THE FUTURE OF EAST AFRICA
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—You have already pointed out that the analogy which your correspondent, Mr. J. A. Watson, draws between Indians in India and white settlers in Kenya is based on a fallacy, but perhaps you will permit me a few words of self- defence. I have already given the grounds for my statement that only a minority of the Kenya settlers is really concerned in the opposition to the White Papers, and I can offer Mr. Watson the assurance that my remarks were based on trust. worthy in formation. But I would be the last to treat with contempt any body of earnest seekers after a happy solution, however little representative, and I protest that no phrase in my letter could be interpreted as " contemptuous repro- bation." I stated the facts as I know them without, as far as I am aware, any suggestion of praise or blame.
I should like to add, however, that, though naturally the Government is trustee for all sections of the population it governs, it has greater responsibilities towards those who are not in a position to defend their own interests. Whether or not the cession of Jubaland was in the best interests of our wards is open to question, but theoretically at any rate the natives of Jubaland are as much protected under Italian as under British rule. The cession involved not a breach of trust but a legal transfer of trustees.
Mr. Watson's letter only shows that in general estimation there is not even a secular sanction for what should be a " sacred " trust, and the reaffirmation of its sanctity is a very salutary reminder of our duties as trustees.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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