§ 38. Mr. Haleasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations, in view of the present policy that the Commonwealth should be consulted before changes involving Dominion status are made, what consultations have taken place and with what result between Her Majesty's Government and the Governments of India, Pakistan and Ceylon with reference to the proposals for closer co-operation in Central Africa.
§ Mr. J. FosterThe proposals (Command 8573) for the federation of Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland do not involve any change creating full and independent membership of the Commonwealth. The necessity for consulting other Members of the Commonwealth has not therefore arisen.
§ Mr. HaleWould not it be a good thing to consult and find out the opinion of the Asian countries on these important changes? Is not the Under-Secretary aware that the Prime Minister said the other day that any change in the situation in West Africa would have to be submitted to the Union of South Africa for prior consideration? Has not he been made aware of the overwhelming feeling against these proposals in the kraals and in the Far East, and does he not realise that public feeling is being roused to a very considerable degree and should he not consult them before going further?
§ Mr. FosterNo, Sir.