More Anglo-American Co-operation
A significant step has just been taken by the British and the United States Governments, which shows that the understanding between them goes-far beyond their association for purposes of war. Our colonial problem in the Caribbean islands had become acute before the war, and the war itself has not prevented the Government from pressing on with the reforms recommended by the Royal Commission set up in 1938. But in Puerto Rico and in the regions of the bases she has lately taken over America has her own and similar problems in the same area, demanding similar social, economic and constitutional reforms. The setting up of a joint Anglo-American Caribbean Commission to inquire into matters pertaining to labour, agriculture, housing, health, education, social welfare and finance in this region is a step which could only be usefully taken by two countries which saw eye to eye on matters of this kind, touching such delicate questions as the advancement of native races in the colonies and the economic and social reforms which are ripe for introduction. Such an experiment could only be made by two countries which have the same democratic ideals of colonial development ; and one result of the joint inquiry may be to produce uniformity of method in administration in the Caribbean area. The need for industrial and social development in the British Caribbean islands is considerable, and if, as is likely, the new arrangement means that American capital will be available for such purposes, the advantage will be considerable.
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