LEEWARD ISLANDS

Wanganui Chronicle, 23 February 1949, Page 5

LEEWARD ISLANDS

E/.RL BALDWIN’S CRITICISM SAID TO BE DISTORTION LONDON, Feb. 21.—The political correspondent of the “Observer” suggests that when the facts are known, the circumstances leading to the recall of Earl Baldwin from the Leeward Islands will bear a Very different complexion from those at present being put on them. The “Observer” says it can be said categorically that there is not a word of truth in Earl Baldwin’s tharges that the Colonial Office has been reactionary in its treatment of the Leeward Islands, and that Earl Baldwin’s criticisms of the Colonial Secretary (Mr. Creech Jones) are "a gross distortion,” to say the least. If there has been any criticisms of Mr Creech Jones, who is one of the really successful Ministers of the Attlee Government, it has been that he tried to move too fast in bringing about ColOTiial reforms. The correspondent suggests that Earl Baldwin was not asked to come to England because he was too good a Socialist in carrying out his duties as Governor, but because th e “Colonial Office could not get anything coherent out of him in writing, even about tlie questions of reform which Earl Baldwin now claims to be close to his heart." Extensive reports dealing with the reactions in the Leeward Islands to Earl Baldwin's recall are now reaching London. These show that the islands’ population is sharply divided on the question. Many Europeans, including leaders of the white community, claim that Earl Baldwin has been inefficient, and has failed to maintain the prestige of his office. The majority of coloured people, on the other hand, support him, and approvingly cite many examples of his democratic behaviour. It is generally believed that Earl Baldwin’s recall was due to an adverse report put in by the Com-mandei-in-Chief of the Home Fleet, who is said to have complained about the Governor's alleged discourtesy when the Fleet put in at Antigua last autumn. Interviewed in London during the weekend. Earl Baldwin denied he had ever refused to drink the King’s health or had refused to swear allegiance to the Crown because he was an atheist. “That is a lie." he said. "It is normal for a Nonconformist to affirm, and not to swear.” lie did. not salute when "God Save the King” .was played, because, ns the King's 'representative, it was not proper for I him to do so.