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political partnership between Europeans and Africans is the only policy which can succeed in the conditions of Central Africa; this is fully recognised by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom and by all three Central African Governgens ladser association between Regreteritbried, by the economic and political strength which it would bring with it, would in our view provide a surer foundation than exists at present for developing and extending the policy of racial co-operation and partnership, on which all three territories are agreed, without the fear of influences from outside the borders of British Central Africa.
33. Closer association would also provide the means of building upon an inter-territorial basis institutions which over a period of years would help to draw the Central African territories together in other ways. It would enable Central Africa to determine the composition of its population by deciding on a common immigration policy; and the introduction of higher education for Europeans and Africans on an inter-territorial basis would help towards the creation of a common outlook.
34. Having considered all these factors, we are agreed that, in the general interests of the Commonwealth and the particular interests of all inhabitants of Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland, there is a compelling case for establishing an effective form of closer association between the terri- tories and that the need for this is urgent. But in any scheme of closer association certain conditions must be fulfilled. Account must be taken both of Southern Rhodesia's self-governing status and of the special responsibilities of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom towards Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland. Political progress for Africans must be maintained and Africans must be enabled to play an appropriate part, according to their qualifications, in the Government and the political institutions to be established. At the same time, until their partnership with Europeans becomes fully effective, there must be adequate provision in the constitution for African welfare and advancement. Finally, the unit of government which is established for the Central African territories must be able to stand on its own feet economically; and it must be autonomous financially.
292
CHAPTER III
FORM OF CLOSER ASSOCIATION
35. Having thus come to the definite conclusion that closer association between the three territories ought to be brought about, and that the need for this is urgent, we have proceeded to consider what form the association should take. We have constantly borne in mind that whatever is proposed must be designed not only to promote the well-being of the territories and their inhabitants but also to be acceptable to the inhabitants and to the Governments and Legislatures concerned.
Proposal involving the division of Northern Rhodesia
36. Before considering possible forms of closer association between the territories we wish to refer to a suggestion which has had some publicity that, instead of associating the three territories, the Copperbelt and line of rail should be detached from the rest of Northern Rhodesia and amalgamated with Southern Rhodesia. This would involve turning the rest of Northern Rhodesia into two separate Protectorates, one of which might possibly be absorbed into Nyasaland.
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political partnership between Europeans and Africans is the only policy which can succeed in the conditions of Central Africa; this is fully recognised by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom and by all three Central African Governments. Closer association between the free territories, by the economic and political strength which it would bring with it, would in our view provide a surer foundation than exists at present for developing and extending the policy of racial co-operation and partnership, on which all three territories are agreed, without the fear, of influences from outside the borders of British Central Africa.
4
33. Closer association would also provide the means of building upon an inter-territorial basis institutions which over a period of years would help to draw the Central African territories together in other ways. It would enable Central Africa to determine the composition of its population by deciding on a common immigration policy; and the introduction of higher education for Europeans and Africans on an inter-territorial basis would help towards the creation of a common outlook.
34. Having considered all these factors, we are agreed that, in the general interests of the Commonwealth and the particular interests of all inhabitants of Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland, there is a compelling case for establishing an effective form of closer association between the terri- tories and that the need for this is urgent. But in any scheme of closer association certain conditions must be fulfilled. Account must be taken both of Southern Rhodesia's self-governing status and of the special responsibilities of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom towards Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland. Political progress for Africans must be maintained and Africans must be enabled to play an appropriate part, according to their qualifications, in the Government and the political institutions to be established. At the same time, until their partnership with Europeans becomes fully effective, there must be adequate provision in the constitution for African welfare and advancement. Finally, the unit of government which is established for the Central African territories must be able to stand on its own feet economically; and it must be autonomous financially.
292
CHAPTER III
FORM OF CLOSER ASSOCIATION
35. Having thus come to the definite conclusion that closer association between the three territories ought to be brought about, and that the need for this is urgent, we have proceeded to consider what form the association should take. We have constantly borne in mind that whatever is proposed must be designed not only to promote the well-being of the territories and their inhabitants but also to be acceptable to the inhabitants and to the Governments and Legislatures concerned.
Proposal involving the division of Northern Rhodesia
36. Before considering possible forms of closer association between the territories we wish to refer to a suggestion which has had some publicity that, instead of associating the three territories, the Copperbelt and line of rail should be detached from the rest of Northern Rhodesia and amalgamated with Southern Rhodesia. This would involve turning the rest of Northern Rhodesia into two separate Protectorates, one of which might possibly be absorbed into Nyasaland.
40409