BRITAIN’S STAND

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 December 1938, Page 7

BRITAIN’S STAND

ON THE COLONIES ISSUE NO THOUGHT OF HANDING OVER AN ACRE. MR MALCOLM MACDONALD’S DECLARATION. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY. December 7. “I do not believe that there is today any section of opinion in this country which is disposed to hand over to any other country one acre of any territories or peoples for whose government we are responsible either as a colonial or mandatory power.” The declaration was made by the Colonial Secretary, Mr Malcolm MacDonald, in the House of Commons during the debate on the colonial question today. The Minister continued: “That view has been expressed in every part of the House, and that view is shared by the Government. We are discussing t 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 born in mind.” Mr MacDonald emphasized that he would not do anything in this matter without the House of Commons having the fullest possible opportunity of discussion . In fact, nothing effective could be done without the positive approval of Parliament. PROPOSAL OPPOSED.

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 to reject aproposition which, he argued, would be as unsettling as had been certain apprehensions and rumours which had lately been spread that the Government was contemplating a transfer of territories. Mr MacDonald said: “I think the House is very conscious of the fact that the peoples of the colonies are not merely content but positively happy and proud to be among His Majesty’s subjects.” He contended that there was practically no restriction on access to raw materials in the British colonies, but the Government was still ready to consider any proposal which might be brought forward for a 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 to see that they received fair play in the complicated economic system of the modern world. The great purpose 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 assurance these people can have that this spirit will still be a guide in their affairs is that they should continue their association with the British Empire.” OPPOSITION DOUBTS.

The debate was raised on a motion by Mr Noel Baker (Labour) which invited the House to express the opinion that no redistribution of colonial or mandated territories should be made without the consent of the inhabitants, and went on to propose an extension of 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. Mr L. S. Amery (Conservative, in the course of the debate, criticised Mr MacDonald’s phrase that the matter “was not now an issue in practical politics.” He said if the word “now” meant no longer, the House would consent, but if it implied a reservation that the Government might change its mind, then the satisfaction of the House was not so great. “I wish it had been said that the Government had no intention of transferring any part of the Colonial Empire,” said Mr Amery. (Cheers). Several members called out “Answer,” but Mr MacDonald did not reply, and the vote was then taken.

PROTEST IN ROME “VIOLATION OF THE SPIRIT OF MUNICH.” (Received This Day, 10.0 a.m.) ROME, December 8. Semi-official quarters descrwe Mr Malcolm MacDonald’s declaration in the House of Commons as a violation of the spirit of the Munich agreement. OPINION IN FRANCE. (Received This Day, 10.0 a.m.) PARIS, December 8. Most French newspapers take the view that the declaration definitely shuts the door on negotiations. PRIOR CONSULTATION. MUSSOLINI & THE PARIS DECLARATION. (Received This Day, 9.45 a.m.) ROME, December 8. Diplomatic information reveals that Herr von Ribbentrop communicated the text of the Paris declaration to Signor Mussolini in October and Signor Mussolini approved it. “VESUVIUS & VENICE” STUDENTS RIDICULE ITALIAN 7 CLAIMS. LATIN QUARTER BURLESQUE. (Received This Day, 9.45 a.m.) PARIS, December 8. Five thousand students in the Latin Quarter burlesqued the Italian claims, marching and shouting: “Give us Vesuvius and Venice.” Corsicans resident at Monte Carlo demonstrated against the Italian claims, police preventing scenes outside the Italian Consulate. Toulouse and Strasbourg students, .marching in the streets, demanded that Italy hand over Sicily, Sardinia and Tripoli. The police were called out to protect the Italian Consulate. TUNIS DISORDERS ITALIAN CONSUL-GENERAL PROTESTS. THREAT OF DEFENCE MEASURES. (Received This Day, 10.10 a.m.) TUNIS, December 8. The Italian Consul-General, protesting to France against anti-Italian demonstrations, declared that if they did not cease, the Italians would adopt legitimate defence measures.