THE FEDERATION OF RHODESIA AND NYASALAND

HISTORY. The possibility of a form of closer political aSbociation at least between the two Rhodesias seems to have been mooted first a.bout 1910. The proposal to amalgamate the Rhodesias wa.s first officially made by Dr Jameson in 1916 on behalf of the British South Africa Company, but it was opposed by the settlers of Southern Rhodesia, who feared that amalgll,mation would defer responsible government. In response to a request from the Rhodesias, the Bledisloe Commission was appointed in 1938; it reported against immediate amalgamation, but suggested the oreation of a body to co-ordinate common services between the three territories. The war made it impossible to implement this suggestion till 1945, when the consultative Central African Council was established, which succeeded in extending or creating a number of common services. A series of conferences to examine the possibilities of closer co-operation took place in 1951, 1952 and 1953. The final proposals were endorsed by a referendum in Southern Rhodesia. in April 1953 by a two-thirds majority, and later approved by the UK Parliament and the Legislative Councils of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland. An advisory commission under Lord Monckton submitted a 'Report on the review of the constitution' together with a 'Survey of developments since 1953' and 'Possible constitutional changes' (HMSO 1960)_ With the break-up of the Federation, all Federal functions returned to their respective territories, with the exception of the following which will be kept under common administration: Central African Airways, Rhodesia Railways, Federal Power Board and Agricultural Research Council. The currency of the Federation is to continue to be legal tender in the territories until 1 Jan. 1965, or not later than 1 June 1965. The Bank of Rhodesia and Nyasaland will be dissolved not later than 31 Dec. 1965.