3.
The Governments of all the
West Indian Colonies mentioned by the
Delegates have signified their
willingness to adhere to the Convention
and to take steps to procure the
necessary legislation to carry out its
provisions.; But only a few of these
Colonies have as yet actually passed
$.
such legislation.
The Colony of
Mauritius and some of the West Indian
Colonies to which reference is made,
have legislatures in which there is an
unofficial majority, and although
the Executive Government, in whose
hands such matters rest, may agree
to the signature of the Convention
there is no certainty that the
legislature will pass the necessary
legislation to give effect to the
provisions of the Convention.
If, as is possible, though not, in Mr.
Harcourt's opinion, probable, one or
more of the legislatures in question
le.
should
307
should refuse to enact the necessary
measures the position will be that while
the Goverment of the Colony has agreed
to be bound by the provisions of the
Convention it is unable to give any effect
thereto.
4.
The Bahamas and the three
Colonies of the Windward Islands (Grenada
St. Lucia, and St. Vincent) have passed
the necessary legislation, and the
Convention may be formally signed on
behalf of those Colonies without further
delay, if Sir E. Grey so desires. The
other Colonies (Barbados, Bermuda, British
Guiana, British Honduras, the Leeward
B Hand Or has
Ron
4/143
Islands and Mauritius)will be asked to
expedite the passing of legislation on
the subject, but, though it may be antici-
pated with some confidence that these
Colonies will eventually adhere to the
Convention, r. Harcourt would prefer,
for