37. 'Reforms in education and in other ways have certainly resulted in a diminution of white influence, and probably of French. There are now 10 out of 19 elected members who are apparently Hindus. In 1935 out of ten, eight were white and the only Hindu member was nominated. This readjustment of forces will no doubt result in a shaking down of most of the population to a greater common denominator.
38. In spite of French sympathies it is apparent from Mauritian response during World War II that the island is more attached in sympathy to the commonwealth than it was in World War I, but there was a "Vichy" question. There was in irredentist movement after the first war but it could not recur.
The Future.
39. If the conception of the background is not too faulty it appears that Mauritius is rapidly approaching the stage when it could develop constitutionally into a state with internal self- government.
40.
Economically it could no doubt be more independent than
Malta as its wealth does not consist of invisiblo exports.
41. It would be a loss if French culture, which was very active, were to die out. There is, however, a wide desire for culture which may assist future cultural developments.
42. Presumably active "conflict" between black and white is loss. The white element would be reluctant to see British control relaxed, and they are beginning to feel that Mauritius is no longer a place in which they can live happily. There is far more movement away from the island now than there used to be.
43. Mauritius was in my time a colony where a flag and other symbols would have been appreciated. Whether it still is depends largely on Indo-Mauritian feeling. I should say a "president" was a distinct possibility.
44. In view of the development of communications since the Seychelles were separated from Mauritius, I should say it was practicable to re-unite them now. The Seychelles still has. તેમ appeal to Mauritius, but its only other link is sharing an Anglican bishop. Reunion would probably be an economical proposition.
IV. Aden present position.
45. The use of the torm "Aden" meaning Aden Colony and Protectorate has resulted in a wrong appreciation of what Adon is or can be.
46. The Aden Protectorate Order in Council 1937 can never result in the "states" of the den Protectorate becoming local governments in a federation or a territory with a central government. History, Arab character and geography are against it.
47. Historically the Western Protectorate is part of the Yemen and the influence once cxercised by Sana has now passed to don. The Hadhramaut in the Eastern Protectorate has always been a separate province, never long under any foreign control, and looking to the cast rather than towards Aden. The Mahre country, beyond the Hadhramaut, is also a separate province with its own language. It is connected to Socotra whose Sultan is also nominally Sultan of the Mahra country.
48.
It is unlikely that one man in a thousand in the Aden Protectorate realises what legal authority the Governor of Aden has in the country, and I doubt if any one recognises any authority in him beyond that which possession of force gives him. There are indeed vast stretches of the country where the den Government cannot penetrate. The Governor really has responsibility without authority.
/49.
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