§ 47. Mr. SANDYSasked the Prime Minister whether he has considered the declaration issued in Dar-es-Salaam on 4th May by a representative body of professional and business men and members of the Legislative Council, a copy of which has been communicated to him, to the effect that the uncertainty as to the attitude of His Majesty's Government in regard to the future of Tanganyika is causing alarm among the European, Indian, and native inhabitants and is retarding the economic development of the territory; and, if so, whether he can make any declaration which would allay these anxieties?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have received from my hon. Friend a copy of the communication referred to in the question. I would, however, refer him to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for South Croydon (Mr. H. G. Williams) on 27th April, in which it was stated categorically that His Majesty's Government had not considered and are not considering the transfer of any mandated territories to any other Power.
§ Mr. SANDYSIn view of the fact that most of the Dominion Governments have found it possible to make unequivocal declarations as to the future of the mandated territories under their control, can the Prime Minister tell us frankly what are the reasons which prevent him from giving an equally definite statement of policy in regard to the mandated territories held by the United Kingdom?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have said more than once that I have nothing to add to the very categorical and definite statement which I made.
§ Mr. H. G. WILLIAMSHaving regard to the indications of uncertainty in statements made in Africa during the last few 1874 days, will the Cabinet consider and, come to a decision on future policy so that all uncertainty may be removed?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have had no information of uncertainty from any quarter at all.
§ Mr. PALINGDoes the Prime Minister not think that the lack of this statement is retarding the economic development of these territories?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, there is no truth in that at all.
§ 49. Mr. KEELINGasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will enter into consultation with His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions with a view to a uniform declaration of policy regarding the future of the mandated territories?
Mr. M. MacDONALDI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for South Croydon (Mr. H. G. Williams) on 27th April, in the course of which the Prime Minister stated that His Majesty's Government have no intention whatever of raising the question themselves. The question raised by my hon. Friend does not, therefore, arise.
§ Mr. MANDERIs it not perfectly clear now that there is a divergence in Empire policy on this matter, and is it not desirable to consult with the Dominions and try to agree upon a United Empire policy?