51. Mr. Dugdaleasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that it is the present intention of Her Majesty's Government to invite the Prime Minister of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland to attend the Commonwealth Conference, invitations will also be sent to the Prime Ministers of Malta, Nigeria, the Gold Coast and other Territories which, while not fully independent, have been granted a substantial measure of self-government.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. These meetings are essentially meetings of the Prime Ministers of the member countries. Much of their special character would be lost if the circle of those invited were to be prematurely or unduly widened. There are long-established reasons for the invitation which, after consultation with the other Prime Ministers, I have sent to the Prime Minister of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland to join the Commonwealth meeting.
Mr. DugdaleIs the Prime Minister aware that by distinguishing, by picking out, one particular country and inviting it to the Conference of Dominion Premiers, he is creating a very unfavourable impression among the other parts of the Commonwealth? Will he reconsider this matter, because both economics and 1578 defence are likely to be discussed at this Conference, matters which are of interest to other parts of the Commonwealth as well as the Rhodesias?
§ The Prime MinisterSir Godfrey Huggins has been invited here for quite a considerable number of years. His personal qualities and position have to be considered, as well as the fact that he is a very eminent figure in our Imperial structure. They have been rightly considered, as have the precedents in regard to him, as well as the question of the Territory which he represents.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsIs it not a fact that the Territories referred to in my right hon. Friend's Question have now reached the constitutional stage which Southern Rhodesia had reached when her Prime Minister was invited to this Conference? Will the Prime Minister not consider the effect of this, since to refuse to invite the Prime Ministers of Malta, Nigeria, the Gold Coast, and other Territories which occupy the same position—not Dominion status—in Africa may be regarded as discriminating against them?
§ The Prime MinisterAll these matters have been the subject of prolonged and careful consideration, and they will continue to be under perpetual study.
§ Mr. GriffithsCannot this matter be reconsidered in consultation with the other Governments? May I ask the Prime Minister to bear in mind that his reply will have a very unfortunate effect upon the people concerned?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is certainly a topic which will no doubt be discussed among the Prime Ministers of the Commonwealth when they meet. The general question of the numbers who should be invited may well be considered.