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W. C. F. STUART.

HENRY S. SCHNARR.

71

No. 20.

WINDWARD ISLANDS (ST. Lucia).

THE GOVERNOR to THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

(Received 12th April, 1917.)

(No. 58.)

Grenada, 13th March, 1917.

485

HONOURABLE COLONIAL SECRETARY,

I ENDORSE Mr. Cuthbert's remarks and fully agree with him.

7th November, 1916.

HONOURABLE COLONIAL SECRETARY,

G. E. GRABHAM.

THE changes proposed in the naturalization laws in France would, in my opinion, do very well for aliens who are now our enemies, but it should not be harder for aliens who are our Allies or neutrals to become British subjects than for subjects of Great Britain to become subjects of those States.

I also think we should adopt high discriminating duties against all goods of enemy origin that can be supplied in the Empire, and should impose high light dues on enemies' ships.

17th November, 1916.

HONOURABLE COLONIAL SECRETARY,

W. L. McKINSTRY.

THE only "special circumstances affecting the interests of the Colony which occur to me is our present dependence on American capital for the mahogany industry.

If the recommendation B III. (at page 7), "To conserve for the Allied countries "involves the continued restriction on before all others their natural resources exports to the United States of America, the financial support at present afforded by the United States of America would probably diminish, in which case our output of mahogany would, unless other arrangements were made, also diminish. L. H. ELPHINSTONE,

18th November, 1916.

Attorney-General.

I CERTAINLY am of opinion that it will be to the interests of the Mother Country, and also this Colony, to introduce a tariff after the War prohibitive against goods manufactured in enemy countries, and especially in Germany and Austria.

I fully agree with the Colonial Secretary that this Colony should adopt altera- tions in the Imperial naturalization law on lines similar to those which are being adopted in France, and I would add that naturalized British subjects should be prohibited from ever holding office in the Colony.

20th November, 1916.

C. MELHADO.

I AGREE with the views of the Honourable the Colonial Secretary.

20th November, 1916.

H. I. PERKINS,

Surveyor-General..

I AGREE with the views of the Honourable Colonial Secretary

20th November, 1916.

J. M. ROSADO..

FORWARDED.

Paragraph 5.-I presume, in dealing with our present enemies, the period must be fixed in accordance with B. II. of the resolutions of the Paris Economic Conference.

Paragraphs 7, 13.-Preferential treatment advocated.

I am somewhat diffident to express an opinion on a subject which divides the two great political parties of our Empire. The question of the trade policy after the War must be dealt with as a whole, the interests of Great Britain plus her Colonies. Preferential treatment undoubtedly would be of advantage to the West Indian islands; it would ensure markets for their two chief products, viz., sugar and cocoa.

Paragraphs 7, 8, 11.-The United States, owing to its proximity to the West Indian islands, is the natural market for those islands, and the trade between the islands and the United States is on a steady increase; that in any agreement con- cerning the West Indies an endeavour should be made for reciprocal treatment between the West Indies and the United States. I am aware that this may be detrimental to Canada, but at present Canada is not the advantage to the West Indies that the United States is. It British Imperial preference is established, and the United States retaliate, it will cause injury to the trade of these islands.

Paragraph 9.-The sugar industry in Cuba, owing to tariff treatment by the United States, has the advantage over West Indian sugars.

Paragraph 12.-I am in entire accord with the views expressed in paragraph 12 of Mr. Murray's despatch.

Paragraph 14-As regards paragraph 14, experience has shown us that, not- withstanding the reciprocal agreement with Canada, the United States still main- tains her position as the more important supplier of Hour.

Paragraph 18.-With reference to paragraph 18, I would hesitate before I would recommend any inducement being made to young Englishmen to settle in St. Lucia. The land in St. Lucia is what is termed patchy, and the life in the Some country districts hard, owing to the lonely life and the absence of sport. years ago, by letters in the Times, young men were induced to go to Dominica; many failed; of those remaining there are but few who do not regret having accepted the tempting bait. In my opinion, while countries like Canada and New Zealand offer openings for a healthy life among suitable conditions with prospects of success, it would be wrong to induce men with moderate capital to come out to St. Lucia for pioneer work. St. Lucia should be developed by capitaliste who are prepared to await the return for their outlay, and who would employ the local men to open up and develop their land.

Paragraph 19-St. Lucia undoubtedly is a good naval base for the Navy, but it is very doubtful if it will be able to retain its importance as a coaling station Should now that coaling depots are being established in the Panama Canal zone. the Trinidad harbour works be sanctioned, in all probability, owing to the proximity of oil, the largeness of the anchorage, and the importance of the place, Trinidad will become the naval base in these parts.

Paragraph 20-I am in agreement: this is a subject which could be dealt with locally.

Paragraph 21.-The proposals I endorse; but with the scarcity of tonnage which will probably exist for some time after the War, the demands of the South American trade. and the policy of the "shipping ring," it will be difficult for the Government to induce any company whose tender may be accepted to agree to the

proposed conditions.

Paragraph 22-In my opinion, the suggestion made is not feasible, and would be difficult to work.

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