AFRICAN COLONIES

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 99, 18 July 1927, Page 7

AFRICAN COLONIES

CLOSER UNION SOUGHT INQUIRY BY COMMISSION British Wireless—Press Assn.-Copyright RUGBY, Saturday. 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 be 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 what 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 internal communications necessary to closer union.

(6) To consider the finance of the federation.—A. and N.Z.