ANGER IN BERLIN

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19808, 9 December 1938, Page 5

ANGER IN BERLIN

BRITISH STAND duty to colonies MANDATED TERRITORIES RETURN NOT CONSIDERED NOT NOW POLITICAL ISSUE (Elec. Tel. Copyright —United Press Assn.) (Reed. Dec. 9, 11 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 8. “I do not believe there is to-day any section of opinion in this country which is disposed to hand ovei* 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 yesterday during a debate on the colonial questions.

“That view has been expressed in every part of the House and that view is shared by the Government,” continued Mr. MacDonald. "We are not discussing and we are not considering it. It is not now an issue in practical politics and, if we were ever to come to discussion of this question, there are certain things which would have to be borne in mind.” Mr. MacDonald emphasised that the Government would not do anything in this matter without the House of Commons having the fullest possible opportunity for discussion; in fact, nothing effective could be done without the positive approval of Parliament. Unsettling Principle Referring to part of the resolution under discussion which favoured an extension ot the mandatory principle to all colonial territories, Mr. MacDonald urged the House to reject the proposition which, he urged, would be as unsettling as had been certain apprehensions and rumours which lately had spread that the Government was contemplating the transfer of territories.

"I think the House is very conscious of the fact that the peoples of the colonies are not merely content, but are positively happy and proud to oe among His Majesty’s subjects, said Mr. MacDonald. 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 system of the modern world.

Spread of Freedom

The great purpose of the British Empire was the gradual spread of freedom among aIL His Majesty's subjects. "That love of ours for freedom, not only for ourselves, but for others inspires our policy throughout ttte colonial Empire," said Mr. MacDonald. "The best assurance that these people can have that that spirit will still be tnc guide in their affairs, is that they should continue their association with the British Empire.”

The donate was raised on a motion of Mr. P. j. Nool-Baker (Lab., Derby) which invited the House to express the opinion that no redistribution of colonial or mandated territories snouiq be made without the consent ot tub inhabitants. The motion went on to propose an extension of the mandate system.

Art amendment was moved from the Conservative benches, which accepted the Inst part of the motion Dut omitted the second part. The vote was then taken. Phrase Criticised

Mr. L. C. M. S. Amery (Con., SparkbrooKj, in the course of the debate, criticised Mr. MacDonaldjs phrase; "not now an issue in practical politics’’ He said that if the word now meant “no longer’’ the House would consent, but if it implied reservation that the Government might change its mind, then the satisfaction of the House 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,” he added. (Cheers.)

Several members called out: “Answer,” but Mr. MacDonald did not reply. The vote was taken.

Messages from Berlin slate that Mr. MacDonald’s statement on the colonies has angered Germany. The Volkischer Beobatcher, the leading Nazi organ, says: “Mr. MacDonald has not produced a single reason for refusing the return of the German colonies which lias not been refuted 100 times by German statesmen. The British Dominion Governments have nothing to surrender, for they do not possess but merely administer the German colonies. Return Demanded “We demand each of our colonies back from tne country at present holding them. The natives were not asked ror their 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 excuse even more unappetising and shabby.”

A message from Rome states that semi-official Italian quarters describe Mr. MacDonald’s declaration as a violation of the spirit of the Munich agreement.

Paris reports state that most French newspapers take the view that the declaration definitely shuts the door on negotiations.