The Archive · 1939

Potent Instruments

"Everywhere in the Colonial empire" ihe Colonial Secretary proceeded, "we have been careful to protect the identity and culture of different races, and the Colonies can assist Britain by mobilising fully their mineral and agricultural resources, Which are potent instruments in modern warfare.

In the long run, the economic weapon may be decisive. Sinews of war are buried in Colonial grounds in the form of oil, tin, copper, gold, ud other minerals, No less important are their products—rubber, sugar, vegetable oils and tea.

"We have been organizing this production, so that for the producer and consumer there will be greater certainty and stability, "Colonial governments are increasing their food production, so that heir populations may be independent of imported supplies, and arrangements are being made to fill deficient cies, preferably from adjacent Colonies or Empire countries.

"We are seeking to secure that materials Britain requires are pured at prices protecting the standard of living of Colonial producers, and to prevent profiteering."

Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.

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