A Minister for West Africa The appointment of Lord Swinton
to be Minister Resident of Cabinet rank in West Africa is modelled on the appointment, first of Mr. Oliver Lyttelton, and later of Mr. R. G. Casey, as Minister of State in the Middle East. The strategic and economic importance of the four West African colonies—Gambia, Sierra Leone, the Gold Coast and Nigeria—can hardly be exaggerated. Nigeria is separated only by the friendly Chad Territory, held by the Free French, from the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, and so provide:: an obvious link with Egypt and the Middle East. These places are exactly opposite the narrowest part of the Atlantic Ocean, the distance from Brazil being little over 1,800 miles. All of these territories are producers of food and raw materials of special importance in the present phase of the war. Lord Swinton's task will be to ensure effective co-operation of all the civil and military services in the Colonies, and give directions to the civil Governors on matters relating to the war without constant reference to the home Government. The Governors will continue to perform all their ordinary duties, but at a time when innumerable abnormal problems are thrust upon them quick decisions will be made possible by the presence of a Minister empowered to assume full responsibility. The discharge of that function was the greatest service Mr. Lyttelton rendered at Cairo. Lord Swinton, who was for four years Colonial Secretary, should be fully competent to do in West Africa what his colleague did in Egypt.
