ABSTRACT
France has a more elaborate administrative theory than any other colonial Power, but a woefully incomplete, almost a ridiculous, political policy. On its political side, French colonial theory commenced with a definite idea of the relationships that should exist between colonies and mother-country. The tariff regime of the French colonies is determined by the notion of colonial subordination, as also is the ban on political enfranchisement by the denial of separate colonial interests. The colonist in general was given a representation in Paris, because that was a spectacular gesture and a proof that a Frenchman going overseas had not forfeited any of his political rights. All political affairs were to be kept in the hands of the officials and in no wise to be even discussed by the elected body. All political and constitutional matters are specifically placed outside the Council’s scope, although in the economic field, a considerable, though not complete, power of self-government is conceded.
