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Conference on Closer Association in Central Africa To His Majesty's secretaries of State for the odnies and for Commonwealth Relations, the Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia, and the Governors of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland.
PREFACE
1. The decision to convene a Conference of officials to discuss the possi- bility of formulating a scheme for the closer association of the Central African territories of Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland was announced in the House of Commons on 8th November, 1950, by the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Mr. James Griffiths. Mr. Griffiths said :---
"The question of the closer association of the Central African territories of Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland has been under discussion for many years. His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom have, after careful consideration, formed the conclusion that it is desirable that there should be a fresh examination of the problem, and they have accepted the suggestion of the Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia that a Conference of officials of the three Central African Governments, of the Central African Council and of the Commonwealth Relations Office and Colonial Office shall be held in London for this purpose. It is intended that the Conference shall meet early in 1951.
The officials will examine the problem in all its aspects and consider whether it is possible, in the light of this examination, for them to formulate proposals for a further advance to be made in the closer association of the three Central African territories which they could recommend to the Govern- ments of these territories and to His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom. It should be emphasised that the work of the Conference will be purely exploratory and will in no way commit any of the participating Governments to the adoption of any proposals that may be formulated by the Conference. Full account will be taken of the special responsibilities of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom towards Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland; and adequate opportunity will be afforded for public discussion of any proposals that may be put forward. This will include consultation with African opinion in Northern Rhodesia and Nyasa- land in accordance with His Majesty's Government's statement made in the House of Commons that full account will be taken of it before any change affecting African interests could be considered."
Announcements on similar lines were made in the three Central African terri-
tories.
2. The Conference was held at the Commonwealth Relations Office, Downing Street, London, between 5th March and 31st March, 1951, and was attended by senior officials of all the Governments concerned. The Conference was opened by Sir Percivale Liesching, Permanent Under-Secretary of State, Commonwealth Relations Office, and Sir Thomas Lloyd, Permanent Under- Secretary of State, Colonial Office. Mr. G. H. Baxter, United Kingdom, was elected Chairman. A list of those taking part is given in Annex I.
3. The work of the Conference was, as stated by Mr. Griffiths, purely exploratory and the Report contains recommendations which we submit for 'the consideration of our respective Governments. The decision whether the recommendations are acceptable rests with the Governments concerned. They have undertaken to consult public opinion in the territories before reaching final conclusions.