Notes on FP Manifesto
Betty Clay was in the audience at a Public meeting held in Livingstone on 30th October, 1953. She wrote in her diary:-
Went to a political meeting of the Federal Party: Mr Miller introduced two speakers, Mr Eastwood from S.R. .& Mr Beckett our farmer Member of the Legislative Council & Minister for Agriculture. Very interesting speeches, & I felt a bit happier about things when they had finished, though it is still a complete mystery to me where the money will come from; & also I feel more sure than ever that S.R.is going to rule us as she likes.
Eastwood said that about a thousand S.R. civil servants have “gone Federal” straightaway, simply because they happened to be in Salisbury already, & almost none of ours have. S.R. assumes so priggishly that Salisbury will be the Federal Capital – & possession is 9 points of the law.
Eastwood said we must show the ignorant British public & the nosy-parker world that we ARE fit to govern as a Federation. Food-production & self-supporting-ness are the most urgent & important, must have vast irrigation & not depend on rain.
Native policy deliberately vague, as cannot legislate for human feelings & progress is not static so what is applicable now may change, the only essentials are peace & harmony.
Beckett said about food production too, & education especially of Europeans to keep standards high. Confederates have policy of separate states within the Federation for Europeans & Africans but they wouldn’t be allowed to carried out as it’s against the Constitution.
These are notes she made at that meeting:-
Notes on Federal Party Policy
The Federal Party in Livingstone in September – committee of 10 members.
Beckett, C.M.G., candidate, also by Kalomo & Choma. Member of the Legislative Council since 1945. 1st Minister for Agriculture, & No. 2 to Roy Welensky.
Hoped for no political parties, but compelled to by Confederates. In S.R. other parties joined Federal Party.
Eastwood had 7 electoral battles. Helped to make Federation.
Eastwood
At 1st Victoria Falls Conference the British Government went as far as it could to meet S.R.in constitution of Federation. Had to allow for moderates to get it through the house; S.R. acceptable in S.R. We lost one thing: law-making body should be elected, not appointed. Britain said must have African nominations in law-making body; higher nominated body only a delay. Referendum a success.
Hope confederates lose, first time party made racialism plank. Kill it now. Preamble of constitution “rightful home” & partnership. Confederate’s policy could not be implemented as against constitution. In S.R.no bloodshed since 1896 rebellion. We must show ignorant British we are worthy and able to be a Dominion. Great aim.
Food most important, by irrigation of Zambezi & Kafue,independent of rain. Must have well-nourished un-diseased population fed locally. African inability of output due to undernourishment. N.R.& Nyasaland grain, S.R.beef. Must have good health services.TB increasing in S.R., must stop it. “Disease knows no colour bar”. West Coast port necessary. Capri V taken by S.R.in the war, but not allowed to keep it because not self-governing then. Should claim it. S.A.”absorbed” it. Bechuanaland, we should “stake our claim” to the northern part.
Native policy. Native affairs territorial, federal only influence. Cut power with territories. Policy deliberately vague.
Cannot lay down human progress, not static.
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Confederates plan an African state – on African standard, & European at European level.
Africans will come into European areas, no vote or power but Confederatessay they will be happy!
Land, wave away constitution.
They can’t carry it out. If they get in, the would-be amendment in Parliament & we would be back where we started.
Confederates repudiated partnership.
We have responsibility. Can’t legislate “social equality” as it doesn’t exist anywhere.
They say economic equality would ruin jobs for Europeans. They say our standard of living would be lowered, if they browse. Nonsense.
Political equality – they say white man will be sunk at voting, now only three African voters.
When complete equality, no preferential treatment, including “trust land” section.
Federation based on faith in ourselves, faith in the country, faith in the future.
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Better keep it wide so with change, policy can be adapted. Harmony & peace essential. Resentment harmful to economic development.
“Social integration” is a lie to stir up animosity.
True “partnership”; each contribute capabilities in proportion. For a long time still in hands of most cultured, in time if others can reach, can take place.
Federation is in the news. You.S.A.& U.N. are ill-informed but have opinions, instead of saying “mind own business”, demonstrate by doing our capability & trust. “Architects” should be allowed to build, knowing the spirit as well as the letter of Federation.
Beckett
“Greater Rhodesia Society” 1925!
Livingstone’s chances of being the federal capital. Said so in March. Up to people here to make facts known. Hopes a commission.
We get the government we deserve. Last election on a federal basis, hope people stick to opinions & give us a chance to make it work.
2/3 of N.R. has perennial streams, best-water and land in British Africa. Must feed ourselves. Must make our own raw materials, & clothing. Now import too much. Therefore immigration necessary of all sorts; but must be balanced & of use only owing to shortage of housing and sector. Education necessary especially European as must be kept high standard. Port not at once but must ensure access to C. Health, pension & insurance contributory necessary, not by means test.
Military training will be compulsory, not only for local but world defence.
Confederates led by those who opposed Federation. Only D.Young a politician. Must convince everybody we were right. The last things to do, only lack of confidence can make us fail.
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No mention of gradual promotion of Africans to jobs as they become capable of doing them: why should they wait till 50 are capable before giving one a job; & why should they expect to be given political responsibility before they take more responsibility in ordinary every-day life.
