HC Deb 17 December 1941 vol 376 c1923
18. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government will consider the desirability of making a pronouncement at an early date to the coloured races of the Colonial Empire conveying the assurance that the principles contained in the Atlantic Charter shall be progressively implemented respecting them, and that no fundamental distinction will be recognised between the political and economic rights of white and coloured peoples?

Mr. George Hall

I can only refer my hon. Friend, as I did in reply to a previous Question by him, to the statement made by the Prime Minister on 9th September. The Prime Minister made it clear on that occasion that our declared policy in regard to the peoples of the Colonial Empire was in entire harmony with the conceptions underlying the Atlantic Charter. In the circumstances, my Noble Friend does not consider that any further pronouncement is required.

Mr. Sorensen

Will my hon. Friend reply to the last sentence in my Question? Does he not see the tremendous value it would be to Colonial peoples if some amplification of the Lord Privy Seal's recent address to West Indian students were made?

Mr. Hall

That is another question.

Mr. Sorensen

Will my hon. Friend answer the last sentence?

Mr. Hall

I am afraid it is impossible to say anything in addition to that full statement, and I would refer my hon. Friend to it.