§ 41. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the proposed discussions are to begin in Northern Rhodesia between representatives of Europeans and Africans to define the principle of partnership, and to seek agreement upon its implementation.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe Governor has arranged a meeting on 3rd December at which the African Representative Council will be invited to say whether they are prepared to take part in consultations to define the principle of partnership. My right hon. Friend shares the view of his predecessor that in the conditions of 1509 Northern Rhodesia the policy of partnership is the only one which can succeed, and he sincerely hopes that the African Representative Council will agree to participate in the proposed consultations.
§ Mr. JohnsonDoes the Minister agree that it is only when these talks begin and continue that Africans and Europeans can settle down together in partnership, and that we can expect no satisfactory settlement of this problem of federation until these talks take place?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI entirely agree with the hon. Gentleman, and that is why the Government took the first opportunity, on 21st November, of declaring their attitude towards the Central African federation problem.