HC Deb 18 March 1942 vol 378 cc1502-3
42. Mr. David Adams

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether he has now a statement to make as to the Anglo-American plans for social and economic co-operation in the Caribbean?

Mr. Harold Macmillan

There is nothing to add at this stage to the communique published on 9th March regarding the establishment of the Anglo-American Caribbean Commission. It is hoped that the first meeting of the Commission will take place shortly. I am circulating a copy of the communiqué in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the communiqué:

For the purpose of encouraging and strengthening social and economic cooperation betwen the United States of America and its possessions and bases in the area known geographically and politically as the Caribbean, and the United Kingdom and British Colonies in the same area, and to avoid unnecessary duplication of research in these fields, a Commission, to be known as the Anglo-American Caribbean Commission, has been jointly created by the two Governments. The Commission will consist of six members; three from each country, to be appointed respectively by the President of the United States and His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom who will designate one member from each country as co-chairman. Members of the Commission will concern themselves primarily with matters pertaining to labour, agriculture, housing, health, education, social welfare, finance, and related subjects in territories under British and United States flags within this territory, and on these matters will advise their respective Governments. The Anglo-American Caribbean Commission in its studies and in the formulation of its recommendations will necessarily bear in mind the desirability of close co-operation in social and economic matters between all regions adjacent to the Caribbean.

The following appointments have: been made:

The remaining members of the Commission will be named later by the Governments concerned.