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Reference
CO.882/1
ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC-
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PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDÒN
C. 74609/30 [No. 2].
No. 5.
THE SECRETARY OF STATE to THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE
GOVERNMENT.
(Sent 6 p.m., 12th March, 1930.)
TELEGRAM.
[Answered by No. 8.]
WATTS' Report, paragraph 11 and Annexure III paragraphs 44 et seq.
I am in full agreement as to the desirability of developing co-operation and improved agri- culture among small-holders which I consider to be in the long run one of the most important means by which the Mauritius sugar industry can be assisted. It appears, however, that such action can only be effective if it has the assistance and full co- operation of the estates and factories. This I understand has been the case elsewhere where cane farming by small-holders has been developed most fully and in the most. enlightened manner, e.g., at the Usine Sainte Madeleine, Trinidad, with which Watts is no doubt familiar.
I should be glad, therefore, if you will consider the preparation as soon as possible in conjunction with local estate and factory interests of a scheme for the development and improvement of small-holders' cane farming on co-operative lines and to know what proposals you would make for financing such a scheme.-PASSFIELD.
C. 74567/30 [No. 1].
No. 6.
THE SECRETARY OF STATE to THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT.
(Sent 6 p.m., 14th March, 1930.)
TELEGRAM.
[Answered by Nos. 7 and 9.]
TELEGRAMS in following terms have been sent to Governors of West Indian sugar-producing Colonies:-
Begins: His Majesty's Government understand that there may be difficulties in obtaining advances for the cultivation of the next crop of sugar, and in order that those who are willing to cultivate sugar shall not be prevented from doing so by inability to obtain an advance for purposes of cultivation of the coming crop, His Majesty's Government are prepared to assist Colonial Governments to give financial assistance in connexion with crop advances within the limits indi- cated below.
His Majesty's Government suggest that the Colonial Government should guarantee the bank or other approved lender in respect of one-half of the losses of capital and interest on crop advances not recovered within twelve months from the end of the crop season, provided that the liability of the Government in any one case shall not exceed fifteen per cent. of the total advance made in that case. The advances must be made a first charge on the cane and/or sugar produced, and any further legislation necessary for the purpose must be introduced, and should provide for an obligation to cultivate after receipt of the money.
If the Colonial Government will make these arrangements His Majesty's Government will be prepared to ask Parliament in due course to provide half of any loss that may be incurred by the Colony under the guarantee, the other half falling on Colonial funds.-Ends.
Maximum amounts of losses, to which His Majesty's Government will contribute His half, have been fixed for each Colony, totalling £300,000 for West Indies. Majesty's Government are prepared to make similar offer to Mauritius, maximum loss which they will share being limited to £200,000, which bears similar relation to the production of Mauritius as £300,000 does to the production of the West Indies. Offer in case of Mauritius is subject to such modifications as may be necessary to meet local conditions, and as soon as you have been able to consult those concerned I shall be glad to have your views as to how the scheme could be adopted for Mauritius.— PASSFIELD.
C. 74567/30 [No. 2].
No. 7.
THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT to THE SECRETARY
OF STATE.
(Received 11.32 a.m., 22nd March, 1930.)
TELEGRAM.
22ND MARCH. Chamber of Agriculture requests transmission to you of the following Resolution unanimously adopted by the Chamber at meeting held on 21st March:--
Begins: Chamber of Agriculture, while gratefully appreciating the inten- tion of the Secretary of State to grant Government relief to grievously depressed sugar industry, is of the opinion that initial measure of relief now offered is un- suited to the condition and critical need of our industry. Chamber begs leave once more to press upon the Officer Administering the Government the acute position in Mauritius and vital necessity for immediate assistance. Chamber begs leave, further, to suggest that the amount of relief now offered be made immediately available for distribution pro rata amongst producers in respect of last crop, as this would materially assist towards bringing to harvest standing crops and maintenance of cultivation under the required conditions.-Ends. Initial measure of relief mentioned in Resolution refers to the scheme detailed
in your telegram 14th March.* The possibility of modifying the scheme and adapting it to meet local conditions which are extremely complicated is still receiving the earnest consideration of this Government.
C. 74609/30 [No. 3].
No. 8.
THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT to THE SECRETARY OF STATE.
(Received 2.9 p.m., 24th March, 1930.) TELEGRAM.
24TH MARCH. Your telegram of 12th March,† Have discussed situation with Watts, who is familiar with cane farms, Trinidad, and with methods of Usine Sainte Madeleine. He considers system in Mauritius has many features in common with Trinidad. Similar methods Usine Sainte Madeleine are envisaged by local Usines. It will, however, take many years to develop system to a useful point. The matter will require long discussion to secure co-operation of estates and factories. Watts who has been inquiring into the situation suggests that further discussion be deferred until he is able to confer with you at the Colonial Office. In the meantime matter will continue to receive my careful consideration.
C. 74567/30 [No. 3].
No. 9..
THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT to THE SECRETARY
OF STATE.
(Received 1.56 p.m., 26th March, 1930.)
TELEGRAM.
[Answered by No. 10.]
your
26TH MARCH. This Government considers that scheme mentioned in telegram of 14th March* can be adapted to Mauritius with slight modifications.
Immediate legislation on the lines indicated in your telegram under reference will be necessary.
It is assumed (1) that the scheme is to apply to crop next to be reaped, and (2) that advances already made for the purposes mentioned in your telegram by banks or lenders to be approved may receive benefit of scheme.
The advances ordinarily to be made under the scheme would begin about 1st April.
* No. 6.
+ No. 5.
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