FIRM STAND BY BRITAIN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 9 December 1938, Page 5

FIRM STAND BY BRITAIN

NO QUESTION OF TRANSFER OF TERRITORY ASSURANCE BY COLONIAL SECRETARY [British Ollicial Wlrelessl RUGBY, 7th December “I do not believe that there is to-day any section of opinion in this country which is disposed to hand ever to any other country one acre cf any territories or peoples for whose government we are responsible cither as a colonial or mandatory power.” This declaration was made by the Colonial Secretary, Mr Malcolm MacDonald, in the House of Com-

mons during the Debate on the colonial question to-day. The 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 an issue in practical politics and is we were ever to come to a discussion of this question, there are certain things which would have to be borne in mind.” Mr Macdonald emphasised that he would not do anything in this matter 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.”

He contended that there was practically no restriction on access to raw materials in the British colonies, but the Government was still ready to consider any 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 the British Empire was the gradual spread of freedom among all His Majesty’s subjects. “That love of ours for freedom, not only 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 The 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 of the motion, but omitted the second part. The amendment was carried. Mr L. C. Amery (Conservative) in the course of the debate, criticised Mr MacDonald’s phrase that the matter “was not now an issue in practical politics.” 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.