PEACE CONGRESS

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16435, 31 January 1919, Page 7

PEACE CONGRESS

GEBMAN POSSESSIONS.

QUESTION OP DISPOSAL.

(By Cabk.-Piwa i^oci*tian.-Coprri*fat) (Australian and N.Z. OMO AeocUttonO LONDON, January 2«. The fate of the German colomes has become the leading topic, and the final decision of the Louierenco is with the greatest interest. Ihe newsZrfaru giving considerable space So Australia's ana New Zealand's case for retention. It is mentioned that when President Wilson enquired how much importance Australia attached 10 keeping New Guinea Mr Hugheswas able forthwith to produce Mr Vatt s telegram showing that Australian opinion was thorougnly aroused, leaving no doubt that Australia viewed tho prospect of the islands rererting to Uerniany, in any shape or form, with tne greatest misgiving and disappointment. Iwo reasons are given for Mr Wilson-s hesitation in adopting the Australian and New Zealand standpoint. He sees something inconsistent between allowing the British Empire to retain the German possessions and allowing }" e subject populations a voice in deciding their own destination. It is understood that President Wilson's plan contemplates the appointment of single Powers as mandatories under the Peace League, to undertake the administration of the colonies, for which they will be responsible to the League. Tho mandatory Powers will not bo allowed to exploit the colonies unless the League sanctions it. Ifc is understood that the United States has offered to control Turkey, but no decisions of any character can yet be reached. The Paris correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph" states that an agreement has been reached in such cases as Alsace and Lorraine, German South-West Africa, and New Guinea. When there is no question of return, or internatiohalisation of land, it is agreed that the mineral and other wealth contained therein will be held as a set-off against the general claiin of the Allies, and of the annexing State in particular. A German Government wireless message asserts that protests against the violations of President Wilson'-e programme are pouring in from all political, municipal, and local bodies. The Government adheres strictly to President Wilson's programme, and will demand tho realisation of it at the Peace Conference, and defend the principle of nationality. Advantage mnst no't bo taken of Germany's alleged helplessness.