RETENTION OF SAMOA

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

RETENTION OF SAMOA

MR MASSTCT STATES CASE FOR NEW ZEALAND.

(Auftralion and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, January 29.

Official:—The main object for consideration before the Council of the Groat Powers in tlie meantime is the disposal of the German colonics, and the claims of the respective British, Dominions. The principal issue turns ] upon the system of future control, os- ] peeially. whether such control should be internationalised under a League of with one nation acting as mandatory. There has been lieen dissatisfaction over the fact that only one delegate from each Dominion is allowed to present its case. This (jenernlly is surprising, since the Ministerial delegates in most cases wore jointly concernod in the enterprise of capturing the Gorman colonies. It is understood the delegates have submitted a strong case.

Mr Massey presented the case for New Zealand in respect, of Samoa, and emphasised firstly, the virility and enterprise of New Zealand which was destined, he believed, to be as useful to humanity in the Southern, as the United Kingdom had been to humanity in the Northern Hemisphere. Hβ recounted Samoa's unhappy history since the seventies, and the unsatisfactory results of the triple protectorate. Germany had been allowed to establish great trading stations all oTer the Pacific, also energetic financial and commercial companies, a strong naval squadron, and a powerful wireless station. This was the position facing New Zealand when war broke out. He contrasted the treatment of the Samoans with tho treatment of tho Now Zealand natives, who had been treated equally with other citizens. The Maoris were merging into' the European population. New Zealand, immediately on the declaration of war, responded to the request to send a military expedition to Samoa, whose harbours were offering shelter to raiders on New Zealand commerce. Samoa, in fact, was tho headquarters of the German fleet in the Pacific. Two, thousand Now Zealandcrs, within ten days of the outbreak of war, accepted the great risk and, with the aid of an Australian Dreadnought and a French cruiser, secured the surrender of German Samoa, and Bince had successfully maintained, tho occupation' acceptably to tho native population of thirty-five thousand.

Mr Masuoy also explained New Zealand's menace from tho German squadron in the Pacific, and cited the Coronel battle, in which the British cruisers were outranged. It was only the presence of H.M-A.S. Australia that prevented a German bombardment of New Zealand coastal towns, and extensive destruction of New Zealand shipping, especially that conveying foodstuffs to Great Britain. Nevertheless, the Germans got raiders into the Pacific which sank ships and laid many mines. New Zealand was endeavouring, not unsuccessfuly, to bmld up the British nation in the Pacific, and did not want to be again confronted with a menace similar to that of the past. Joint control always and everywhere had been an ignominious failure. "What native peoples relied on, required, and wanted, was the opportunity to develop in the security of generous, practical control, such as that which had inspired the spontaneous loyalty and substantial sacrifices of the Maoris and South Sea Islanders, who had fought equally nobly with the Allies' armies, and acquitted themselves like men. New Zealand's administration of Samoa had not been a war experiment, but simply an extension of settled and successful policy in regard to the treatment of the native race. He strongly urged, for the sake of all the peoples in the I South Pacific, that Samoa should remain under British control. OTHER TERRITORIES. (Received January 30th. 11.10 pjn.) PARIS, January 28. "Le Matin" states it has been settled that German South-Wost Africa shall be incorporated in the South African i Union. The fate of other colonies is I unsettled. Probably the greater part ' of the Cameroons will be handed over i to the French. I Mr Kei£h. Murdoch etate3 that Signer Oriaodo ifl daimmic i*rte of Somaliland

and Djibouti. The territorial question ia K resolving itself into a definition of the mandatory system and the scrapping of secret war treaties. These induce the Anglo-Japanese agreement concerning the Marshalls and Carolines, the general treaty coverinc Italy's claims m the Adriatic, and tho British Hodjaa treaty, giving Damascus to tho Hodjaz. J The idea is that Palestine shall be a s British protectorate for the Jews, the Arabs to got the independence of Syria. p Damascus is on the line of tho Jttanco- „ Arabian spheres. "V MB WILSON'S* ATTITUDE. I 23 ——— - PARIS, January 28. F Mr \ J Fraser states that President Wilson's predilection for the in- i ternationali&atiou of tho German colo- c nies is based rather upon Japan s pio.rreas across the Pacific than from au> desire to thwart British acquisition ot fc the islands. A feeling exists that t Britain made a secret agreement with c Japan in 1916, by which the latter c would hare possession of the Marshall and Caroline Islands, and conhuing Japan's influenco north of the Equator. The full weight of the British delegation is behind the over- 1 sea Dominions' claims. Tho whole < question will bo settled without refer- ( euce to tho Plenary Conference. While , Britain is agreed upon the oversea Dominions' demands, she is willing to accept tho principle of placing Togo- 1 land. East Africa, and the Cameroons i under the control of mandatory Powers, though other nations, notably Portn- , p-al and France, do not agree. ~" It is understood that President \\ i> son realises tliat public opinion in .i Great Britain and the Dominions is fully formed on the subject of the colonies, and wishes to discover a formula embodying the Empire's claims and his own principles. Another reason adduced is that President Wilson recognises that ho cannot ignore American opinion with regard to Japan. America will probably view Japans expansion in tho Pacific apprehensively, lie would prefer a solution winch would not affect American susceptibilities, without disappointing tho Dominions claims or discriminating against Japan. Therefore he suggested the administration ot the islands under the League of Nations. That accounts for last night s meeting of the British Empire delegates, the objects of which were to furnish a reply to President Wilson s proposition. It is believed that President V7;i«on will accept tho Dominion standDuring -the discussion on tho German colonies at tho Supreme War Council, Mr Hughes, General Botha, and Mr Massey submitted the claims of thoir respective Dominions, namely, New Guinea for Australia, Samoa for New Zealand, and South-Wost Africa for the 'Vfrican Union. The question of the future of South-East Africa, Togoland, and the Cameroons, was discussed. President Wilson explained his personal 'theory regarding the settlement *of colonial questions, according to which the League of Nations would entrust the administration erf these territories to mandatory States. Tho Council of Powers was engaged all day on territorial questions. M. Simon, on behalf of France, and Signor Orlando on behalf of Italy, made statements of their respective claims Mr Hughes and Mr Massey attended the session. It is learned that America .apparently is standing on the fourteen points as regards the disposal of the conquorod areas to separate nationalities without favour, always beeping in view the possibilities of such annexations leading to future disturbance of the' world's peace. France and Italy presented claims similar to those made by Australia and Now Zealand last j week, without offering arguments. The afternoon was devoted to the search for a formula of general principles to cpver all territorial questions. If this is found, then the conference will proceed to make whatever modifications are essential to meet tho special needs of the territories concerned. The whole question is surrounded with complexity, and is likely to occupy several days. Information from various sonrces confirms the opinion that the United States is strongly convinced that the territories should be under the mandatory of tho League of Nations. Mr Massey argued New Zealand s claims. The Japanese position at KinoChau also was discussed. The question of noutral Powers having a voice in the formation of the League of Nations is receiving attention. IDEA APPROVED. (Australian end N.Z. Ceble Association.) (Received January 31st, 1.20 a.m.) LONDON, January 29. General Maurice, writing to the "Daily News" from Paris, says the first real test of the League of Nations is now proceeding in the settlement of tho late of Germany's colonies. He j has not found confirmation for the report that the five Great Powers intend finally to Kettle the question. It may; be presumed they will submit recommendations to the plenary Conference. It may be taken that Mr Wilson, HiLloyd George, and M. Clemenceau will, be certain earnestly and sincerely, to attempt to apply the principles of a League of Nations to the settlement of the colonies, also the conquered Adriatic territory. Mr Wilson definitely proposed that these possessions' should be entrusted to the nearest Power, who will administer them, on behalf of the League. General Maurice understands th»t 1 Great Britain is prepared to accept the proposal where she ifi able to do eo with full authority, but ifl unwilling to interfere with the views and rights of the Dominione-

The Paris correspondent-of i3ie "Daily Chronicb" says <tbe diaposal of the German colonies is a characteristic problem. The discussion thereof makes.an admirable introduction to others in which there may he more marked divergences of spirit and opinion. It ie true *ha±. certain differences exist between the ideas of Mr Wilson and Mr Hughes, but it would be a mieohiewos distortion of facts to aay any oonmtrt exists. Mr "Wilson's idea of a general trusteeship eeized the great minds working behind the Conference with wonderful rapidhy. I* has certainly come to stay, it nmst he only tentatively applied at first. writisu \Ui.mtere feel that the idea gives great promise, but~do not wiah to risk the future hy its wholesale arbitraigr application.

OFENION IN AMERICA. I«EW YORK, Jannary 28. The New York "Evening Sun" states authoritatively tiiat Germany lacks the colonising instinct. She has neither mercy nor suavity. It will not be a real injury to dispossess Germany of tne colonies she has misused, and give humane consideration to the natives who have been subjected to her rule. The paper vetoes any BOggeetum that ehe be allowed to resume her sinister colonial experiment. # •«.»_» Mr Lawrence, the "Evoomg Posfs" Paris correspondent, understands that I President Wilson has obtained the acquiescence, of the Powers to the principle of internationalisation. of tie Gksr- | man colonies. Senator Johnson, in the Senate, attacking American intervention in Knseia and the Peace Conference delays, eaid that Great Britain, Japan, Prance, and Italy, had already decided what was .Roing to be done, and had agreements j hidden in their pockets. The United! States was merely expected to ratify them. The freedom of .ib**mmar*wm- :

Mrf m Titvstorv It was the President's %Vs£g tbo revision of all secret* ■oatios. nw voice. (Received January" 30th, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, January 28. Official-Tho position with regard to r«r Zealand's representation has been xtisfactorily adjusted. The matter •as considered on Thursday a* ani imortant noting of the ation. which is practically the Imperial far Cabinet. Mr Massey and Sr oscph Ward attended as members, row Zealand's position was fully exlained, with a result that Sr J«cph Fard was appointed a member of the British delegation on every possible ocasion. Thus both Ministers will olw ,ttond all meetings of the British Dclo■ation, at which all matters affecting he Empire's interests will bo consulerd for submission to the mam Contoin<The organisation and procedure of the Jonfercnco represent colossal machinery or dealing with unprecedented probcms. There is firstly a great Allied Jonferenco, at which tho duly accredited representatives of tho Allied nations ittend.- The Conference in tho meaning will probably meet on Saturdays or decisive business. Then there is i deliberative council, comprising -Mr Wilson and the Prime and Foreign Masters of the free groat powers. This louucil meets almost daily privately md is responsible for the preparation of the business preliminary to its submission to tho Conference on 'lhursday. There is a British delegation of tho lmporial War Cabinet, frequently meeting to consider matters vitally concerning tho Empire's interests. Finally, there wo a number of select commissions, consisting of representatives to consider and report on technical subjects. Many initial difficulties havo been overcome. LEAGUE OiTnATIONS. MH WILSON'S ADDRESS. (Australian and N.Z. Cablo Association.) Telegrams.) NEW YOlUi, January 28. Tho text of President Wiisou 3 speech, at the opening discussion on tho question of a Loayue ot Rations, ha* boou nwoived. Ho urged the necessity for such a League, not only for present settlements, but for tho maintenance of such settlements. Many present decisions would nood alteration in some do<neo, but they were necessary to sot Sp the machinery whereby the work of the Conference could subsequently bo rendered complete. The delegates were representatives, not of Governments, but of peoples, and must satisry the opinion of mankind, and make it unnecessary for the people who had borno the burden of the war to again make such sacrifices. Referring to the utilisation of scientific discoveries for war destruction, ho said that only by watchful and continuous corporation could they see to it that as well as armed men, was kept within harness by civilisation. In entering the war the United States never thought for a moment that she -was intervening in tho politics of Europe and Asia, or any part of tho world. Her thought was that all the world had become conscious that there was a singlo cause of justice and liberty for men of every, kind and place. The United States would fool that it could not participate in guaranteeing tho European settlements unless that guarantee involved a continuous guarantee of the world's peace, a continuous yitar watchfulness upon the interests of nations. The hopes of the peoples of the world were centred in such a league. The solect classes of mankind no loriger were governors of mankind. Tho fortunes of mankind now were m tho hands of the plain people of the whole world. "Satisfy, them," he said "and you have justified thoir confidence. Fail to satisfy them ana no arrangement you can mako wiU either set up or maintain the peace _or the world. America is pledged to this objective without compromise. We aro here to see that every people of the world shall choote its own masters to covern man's destinies, to eee thafl every foundation of thie war is swept away. These foundations were the private choice of a small cotene or civil rulers and military etaffs—the aggression of great Powers upon small, the holding together of Empires of unwilling subjects by duress of anna,, ana the using of mankind as pawns m a came. Nothing less than the emancipation of the world froin will accomplish peace." He concluded, "The very pulse of the world seems to beat at the surface in -flns enterprise." FRENCBrTKBSS •COT t AVOTBABLE. PAIfIB, January 28. . The tone of the French kdwtinctly tmfavourable to the practuSabil--5y of a League of Nations, rtfßich, many writers regard as Utopian. LABOUR COMMISSION. 1 LONDON, January 29. Mr G. N. Barnes has concluded a three days' conferenoe with BntisW trade onioniste and Dominion representatives, preparing the draft of a scheme for the international wgnlahon of conditions of employment. The scheme, which embodies the views of Bntieh trade unionism, will be submitted to the International Commission on tne Regulation of Labour. Sir Joseph Ward is parfacq»«he m the discussione on inteTxiaxHmal labour Questions. Considerable progress has been made, although, except particular not disclosed, the sehem« does not represent any adronco beyont* what Labour already has aocompUshef in Australia^