Imperial Conference

Hokitika Guardian, 24 June 1921, Page 2

Imperial Conference

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. MR CHURCHILL’S SPEECH. ’ tßeceived this day at 8 a.m./ LONDON June 22. Hon. W. Churchill’s speech at the Conference was devoted to the CroWn Colonies, whose story he said was full of interest and romance. Problems existed in these colonies similar to those of the larger states. Though on a smaller scale they were sometimes more complex than those found in the great states: Some were great protectorates, exporting produce worth forty to fifty millions sterling annually to Britain:' During the war they were prospterfius; but with the coming of peace, a Wave of trade depression had fallen upon them. Prices of tin, and rubber had fallen below the cost of production. Even the sugar colonies were in difficulties about the disposal of their crops. The decline in the world’s consuming power was making itself felt on highly organised British industries and by repercussion affecting the raw materials of tropical dependencies. “Apart from this phase,” said Mr Churchill, “one cannot help feeling how magnificent is the asset which the Empire possesses. We must endeavour to secure audit money for the development of the colonies.” Although this was a matter for Britain at the present time, it should more and more engage the sympathies and interest of the self-governing Dominions. He instanced the agreement between Canada and West Indies. Bermuda had declined to ratify the reciprocity agreement, but he would endeavour to secure its acceptance. He hoped to get a delegation from Rhodesia to meet General Smuts and Mr Smartt, in order to discuss its position. The great expense in Palestine and Mesopotamia had led to everything in regard to Crown colonies being pruned severely. He hoped, however, to develop railway communication in Uganda. ’Mr Churchill referred to the question j raised by M. Sastri regarding Indian j settlers in Crown Colonies. He thought there was only one ideal thal the Empire could set before itself, and that was that there should be no harrier of race, colour or creed, to prevent any man of merit from reaching any station if fitted for it. He did not feel able to adopt any lesser statement of principle in regard to the Crown Colonies, hut ft would have to be carefully gradually applied.