Future Of British Colonies

Northern Advocate, 8 March 1943, Page 4

Future Of British Colonies

(8.0. W.) RUGBY, March 5. Dealing with the future of British Colonies in a speech to the Oxford Conservative Association, the new Colonial Secretary (Sir Oliver Stanley), put three questions: (1) What sort of Colonial Empire is it? (2) What do we want it to be? (3) What must we do about it? The Colonial Empire, he said, was one of infinite variety, and consequently it was impossible to find a common yardstick for its numerous territories. Britain’s Fine Record Britain had established safety of 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 con-ditions-of the world, could be of lasting benefit. Britain had also undertaken the task of preventing the exploitation and regulating of production so that a fair reward was provided for enterprise, find a substantial benefit given to the colony. Lastly, they had set themselves to devote the income of a).colony, to its own benefit. Examples' of good communications. services, research, education and other valuable assets were to be seen everywhere. Self-Government Aim

The ultimate aim was to see the establishment of a self-government, but that could not be a gift. Some colonies were practising to a greater or lesser extent self-govern-ment already, and nothing but a short stage lay between them and real selfgovernment. The advance of others must necessarily be slow. Britain’s Responsibility

Sir Oliver Stanley said he was convinced the administration of colonies must remain the sole responsibility of Britain. He did not believe it would be of advantage for a colony or a group of colonies to be administered by an international body. He could think of

nothing more likely to break down steady development of colonies than that.

International Control Criticised

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 control. He also believed that the suggestion of an international administration ignored the real feelings of the peoples of the territories concerned. Sir Oliver, however, made it clear that international co-operation Would be welcomed. He also stressed the view that colonies should be peopled by good Africans, Malayans, etc., not by imitation Englishmen.