AFRICAN COLONIES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19691, 18 July 1927, Page 9

AFRICAN COLONIES.

CLOSER UNION DESIRED. NEW BRITISH COMMISSION. A COMPREHENSIVE INQUIRY. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyricbt. (British Official Wireless.) (Received July 17, 5.5 p.m.) A. and N.Z. RUGBY, July 16. The British Government announces that as a result of the discussions at the recent Colonial Conference in London some form of closer union between the territories of Central and Eastern Africa appears to he desirable. This is more particularly the case in regard to the development of transport and communications, customs tariffs and customs administration, scientific research and defence. A special commission is therefore to be sent to Africa with the following terms of reference : (1) To make recommendations as to whether, either by federation or some other form of closer union, more effective co-operation between the different Governments may be secured. (2) To consider which territories could be brought within any such closer union. (3) To make recommendations in regard to possible changes in the powers and composition of the various Legislative Councils of the several territories, both as a result of federation and as a means of associating immigrants,, and ultimately natives, in the work of the Government. (4) To suggest the best means of securing complementary political developments of native and non-native communities. (5) To recommend improvements in infernal communications necessary to closer union. (6) To consider the finance of the federation. In making a declaration of policy involved in the setting up of the commission the Government emphasises a new advance on the 1923 statement regarding the political status and other rights of British subjects - resident in East Africa and the Imperial duty of safeguarding the interests and progress of the native population, as trustees for their welfare until they can take part more fully in their own government and in the common affairs of all races inhabiting the territories. It says that while the responsibilities of trustees must for some considerable time rest temporarily on the agents of the British Government, it desires to associate more closely in the task colonists or \ residents who have identified their interests with the prosperity of the country.