CONCLUSION 285 



we are not self -supporting, to ascertain in which parts of the 

 empire soil and climate are suitable for their production, and 

 then to encourage their cultivation in these places. Rubber, 

 and cotton, and chinchona are notable examples of what may 

 be accomplished in this direction. 



Minerals of course are more difficult. If supplies of ore do 

 not exist, no amount of endeavour on our part will create 

 them. Yet in this connexion it must be noted that the 

 resources of the empire are but very imperfectly known, and 

 it may very well turn out to be the case that more minerals 

 exist than we are aware of. 



In respect of those commodities of which we possess an 

 abundance, such, for instance, as coal and fish and timber, it 

 behoves us to husband our resources instead of squandering 

 them recklessly as though they were inexhaustible. 



By these means we could realize our ideal and become 

 a self-supporting empire, so that when the necessity arose we 

 could be independent of supplies from foreign countries, and 

 at other times could command the respect due to those who 

 are under no obligation to court the favour of more fortunate 

 neighbours. 



The Commissioners say : ' In our opinion it is vital that 

 the empire should, so far as possible, be placed in a position 

 which would enable it to resist any pressure which a foreign 

 power or group of powers could exercise in time of peace or 

 during war, in virtue of a control of raw materials and com- 

 modities essential for the safety and well-being of the empire, 

 and it is towards the attainment of this object that co-ordi- 

 nated effort should be directed.' 



