BRITAIN AND COLONIES

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 March 1943, Page 6

BRITAIN AND COLONIES

FUTURE ADMINISTRATION

RUGBY, March 5

Dealing with the future of British colonies in a speech to the Oxford Conservative Association, the new Colonial Secretary (Mr. Oliver Stanley) put three questions: first, what sort of colonial empire is it? second, what do we want it to be? third, what must we do about it?

He said the Colonial Empire was one of infinite variety and consequently it was impossible to find a common yard-stick for its numerous territories. Britain had established safely life and property in areas where it had never been known before. Standards had been set up which, if they could be maintained in the changing conditions of the world, would be of lasting benefit. Britain had also undertaken the task of preventing exploitation and regulating production so that a fair reward was provided for enterprise, and a substantial benefit to the colony. Last, the British had set themselves to devote the income of a colony to its own benefit. Examples of good communications research, education, and other valuable assets were to be seen everywhere. The ultimate aim was the establishment of self-government, but that could

not be a gift. Some colonies were practising to a greater or lesser extent self-government already, and nothing but a short stage lay between them and real self-government. The advance of others must necessarily be slow. Mr. Stanley said he was convinced administration of the colonies must remain the sole responsibility of Britain. He did not believe it to be of advantage for a colony or group of colonies to be administered by an international body. He could think of nothing more likely to break down the steady development of colonies than that. The administration of colonies entailed financial and economic aid and, if Britain alone was prepared to give that aid, Britain' alone was in a position to exercise I control. j

He believed the suggestion of international administration ignored the real feelings of the peoples of the territories concerned. However, he made it clear that international cooperation would be welcomed. He also emphasised his view that the colonies should be peopled by good Africans, Malayans, and so on, and not by imitation Englishmen.