ABSTRACT

The aim was to slip through major changes partially in disguise. For similar tactical reasons it was decided not to frighten off the Treasury by urging them at this stage to consider writing off some of the colonial debts which were recognised as a handicap on territorial development.70 Tactics also partly explain the proposal that Colonial Office staff should visit the colonies to ensure that development money was properly spent. Plans were currently well-advanced for the appointment of a commissioner to perform such a task in the West Indies. It was believed such schemes would ‘sweeten the Treasury’ and would increase the chances of obtaining money.71