“NOT NOW AN ISSUE”

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21215, 9 December 1938, Page 9

“NOT NOW AN ISSUE”

BRITAIN’S COLONIAL POLICY Important Statement in Parliament “Will Not Give Up Territory Safeguarding of Rights of Natives Outburst in Germany United Pi we Association—By Electric Teiegrapb—Copyright (Received December 8, 6.30 p.m.) RUGBY, December 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 colonial or niandatory 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 It and we are not considering it. It is not now an Issue in practical politics, and if we were ever to come to a discussion on this question, there are certain things which would have to be borne in mind.' Rights of Native Peoples Mr Macdonald emphasised that the Government would not do anything 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 an extension of the mandatory principle to all colonial territories, Mr Macdonald urged the House of Commons to reject a proposition which he argued would be as unsettling as had been certain apprehensions and rumours, which lately had spread that the Government was contemplating the transfer of territories. Mr Macdonald added: “I think the House of Commons is very conscious of the fact that peoples or colonies are not merely content, but are positively happy and proud to be among his Majesty’s subjects." He contended that there was practically no restriction on the access to raw materials In British Colonies, but the Government was still ready to consider any proposals which might be brought forward for the 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 purposes 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 assurances these people can have that the spirit will still be a guide in their anairs, is that they should continue their association with the British Empire." Subject of Debate The debate was raised on the motion • of Mr Noel Baker (Labour) which inj vited the House of Commons to express an opinion that no redistribu- . tion of colonial or mandated territories should be made without the consent of the inhabitants, and went on to propose the extension f 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. Colonel Amery, in the course of the debate, criticised Mr Macdonald's phrase that the matter was “not now an issue in practical politics.” He said of the word now meant no longer, the House would consent, but the implied reservation that the Government might change Its mind then the satisfaction c of the House of Commons was not so great. “I wish,” added Colonel Amery, "it had been said 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. "BETRAYAL OF TRUST” IF TANGANYIKA IS RETURNED TO GERMANY United Press Association—By Electric Telearnph—Coovright CAPETOWN, December 7. Assuming from Mr Neville 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, declaring that the return of Tanganyika to Germany would be a betrayal of the trust that the natives have placed in the British Government. „ . "With Germany and Italy as neighbours, Uganda would be Hable to attack at a moment’s notice," it concludes. Buganda, a province of Uganda, is situated to the north of Lake Victoria and includes the islands in the northern

part of the lake and the districts of Mengo, Masaka, Mubende and Entebbe. The province is recognised as a native kingdom under a Rakab. with the title of his Highness, who is assisted in the government by three native ministers and a luklko, or native assembly. For Europeans and non-natives justice is administered by British courts. GERMAN PRESS ANGER DEMAND FOR RETURN OF COLONIES Onlted Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received December 8. 11.50 p.m.) BERLIN, December 8. Mr Malcolm Macdonald’s statement on colonies has angered Germany. "The Volkischer Beobachter,” the leading Nazi organ, says: “Mr Macdonald has not produced a sngle reason for refusing the return of German colonies, which has not been refuted a 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 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, thus making this cheap excuse even more unappetising and shabby.’