The Maxim “divide and rule” has often been supposed to govern the policy of imperial powers with respect to their dependencies. The United Kingdom, however, has for many years favoured the closer association of its colonies in the Caribbean area, and since 1945 has been actively promoting their federation. As this effort approaches a successful conclusion, it is of some interest to inquire into the reasons for the adoption and pursuit of a policy which seems so much at variance with one of the classic precepts of imperialism.