§ 41. Mr. Chapmanasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies what progress has been made by Dr. Eric Williams in his efforts 45W to solve the problems of British Guiana; and what support he is giving to Dr. Williams in this matter.
§ Mr. SandysThe strike in the sugar industry in British Guiana is now in its 17th week.
From the start, it was accompanied by arson and violence which assumed an increasingly racial character.
31 people have lost their lives, over 400 have been injured, and extensive damage has been done to houses and other property.
On 27th May, the Governor, on the advice of the Premier, declared a State of Emergency; and an additional battalion of British troops was flown out. Although violence has not ceased it has noticeably diminished.
In the last few days there have been certain political moves to reduce tension.
On 4th June, the Opposition Leader, Mr. Burnham, proposed that, in view of the grave situation, a national Government of all parties should be formed, to carry on the administration until after the elections in the autumn.
He stipulated that all arms should be called in and that the new Government should invite religious and social organisations to participate in promoting inter-racial harmony.
On 6th June the Premier, Dr. Jagan, put forward a counter proposal for a long-term coalition confined to the two largest parties, coupled with a revision of the Constitution and a change in the electoral system.
During the past two years we have been trying by every means to bring about political co-operation between the races: and I have told Dr. Williams that I warmly welcome any help he can give us in this task.