In 1944, as World War II began to draw to a close, US Secretary of State Cordell Hull forwarded a memorandum to the British government concerning the future of Southeast Asia. It suggested that all of the Allies with imperial interests in the region should make a joint declaration. This declaration would include 1) specific dates when independence or complete self-government will be achieved, 2) specific steps to be taken to develop native capacity for self-rule, 3) a pledge of economic autonomy and equal economic treatment toward other nations. Below is an excerpt from Churchill’s response to the proposed declaration. There is no question of our being hustled or seduced into declarations affecting British sovereignty in any of the Dominions or Colonies. Pray remember my declaration against liquidating [ending; or bringing an end to and distributing assets] the British Empire. If the Americans want to take Japanese islands which they have conquered, let them do so with our blessings and any form of words that may be agreeable to them. But “hands off the British Empire” is our maxim and it must not be weakened or smirched to please sob-stuff [a story of distress, designed to arouse sympathy] merchants at home or foreigners of any hue.
give me the critical idea in 1 sentence