In Transit
Y all accounts the Prime Minister has stood D firm behind his Colonial Secretary's White Paper, rejecting Sir Roy Welensky's criticism§ and blandishments; but the smile on the face of the Federal tiger as he departed understandably made for some nervousness on the part of those who feel that any move to conciliate the United Federal Party at this stage, however desirable it may be to reassure the white settlers, can only result in deepening African mistrust, possibly beyond the point where Kenneth Kaunda can hold his followers. If the Federal Party boycotted the Lancaster House Conference, it has no right to expect to be allowed to intervene now—except through the official channels at. Lusaka. As for Sir Roy, it is strictly none of his business—as, indeed, he admits: the Federal Constitution expressly concedes Britain full authority for the internal administration of Northern Rhodesia, and the Federal Government has no formal right to reject decisions made by the Government here which are unpalatable to it. It was reasonable to allow Sir Roy the right of informal con- sultation; but only if the talk's were with a view to easing the transition to the Constitution foreshadowed by the White Paper—not of letting him insist on modifications to it.
Previous page
