and to see that they received fair play in the complicated economic system of the modern world. The great purpose of lhe British Empire was the gradual spread of freedom among all His Majesty’s subjects. “That love of ours for freedom, not onlv for ourselves, but for others,” concluded Mr. MacDonald, “inspires our policy throughout the Colonial Empire.’ The best assurance these people can have that this spirit will still be a guide in their affairs is _ that they should continue their association with the British Empire.” Private Motion. Tlie debate was raised on a motion by Mr. Noel Baker (Labour), which invited the House to express the opinion that no redistribution of colonial or mandated territories should be made without the consent of the inhabitants, and went on to propose an extension of the mandate system. An amendment was moved from the Conservative benches which accepted the first part •f the motion, but omitted the second part. The amendment was carried. Mr. Amery (Conservative), in the course of the debate, criticized Mr. MacDonald’s phrase that the matter “was not now an issue in practical polities.” He said if the word “now” meant no longer, the House would consent, but if it implied a reservation that the Government might change its mind, then the satisfaction of the House was not so great. “I wish it had been said that the Government had no intention of transferring any part of the Colonial Empire,” said Mr. Amery. (Cheers.) Several members called out "Answer,' but Mr. MacDonald did not reply, and the vote was then taken. NATIVE OPPOSITION TO RETURN “Betrayal Of Trust” CAPE TOWN, December 7. Taking advantage of Mr. Chamberlain’s statement that the British Government would consider representations from parties concerned regarding mandated territories, the native ardministration of the Kingdom of Buganda, embracing territory in East Africa, has issued a statement signed by the Premier, the Chief Justice and the Treasurer, that the return of Tanganyika to Germany would be a betrayal of trust. "With Germany and Italy as neighbours,” they stated. “Buganda would Ise liable to attack at a moment's notice.”