HC Deb 16 July 1936 vol 314 cc2238-41
77. Mr. DAVID GRENFELL

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he can now make any statement as to the communications between the acting High Commissioner in South Africa and the Prime Minister of the Union with regard to the Prime Minister's pronouncement on the South African protectorates?

The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)

The Acting High Commissioner for Basutoland, the Bechuanaland Protectorate and Swaziland has been in communication with the Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa regarding the recent statements made by General Hertzog in the Union House of Assembly in connection with the question of the transfer of these Territories to the Union. General Hertzog states that he stands by the terms of the aide memoire of last year, and confirms that it is a full statement of the agreement reached between him and my predecessor. He has explained that his recent statements are to be read as an expression of his personal hope that, if the policy agreed to in the aide memoire is loyally carried out by both Governments, a position would, within a few years, be created which would permit the transfer of the Territories to the Union with the good will of their populations. He agrees, however, with the view of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom that it is essential to the success of the policy of co-operation that it should not be hurried, and that until that policy has had a fair trial any predictions as to the period within which such a policy might be expected to succeed in bringing about the situation which the two Governments had in mind when the aide memoire was issued, must necessarily be in the nature of conjecture. I should like to take this opportunity to make it clear that there is no agreement or understanding between the Governments that the transfer of the Territories or of any one of them should take place within any specified time.

His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom welcomed the recent generous offer of the Union Government to share in the cost of certain development schemes in the Territories as being in the spirit of the agreement embodied in the aide memoire, and they accordingly advised the native authorities to co-operate. It was made clear to the native authorities that the acceptance of this offer could not impair the pledges already given by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom to consult the inhabitants of the Territories before any decision is reached as to transfer, and that such acceptance would not be regarded as in any way committing the chiefs on the point. In view, however, of the uneasiness which, it is understood, is still felt by the native authorities on the subject, His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom have now come to the conclusion that it would be preferable for the proposal for such financial assistance on the part of the Union Government to remain in obeyance for the present. General Hertzog has stated that he is entirely willing to agree to this course.

Mr. GRENFELL

Are we to understand that the financial assistance offered by the Union is now to be withdrawn, and the matter remains in abeyance, and in the meantime His Majesty's Government will make the necessary advance to carry out the intentions of that offer? Further, am I to understand that the withdrawal of the financial assistance and the suspension of the discussions leaves the position of the Protectorates as it was, without prejudice to their future?

Mr. MacDONALD

In regard to the latter part of the question, the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards transfer remains exactly as it was stated in the aide memoire and other pronouncements made on behalf of His Majesty's Government. As regards the question of financial assistance, the union's offer remains in abeyance, and the question of making up the assistance from United Kingdom funds is now receiving very careful consideration, and part of it is already being considered by the Colonial Development Funds Committee.

Sir FRANCIS FREMANTLE

Will the Minister be able to assure us that the schemes that he and his predecessor have had in contemplation, for improving the health conditions and general welfare of the people, will not be in any way interfered with, but will go forward?

Mr. MacDONALD

We are making progress, and we hope to make further progress.

Mr. DONNER

May the House understand that the Government not only stand by the Aide Mémoire of May, 1935, but also by the dispatch sent by the Dominions Office to General Smuts in July, 1933, which more specifically declares that account must be taken of the wishes of the inhabitants?

Mr. MacDONALD

We stand by all the official pronouncements which have been made, and which are perfectly reconcilable one with the other.

Mr. DONNER

Does General Hertzog agree to these pronouncements, and will he stand by them?

Lieut.-Commander FLETCHER

May we take it as certain that the wishes of the populations concerned will be the governing factor in this question of the transfer of these populations?

Mr. MacDONALD

The Government stand by the pledge which they have given to the inhabitants of the Territories with regard to that matter.