The Monckton Commission
An Academic Examination of the 1960 Review and its Implications for Decolonization in Central Africa.
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Overview
Purpose and Establishment
The Monckton Commission, formally known as the Advisory Commission for the Review of the Constitution of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, was established in 1960 by the British government. Chaired by Walter Monckton, 1st Viscount Monckton of Brenchley, its primary objective was to investigate and propose a future framework for the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. This federation comprised Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia, and Nyasalandโterritories now corresponding to modern-day Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi, respectively.
Historical Context
The commission operated during a pivotal era of decolonization. The Federation itself, established in 1953, was a controversial entity designed to foster economic cooperation while maintaining a degree of white minority rule, particularly in Southern Rhodesia. Growing nationalist movements in Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland, alongside international pressure, necessitated a review of its constitutional viability and future direction.
Commission Members
Diverse Representation
The Commission comprised 20 members, appointed to represent six distinct interest groups, reflecting the complex political landscape of the time. This composition aimed to gather varied perspectives on the Federation's future.
Report Findings
Constitutional Recommendations
The Commission concluded that the Federation could not endure without significant constitutional reforms or the application of force. It advocated for substantial changes, including the establishment of black African majorities in the legislatures of Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia. Crucially, it recommended granting these territories the option to secede from the Federation after an initial five-year period.
Reactions and Repercussions
The report, published in October 1960, was met with strong opposition. Sir Roy Welensky, the Federal Prime Minister, vehemently rejected its findings, deeming it the "death knell of federation." Black nationalist leaders, while also seeking the dissolution of the Federation and independence for their territories as self-governing states, opposed the report on different grounds, viewing its proposed modifications as insufficient.
British Government's Stance
The British government broadly accepted the Monckton report's conclusions. This acceptance signaled a withdrawal of support for the existing federal structure and an acknowledgment of the inevitability of majority rule in Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia. Consequently, Colonial Secretary Iain Macleod initiated negotiations regarding Nyasaland's constitutional future, leading to the release of Hastings Banda from detention and paving the way for the territory's eventual independence.
Constitutional Review Conference
Initiating the Review
The Federation's creation in 1953 included provisions for a constitutional review conference to be held between 1960 and 1962. Following the Monckton Commission's report, which recommended an early conference, the British government, through Lord Kilmuir, articulated its position. While acknowledging its lack of authority over Southern Rhodesia's internal affairs, the UK affirmed its responsibility for Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland and its ultimate right to legislate for the Federation's future.
Stalled Negotiations
The Federal Review Conference commenced in London on December 5, 1960. However, it was suspended shortly thereafter to allow for separate constitutional discussions concerning Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland. These talks continued into early 1961. Hastings Banda's reluctance to fully participate and his eventual withdrawal, coupled with the failure to secure a viable constitutional framework for Northern Rhodesia, highlighted the deep divisions. Banda's success in the August 1961 Nyasaland elections made the territory's secession from the Federation virtually inevitable.
Divergent Aspirations
The conference ultimately underscored the conflicting aspirations of the region's political actors. Representatives from Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia, led by figures like Hastings Banda and Kenneth Kaunda, clearly articulated their desire for independence and separation from the Federation. Similarly, Joshua Nkomo represented the Southern Rhodesian African majority's demand for majority rule. These divergent goals rendered the continuation of the Federation untenable.
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References
References
- Collapsing Bastion (24 October 1960), Time Magazine; accessed 21 May 2007.
- G H Baxter and P W Hodgens, (1957). The Constitutional Status of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, International Affairs, Vol. 33, No. 4, p. 445
- J J B Somerville, (1963). The Central African Federation, International Affairs, Vol. 39, No. 3, p. 394-5
- J J B Somerville, (1963). The Central African Federation, International Affairs, Vol. 39, No. 3, pp. 397-8
- J J B Somerville, (1963). The Central African Federation, International Affairs, Vol. 39, No. 3, p. 399
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Important Notice
This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes exclusively. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data and may not be entirely accurate, comprehensive, or current.
This is not professional historical or political analysis. The information provided herein is not a substitute for rigorous academic research or consultation with subject matter experts. Always refer to primary sources and scholarly works for definitive understanding. The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided.