PEACE CONGRESS.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16437, 3 February 1919, Page 7

PEACE CONGRESS.

FATE OP GERMAN COLONIES

seeking a compromise

(By Cable.—Press Association. —Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, January 30. The special Paris correspondent of the "Morning Post" states that the imperial War Cabinet met Mr Lloyd George and Colonel House to discuss the mandatory proposal. Mr Hughes, Mr Hassey, and General Botha put the Dominions' case. Efforts are being inado to reach a compromise. One of the suggestions is that a distinction should be drawn between the territories captured by' British ana those captured by Dominion troops; but this would hand over Mesopotamia and East Africa to the League of Nations, and there is no evidence that it would prove acceptable to America. The general feeling regarding reparation is that the Belgian claims should come first. Britain will probably only claim for ships sunk and damage done in air raids. The French demands are not yet formulated. Serbia's demands will bo heavy. Australia continues her opposition to President Wilson's colonial plan. M. Clemenceau has promised Mr hughes full support in respect to New Guinea.

The ''Daily Mail" says it expects that Australia will not press her opposition.

1 he^Paris correspondent of the Conral News states that President Wilson has accepted the proposition that the fate of the German colonies must be decided by the Peace Conference, on condition that the decisions nre subject to ratification by the League of Nations. The ''Daily Mail" states that Japan Mb ayeed to the internationalisation or the Gvrman cuionies. South Africa withdrew its opposition to President Wilson's proposal, which, however, was deeply modified. • Britain has finally refused to consider the transfer of Gibraltar so Spam. DOMINION CLAIMS OPPOSED. PARIS, January 31. President Wilson holds tenaciously to the view that Australia, New and South Africa must not obtain the German colonies except from the League of Nations. It is hinted that M' 1 Wilson will return home unless his ,m S ar ° sanctioned in some form. The adjustment of the various claims in Africa is proving difficult. Signer Orlando, Premier of Italy, uow states that Italy desires to secure parts or Somaliland and Djibouti, in view of the possible growth of British, BelS ,an . and Portuguese power in Africa. As the Conference gets to grips with the various problems vital disagreements become apparent. For example, Mr A. Henderson stated in an interview at Zurich that the foundation of a society of nations must be preceded by the universal abolition of tariffs! and the.open door. . Australian and New Zealand delegates scout the suggestion, declaring that import duties are vital to growing nations. Other difficult problems include the u Kaiser and the settlement of the indemnity. There is little prospect of the British taxpayer receiving immediate relief from Germany. It is expected that Mr Lloyd George wili return to London on February 10th, and explain the international situation to Parliament. Mr flughos only accepted the final arrangement after Japan s acquiescence rendered further resistance useless.

FEELING IN AMERICA. WASHINGTON, January 31. In the Senate the Republicans bitterly opposed President Wilson's German colonies plan, also his conquered iurkish territories scheme. Senator -Knox described them as preposterous. Senator Johnson said he would never vote for a treaty that provided for the sending of American troops to Africa or Asia.

•Senator Lodge said that tho Unitod fetates action at Paris involved the United States in difficulties with Axistralia and 'South Africa. It was apparently proposed that the Unitod States should watch over Hottontots and other folk. Her real duty instead W i m, 9 peace with Germany, and withdraw the American troops. Ho declared that the Gorman colonies ought to go to Australia, New Zoaland, and South Africa, which should bo allowed to do as they liked with them. It was not tne business of the United States to administer thom. President Wilson, at Wednesday's Conference, referred to the German colonies quostion in plain terms, refusing to consider a peace founded on loot. It is reported thut the Conference's decision on the colonial question permits self-determination in civilised territories such as Mesopotamia, and government bv mandatory power where the inhabitants aro incapable of selfgovernment. It is understood that tho arrangement regarding the colonies is suhiect to review two years hence. • a a Premier of Queensland, s £ A , nt rather than that Japan should dominate the Marshall and Caroline Islands, the Australians would profer them to be internationalised. Ibo Anglo-Japanese secret treaty had created groat surprise in Australia, and an unpleasant effect. (Received February 2nd, 11.15 p.m.) NEW YORK, January 31. The Paris correspondent of the "New York Times" points out that if Mr Wilson's plan to have the German colonies controlled by a League of Nations through a designated nation is carried out. it would relieve the United States, Australia, and New Zealand from the embarrassment of having Japan gain the absolute control and ownership of the Marshall and Caroline Islands. The "New York Times," editorially, says the German colonies must not bo returned to Germany. The voice of their peoples would forbid that disposition. The Carolines present difficulties involving international jealousies, and tho clashing of interests and ambitions. Australia and New Zealand need no longer fear the interruption of their ambitions regarding communications. Mr 'Wilson's plan to rule the colonies separately under a mandate from the League of Nations is novel, but not impracticable.

A GERMAN WAIL. BERLIN, January 30. rWa t r £ s *" the reported tintisn and French agroement regarding the Oerman colonies, says it is evident they intend to leavo the musical, dopS^,rt of the Conference to PrwKlent TV,l SO n, and take tho business part into their own hands:—".We Ger+v,»niL "P refor Politics of the honest robber who says: 'Give, that ] la y e / rather than fine phrases embroidering imperialistic designs. 1 ' A PROVOCATIVE STEP. (Australian a_nd N.Z. Cable AwociaMmtf (Received February 2nd. .5.5 p.m.} PARIS, January 30. ,J. e Vienna correspondent of the -Uittag Zeitung" declares that the Governments of Vienna and Berlin are arranging for the attachment of Ger-man-Austria to Germany, regardless of the uocision of tho Peace Conference.

RUSSIAN REPRESENTATION. NEW YORK, January 81. Th© Washington correspondent of the United Press savs:—Diplomatic advices from Paris state that the Archangel Government will send delogates to the Princes Island Conference. NEW ZEALAND'S DELEGATES. LONDON, January 30. Official.—There is apparently an impression in New Zealand that its Ministers attempted to lecture the British Government on tho allotment by tho Council of tho Great Powers of ono Zealand representative at tho Peaco Conference. Nothing of the sort was done or attempted. When tho Ministers learned, on their arrival at Paris, that for tho first time, and on debatable grounds, South Africa had been given precedence over New Zealand, and tho lattor placed in a worso position than a country which had done little or nothing for the Allies' cnuso, Mr Massey consulted Mr Lloyd George, with a result that, after the mattor Jiad been quietly discussed at a mecting of the British delegation, at which New Zealand's position was strongly supported becanso of her splendid service in tho war, it was arranged that Sir Joseph Ward bo forthwith included lin the British delegation. Tho meeting was private, thus it is impossible to publish details of the British and other overseas delegates appreciation of New Zealand's war effort, and their support of her claims for equality of representation with countries with less substantial war records. The arrangement made is generally accepted as an acknowledgment of the reasonableness of New Zealand's claim. A CONTENTIOUS ISSUE. LONDON, January 31. Official—Tho disposal of tho German colonies has been tho principal subject at several meetings of the Council of the great Powers, and also at daily sessions of the British delegation, Mr Massey appearing before the Council, and both Ministers attending tho delegation conference. Tho contentious issue turns upon the system of control, whether it should be British respecting Africa, New Guinea and Samoa, or by a mandatory as trustee for tho League of Nations. Briefly stated, the conflict of interested opinion was between proved methods and concrete proposals and precious ideals. There is a powerful influence in favour of adopting tho mandatory system owing to the strong feeling against further aggrandisement. There aro obviously many valid objections to control by a trustee on behalf of an undeveloped and frankly experimental Leaguo of Nations, whose uiachinory is still undevised. The mandatory system means in plain terms that the former German colonies will bo attached to the nearest neighbour representing tho Power now in military occupation of the territory concerned, then tho League would appoint a mandatory or trustee and lay down genoral jjrinciples aimed at the establishment of administration, primarily for tho betterment of tho backward inhabitants, but definite conditions will bo imposed. Tho expenses of administration will be met fiscally with oqual customs charges for all nations, then if the oost becomes a burden to tho mandatory country, the League to bear a proportion of the deficit.

Tho oversea delegates opposed tlie system on the grounds of vagueness, insecurity of tenure, and unknown machinery which might possibly create an unworkable fiscal system and open tho door to enemy propaganda among the native races. Consideration was further given to-day and a provisional arrangement will probably bo arrived at on the principles of tho mandatory system, but it is hoped special arrangements will be made for tho African and Pacific colonies in order that the laws of mandatories or trustees shall be applicable to such territories. MANDATORY SYSTEM ADOPTED. MR LLOYD GEORGE'S TRUMP CARDS. (United Service.) (Received February 2nd, 5.5 p.m.) v PARIS, January 31.

Mr Keith Murdoch states that such deep movements, shufflings and diplomacy marked tie last four days that a vehement debate was inevitable which would affoct importantly the general trend of the world's affairs. Although Mr Wilson won his main point, it was evident last night that his position had been seriously weakened, as distinguished members of tho Council said during tho last hours of the debate that Mr Lloyd George held the trump earcjs. He did not play them, but gave Mr Wilson a peep which seemed disturbing to him. Mr, Lloyd George's trumps consisted of the ability of Great Britain to lead a European alliance which, would form its own League of Nations, based not upon fantastic schemes for foreign supervision of territories strategically necessary for young democracies, but upon the great principles and traditions of British Government. In other words, Mr Wilson learnt that if he insisted upon dictating tho exact form of a League of Nations and all settlements, his League would not be formed. During tho debate a Dominion delegate said to Mr Wilson: "You aro the elected President of the United States, not the elected president of the League of Nations."

Th general effect of the dragooning of all tho Powers into the general application of the mandatory system has been to greatly strengthen tho conservative conception of the League of Nations. Europe gave in to Mr Wilson principally because he seemed determined to make tho non-acceptance of the mandatory system into a crisis and return home, charging tho Allies with a breach of faith in the nonobservance of his fourteen points. This charge might have been difficult to refute, and America on such a chargc might have stood behind Mr Wilson. It has been made plain to Mr Wilson, however, that he has forced the Allies to insist that the League of Nations shall not be given power mischievously to interfero with the administration of such nlacos as New Guinea and Southwest Africa, in other words, tho League of Nations scheme will be considerably weaker than was hoped. Mr Wilson was vesterday compelled to concede this when he accepted the British formula providing that in the case of the South Pacific islands South-west Africa the same laws shall apply as in the mandatory country. Its effect is to reduce the League's authority. Thus tho League's mandatory clauses necessarily mean the open door and the !

League ceases to stand pre-eminently powerful for general freedom under a super-national authority. RACE RESTRICTIONS. PARIS, January 31. Mr A. J. Fraser says a delegate, replying to a question, stated that "whatever restrictions Australian laws imposed on racial matters, they would apply equally to New Guinoa. .Further, replying to the questioner, who asked whether America was likely to bo the mandatory Power over Samoa, the delegate said ho had ho doubt New Zealand would fill that position. (Received Februarv 2nd, 11.15 p.m.) PARIS, January 31. During the meeting of tho British Imperial Cabinet Mr Hughes and Mr Massey urged th© British delegates at) the Peace Congress to press Australia's claims to tho Pacific Islands. They feel that if Australia is granted mandatory rights to the islands, a guarantee should be given that th.3 islands will not bo overrun by Asiatic their aim being to make tho islands white. This does not mean that the overseai representatives will give up their claims.

CLAIMANTS 'SUCCESSFUL. (Received February 2nd, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, January 30. Paris correspondent of tho Central News Agency states that consideration of the German colonies is to bo resumed on.Thursday. He can authoritatively deny the statement that a gravo situation has arisen. Although Mr Wilson's views differ materially from those of other representatives, ho recognises there must be mutual concessions. Tho correspondent says ho has sound authority for stating that a compromise, under which the colonies will bo handed ovor to tho nations claiming them, subject to tho suijervision of tho League of Nations, will bo speedily reached with the full agreement of the British and Dominion representatives. The correspondent learns from a reliable Japanese source that Japan will abido by any decision tho Conference reachos, provided the Carolines and Marshalls do not revort to Germany, of which there is not tho slightest fear. Japan has no objection to tho unconditional return of Iviaochau to China, and seeks no consideration for the saciificos entailed in taking tho fortress.

It is undersjjod the Dominion delegates soe little hope ol' withstanding the prineiplo of placing the colonies under international control. They decline to discuss the matter for publication, but evidently view the situation seriously. This is especially true of the Australian delegates, who are inclined to believe that Mr Wilson overrates the Japanese danger to American interests. They are unable to credit the idea that American opinion will bo deeply stirred if tho agreement allowing Japan the Marshalls and Carolines is allowed to stand. An American victory on this point will probably result in an all-round application, hence the Italian and French delegates are greatly perturbed. General Botha and Gencral'Smnts are equally as determined as Mr Hughes, fearing the effect on boutii African opinion if the Union is not given German South-West Africa. Though some reports state that a decision has been readied, others say it is not final. A further session, or sessions, will be necessary. It is believed both versions are partly true. Mr Wilson's fifth point is being acceptcd as a basis, the difficulty being to find a formula applicable to tho various colonies according to local circumstances, particularly where acquisition is neccssary in the interests of national safety. Tho Exchange Telegraph's Paris correspondent says it is believed Mr Lloyd Geoige favours Mr Wilson's proposals regarding the colonies, which the Conference eventually will adopt, in spite of strenuous opposition.

(Received February 2nd, 11.15 p.m.) LONDON, February 1. It is understood the mandatory system under which the German colonies will be administered will give the administrators complete control, subject only to certain general provisions of the League of Nations.

MISLEADING REPORTS. (Received February 2nd, 5.5 p.m.) PARIS, January 31. The Belgian delegates discussed the Congo question with the Council of the Great Powers. An .authoritative statement has been issued to the Press stating that comments ,on the proceedings in regard to the disposal of the German colonies appearing in certain papers are mischievous, inaccurate, and misleading. The above presumably refers to statements quoted from Paris. The "Daily Mail" ■says tho oversea representatives aro reticent regarding decisions reached.

The Paris correspondent of the "Daily News" says that reports of serious difficulties in connexion with the settlement of colonial questions have been exaggerated. It is understood the representatives of the Dominions accepted the view that their interests would bo adequately protected if they were nominated as the mandatory authorities under the League of Nations. Thtis South Africa would become trustee for German South-West and SouthEast Africa, New Zealand for Samoa, and Australia for the Pacific Islands south of the Equator., It is understood Japan is prepared to apply the same principle to Kiao-chau, which, under certain reservations, will revert to China. The only question remaining is the destination of the islands north of the Equator which Japan claims.

LONDON PRESS OPINION. (Received February 2nd, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, January 30. The "Morning Post," in strongly supporting the Dominions' claim to tho German colonies, says that apparently the British delegates want to surrender territories our soldiers and sailors died to win for the Empire, whereas the Dominion delegates, faithful to their trust, refuse to betray it. If the British delegates weakly persist in this attitude, they will not only be surrendering British interests, but sowing seeds of such bitter discontent in the Dominions as might disrupt the Empire. The "Pall Mall Gazette" states that the regrettable secrecy observed at the Peace Conference does not permit of the public becoming acquainted with the arguments regarding ex-German colonies, particularly as some of the plans for their disposal are both novel and complicated. The natural sequence of the war would be the transference of the German possessions to the nations which they menace. The chief oboe- 1

tion to Mr Wilson's proposal is that it offers no security of the permanence of tho mandate, because a League which gives can also take away. This would be a special hardship if applied to undeveloped territories which must for some years be a considerable charge upon tho holders. Tho mandatory system may easily betray us into a hopo less tangle of conflicting rights and obligations. Tho "Daily Express" states that the idea advanced to-day is that the Powers now holding German colonies should administer theni until tho League of Nations is formed, after which they will receivo the League s mandate as international administrators bound by tho League's regulations concerning tariffs and an open door to immigrants of all nations. Mr Hughes is not inclined to accent this compromise. Australia desires absolute sovereignty over New Guinea, and is anxious to exclude tho Japanese. Mr Massey is more inclined to accept a compromise regarding Samoa. General Smuts is more ready to npplv Mr Wilson's formula to South-west Africa than is General Botha.

General Maurice, writing to tho "Daily News" from Paris, says tho prospect of getting tho mandatory system applied to the majority of tho Gorman colonies is now favourable, but secret treaties arc an obstacle. The difficulty is to find a formula for satisfying claims under secret treaties while safeguarding the League of Nations. French circles are disposed to regard tho idea of placing tho colonies undor the League as a return to tho discredited Condominium. This is a misconception as only one Power will administer each colony.

The "Globe" says there is deep concern and every alarm throughout the Empire by the threatened internationalisation of the Pacific Islands, and the possibility of the islands some day going back as patrimony, as Germany is certain to have a place in the League of Nations sooner or later.

A BASELESS DREAM. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received February 2nd, 5.5 p.m.) NEW YORK, January 30. The United Press Paris correspondent says that Mr ' Wilson believes the League of Nations plan will receive a death blow if Germany's colonies are divided among the Allies and annexed. The President feels that the League must settle the question of the di6position'of the colonies by internationaJisation. The "New York Sun," editorially, states that Mr Wilson's scheme for control of the German colonies seems a dream without a practical basis. The colonies must be used for the settlement of Germany's indemnities. JAPAN'S PROGRAMME. (Received February 2nd, 5.5 p.m.) PARIS, January 30. "Le Matin" states that the Japanese programme embodied nine points, and agreed that Australia should take New Guinea, the Samoan question to be decided in agreement with Anglo-Ameri-can opinion, Japan to have the Marslialls, Carolines, and Ladrones, also Tsing-tau anl Kiao-chau. WAR-TIME TREATIES. (Receivod February 2nd, 5.5 p.m.) PARIS, January 30. Sir A.- J. Frasor writes that M. Tardieu, a French delegate, was interviewed, and asked whether in view of the institution of a Leaguo of Nations all agreements made during the war would be torn up ? He said that such agreements would be examined by the Peace Conference, and therofore there could be no a priori answer to the question. /Germany would he called into conference as soon as definite terms and a Leaguo of Nations were arranged. There was every hope of a settlement betwean the Poles and the Czechoslovaks.

INFORMATION REJECTED. (Australian and N.Z. C&ble Ascocintlon.) (Renter's Telegrams.) (Received February 2nd, 5.5 p.m.) PARIS, January 30. Mr A. J. Fraser states it is understood that the Council of the Great Pov.ors has rejected the Austrian statistics us a basis for determining claims. This is important, as selfdetermination in some of tho Balkan provinces hinges on population figures which have hitherto been available only from Austrian sources. CLAIMS FOR REPARATION. (Received February 2nd, 11.15 p.m.) NEW YORK, January 31. The "New York World" states that, according to well-informed circles, Great Bi i£ain is claiming toil for ton reparation from Germany for merchantmen sunk by U-boats. Mr Wilson is taking the view that the claims of France and Belgium for reparation should be satisfied before those ol other nations. Groat Britain's view is that- her mercantile losses should be considered in the same category as the French and Belgian war losses.

AFRICAN NATIVES' REQUEST. CAPE TOWN, January 31. A deputation of the African Political Organisation, representing the coloured people, presented to the GovernorGeneral a resolution passed by a largo number of meetings throughout the Lnion, urging that the conquered territories should not be handed back to Germany, that none of these territories should be incorporated in the Union until the coloured people of the Cape receive the rights of which thev were deprived by the Act of Union, and that full political rights should be extended to the coloured people of the rest of the Union. Also that no colour disabilities should be placed on the people of those territories. The GovernorGeneral undertook to transmit the resolution, but pointed out that a certain paragraph fell entirely within the responsibility of the Union Government, m which the Imperial Government could in no circumstances interfere.