1 FEBRUARY 1946, Page 13

SARAWAK AND BRITAIN

Sut,—In your Editorial comment last week on Malayan Reform appears the remark: " It is obvious that small administrative areas like British North Borneo, Brunei and Sarawak must be brought under the ultimate control of the Colonial Office." May I be permitted to point out that Sarawak is not so very small. It is as big as the entire area of the Malay States or, let us say, England, which it would scarcely be accurate to describe as a " small administrative area "! It is frequently mentioned in the same breath as British North Borneo and Brunei, but in an area of 82,000 sq. miles Sarawak alone covers 50,000. Furthermore, Great Britain exercises no jurisdiction of any kind in Sarawak's internal administration, and by the terms of the Agreement of 1888 between Great Britain and Sarawak, His Majesty's Government give a specific undertaking not to interfere, in Sarawak's internal affairs.

What conditions exist in any colonial territory that can serve as a model for Sarawak? And are the colonies, when they ultimately achieve self- government and independence, to be asked forthwith to surrender their hard won freedom if they cannot provide their own defence against aggression by a major Power? Sarawak is already a sovereign independent State and has attained the political aim and object of colonial policy. Surely, before Great Britain in the twentieth century extends her juris- diction, previous discussion in Parliament would be desirable? Although not British, and financially independent, Sarawak appears to have been listed as a " Colonial Territory" in the recently published White Paper on Colonial Welfare and Development, and has been allocated £1,500,000 to be found by the British taxpayer. The pen, with so bold a stroke, may well be mightier than the sword, but apart from the question of this nation's honour, is there not something just .a little unrealistic about jugging an uncaught hare?—Your faithfully,

ANTHONY BROOKE,

Rajah Muda of Sarawak and Head of the late Provisional Government.

3r Prince Albert Road, Regent's Park, N.W. 8.