NEED FOR CAPITAL

those of Commonwealth countries, but it is hoped that this may be done at a later stage. When their data and programmes become available, it will almost certainly prove that they require external finance for comparable purposes and on a comparable scale. 36. At such time as these additional countries in the area become fully associated with the work of the Consultative Committee and are in a position to make their programmes available, it will be necessary to make some adjustment in the name and structure of the Committee in order to permit it to operate effectively on a wider basis. If other countries find themselves able to help in the work of economic development in South and South-East Asia, further and probably more radical alterations in the organisation will be required. It may be the wish both of countries providing external finance and of those receiving it that it should be made available on a bilateral basis. It may be, however, that there would also be need for an organisation of participating Governments which could review progress, which could draw up periodic reports, and which could serve as a forum for the discussion of development problems in South and South-East Asia. The form of such an organisation cannot be determined until it is clear what the sources of external finance will be. But it would seem preferable if the organisation could include both countries supplying capital and countries receiving it, who would all meet to consider the problem of development as a matter of common interest. 37. Stress has been laid throughout this Report on the poverty of the peoples in the area. In economic terms that is the cardinal fact which must be held in mind. In another sense, however, these countries are rich. They are rich in the dignity of peasants tilling the soil, and in the wisdom of teachers and scholars. They also possess incalculable capital in the form of the traditions of civilisations which are older than history itself —traditions which have produced treasures of art and learning and which still mould the minds and spirits of their peoples. The worst effect of poverty has been to cloud and circumscribe these human aspects. They must be liberated so that they can contribute towards the self-realisation of individuals, towards the fulfilment of national aspirations, and towards the enhancement of the lives of other peoples throughout the word. The progress of science and technology has suggested ways in which this may be done ; and in an age when other countries are increasingly reaping the advantages of scientific and industrial advance, the hastening of a similar process in Asia cannot safely be delayed. 38. Commonwealth countries in the area have shown their determination to do their full share in furthering the economic development of their own countries. It is realised that this burden must be borne chiefly by the countries themselves. The careful preparation of these programmes by the Governments of the under-developed countries and the scrutiny which they have given to aH the projects which they have under contemplation in order to reduce them to a consistent and practical programme, is an index of their self-disciplined resolve to move forward energetically. Without external financial assistance something will be done. But it will be done at a much slower rate than would be possible if external finance were provided. 39. And speed is necessary. In a world racked by schism and confusion it is doubtful whether free men can long afford to leave undeveloped and imprisoned in poverty the human resources of the countries of South and South-East Asia which could help so greatly, not only to restore the world's prosperity, but also to redress its confusion and enrich the lives of all men everywhere.

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