COLONIAL AREAS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23678, 9 December 1938, Page 9

COLONIAL AREAS

THE QUESTION OF TRANSFER HOUSE OF COMMONS DEBATE STATEMENT BY SECRETARY (British Official Wireless) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (United Press Association) RUGBY, Dec. 7. "I do not believe there is to-day any section of opinion in this country which is disposed to hand over to any other country an acre of any territories or peoples for whose government we are responsible, either as a colonial or a mandatory Power." This declaration was made by the Colonial Secretary, Mr Malcolm MacDonald, in the House of Commons during a debate on the colonial question. Mr MacDonald continued: "That view has been expressed in every part of the House and that view is shared by the Government. We are not discussing or considering it, as 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 things which would have to be borne in mind."

Mr MacDonald emphasised that nothing would be done in this matter without the House of Commons having the fullest opportunity for discussion. In fact, nothing effective could be done without the positive approval of Parliament. Referring to the part of the resolution under discussion which favoured the extension of the mandatory principle to all colonial territories, Mr MacDonald urged the House to reject the proposition, which he argued would be unsettling, as there had been certain apprehensions and rumours which lately had spread that the Government was contemplating the transfer of territories. Mr MacDonald said: "I think the House is very conscious of the fact that the peoples or colonies are not merely content but positively happy and proud to be among his Majesty's subjects." He contended 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 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, inspires our policy throughout the Colonial Empire." The debate was raised on a motion by Mr Noel Baker which invited the House to express an opinion. No redistribution of colonial or mandated territories should be made without.the consent of the inhabitants, he said, 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. M. S. Amery. in the course of the debate, criticised Mr MacDonald's phrase " the matter is not now an issue in practical politics." He said if the word " now" meant "no longer" the House would consent, but if it implied the reservation that the Government might change its mind then the House's satisfaction would not be so great. " I wish it had been said that the Government had no intention of transferring any part of the Colonial Empire."—(Cheers.) Several members called out, "Answer! " but Mr MacDonald did not reply. The vote was then taken. UGANDA'S FEARS A STATEMENT ISSUED CAPETOWN, Dec. 7. Taking from Mr Chamberlain's statement that the British Government would consider representations from the parties concerned regarding mandated territories, the native administration of the Kingdom of Uganda, embracing 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 betrayal of the trust that the natives have placed in the British Government. " With Germany and Italy as neighbours, Uganda would be liable to attack at a moment's notice," the statement says. GERMANY ANGERED COMMENT IN LEADING PAPER BERLIN. Dec. 8. (Received Dec. 9, at 0.30 a.m.) Mr MacDonald's statement on colonies has angered Germany. Tlie Volkischer Beobachter, the leading Nazi organ, says: "Mr MacDonald has not produced a single reason for refusing the return of German colonies which has not. been refuted one hundred times by German statesmen. The British dominion Governments have nothing to surrender, for they do not possess but merely administer German colonies. We demand each of our colonies back from the country at present holding them. The natives were not asked for thei r views when they were bartered like cattle and goods among the victorious Versailles Powers. The British Government knows well that a plebiscite among the African natives is impossible, making this cheap excure even more unappetising and shabby."