“Jingo Pot and Tariff Kettle”; the Nigeria Debate and the Sales

Abstract

This chapter examines the outcomes of the Nigeria Debate of 8 November 1916. Law’s victory over Carson restored his leadership of the Conservatives, which had become “titular”. He now wanted to visibly re-invigorate the coalition under Asquith. As the prime minister was unresponsive, Law turned to Carson and to the War Secretary, Lloyd George. The latter, failing to wrest control of strategy from the generals, would gain their support in galvanizing the civilian war effort. As Asquith discounted Lloyd George’s threats of resignation, and held Law and Carson in contempt, he failed to recognize the gravity of the political threat. Meanwhile, no neutral buyer gained property in Nigeria, as almost all went to the Liverpool firms or to Elder Dempster.