AND NOW NYASALAND Sia,—It is clear that Professor Creighton and
I are basically agreed on what we want for Central Africa, but very much at odds as to how to achieve it. 'He takes the theoretical view, I a more pragmatic one.
It is not ,of much value to take all his points, gnostic or not (in my dictionary it means 'relating to knowledge, cognitive,' but 1 suspect he fancies a more mystic meaning!), as it is common knowledge that there are multi-racial hotels even if too few, there is multi-racial shopping and worship, there are con- stitutionally appointed leaders of the African people who are representative of extreme points of view (independent and Congress), and many would argue that the customs and excise revenue from a very poor country is less in value than the very extensive federal spending on hospitals and health, roads and education. But I must take up the point of the oppression of Black people by other Blacks in Ghana. That is the real crux of the fear that we feel in this country if universal illiterate adult franchise is pushed too soon. He needn't take it seriously, he's not involved. Once one has seen the effect of riots and intimidation. first hand one is involved and must take it seriously. He missed one implied inaccuracy in my letter. I implied this country had had educa- tion in a general way for fifty years. Of course, to any significant extent that is only true of the last fifteen years, since the war, when money and trained staff began to become available. With this increasing education more and more Africans will be available to take the lead. Certainly paternalism pushed to Victorian extremes is a bad thing, but up to a point it is a very good thing, as modern child psychologists now admit. And it is still true to say that the masses of Africans demand it in no uncertain way. I myself am all for abolition of land tenure on a racial basis, and for equal treatment of Black and White in the courts, and a common voters' roll. But the Africans themselves don't want it yet, and I am sure it will take time to bring about.
The Spectator has a reputation for balance and truth which has been sadly shaken lately by sweeping generalisations and inaccuracies. Why should Kaunda and Banda be supported in revolutionary methods? I am not normally a supporter of Nkumbula, but one must commend him for taking the constitutional method of furthering his political aims.
May I make it plain that Ave want up-to-date and constructive articles from your paper which will help to further the aims of modifying the Federation constitutionally to suit the country's needs. There are many moderates of all races here fighting the UFP, and already we have something to show • for the struggle.
One other point may be of interest. A few weeks
ago Sir Stewart Gore-Browne gave an excellent address on his theory of partition (the details of which may be read in a recent issue of the Central African Examiner) to about 125 people (predomin- antly African) at a conference in a multi-racial hotel. For three-quarters of an hour afterwards speakers (all Black but two) very politely but without excep- tion refused to have anything to do with partition! There were many intellectuals and leaders (in fact, as well as' potential) present. This . may not be significant, but 1 think if it is given encouragement the moderate element could become effective.—Yours faithfully, Box 928, Kit we, N. Rhodesia
MONICA FISHER
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