MINISTER’S VISIT WAS TO ALLAY MISGIVINGS AS TO GROUNDNUT SCHEME

Wanganui Chronicle, 23 December 1949, Page 5

MINISTER’S VISIT WAS TO ALLAY MISGIVINGS AS TO GROUNDNUT SCHEME

LONDON, Dec. 21.—Several London newspapers which, in view of its obvious political importance, have been taking a close interest in Mr. Strachey's visit to Tanganyika, now agree that the real reason for his hurried departure for Africa was to quell open dissatisfaction among the staff of the groundnuts scheme. In particular, it was to allay the annoyance of a number of executives who disagreed with the statement made by him in the House of Commons, to the effect that when he last visited the scheme he had been assured that Sir Leslie Plummer enjoyed the full confidence of the staff in Africa.

In various interviews with special correspondents sent to Africa in his wake, Mr. Strachey has now admitted that this was one of the chief purposes of his visit. In reply to the “Daily Mail” representative, Noel Monks, the Minister said the question of any further statement could only be decided after he had conferred with Mr. Attlee. In addition, however, he told the “Daily Telegraph” representative, Colin Reid, that there had been a misunderstanding, and that he was now glad of the opportunity to make it plain that his original statement in the House of Commons was mistaken.

He insisted that on his present visit he had been impressed by the loyalty of the staff, and said that none of them had threatened to resign, as had been reported in some London papers. The “Daily Mail” says that one result of Mr. Strachey’s visit is that the joint general manager of the groundnuts scheme, Mr. G. Raby, will fly to London next week with a full list of all staff complaints, and proposals for meeting them. Noel Monks insists that the chief trouble on the scheme is the objection of the staff to Sir Leslie Plummer. “Although,” he says, “senior executives shied like unbroken horses at the mention of Plummer’s name, junior executives and the men who are doing the job did not hesitate to tell me, “There will be trouble as long as Plummer stays.’ ”

The outcome of Mr. Strachey’s discussions with Mr. Attlee on his return to London are being awaited with interest. It is pointed out that Mr. Strachey has so closely identified himself with the scheme, and has so firmly expressed his confidence in Sir Leslie Plummer, that he cannot now see him removed without proffering his own resignation. Several commentators express the opinion that Mr. Strachey’s political future largely depends on his success in appeasing the present dissatisfaction among the employees of the scheme.

Meanwhile the drought continues in East Africa, and increasingly threatens the whole of next year’s planting programme in the groundnut areas. The tough African scrub which covers much of the area cannot be cleared, it is stated, unless the ground is moist, so that the roots can be dragged out by the clearing machines.—Special N.Z.P.A. Correspondent.