The Dominion TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1919. DISPUTED MANDATES

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 80, 30 December 1919, Page 4

The Dominion TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1919. DISPUTED MANDATES

Japan has sprung a somewhat disturbing surprise in her eleventhhour objections to tho form of mandate under which Australia and New Zealand are to assume control of the former German islands in tho South- Pacific.. No doubt most people in this country had come to regard the whole question as settled for practical purposes and awaiting only formal ratification, and it is to be hoped that this will yet prove to be the actual state of affairs. The matter is still so far open, however, that the protest now made by Japan, though it is somewhat belated, cannot bo regarded with indifference. It is possible that in renewing discussion on the island mandates Japan has _ some other purpose in mind which is not stated—that she aims,_ thatis to say, at obtaining concessions in other directions. At all events her objections as they arc outlined import a note into the discussion of Pacific affairs that would be much better absent. She strongly _ objects _to the Australasian regime in the islands south of the equator, it is stated, "on the ground that it bars Japanese immigration, placinc tho Japanese in a worse position than under the German occupation of the territories." This contention is unsound in itself—it _ closely approaches an assumption that the Poace settlement amounts to, or at all events involves, a division _ of spoils—and ignores the really vital issues raised in connection with the disposal of the ex-German islands. Any question of equity as between one Allied nation and .another seems to be met by the fact that Japan is offered a mandate over the ex-Ger-man islands north of the equator identical with that given to Australia and New Zealand over the South Pacific islands. Even if this were not the case, however, it is far from being true that Japan derives no benefit from the establishment of tho Australian and New Zealand mandates in the South Pacific. She shares with all tho nations that look out on the Pacific in the great advantages that result from expelling the Germans from islands commandingly placed to serve as strategic base's. Under the mandates the islands that Germany might have turned to account for purposes of

predatory conquest are to bo neutralised permanently; they are not in any circumstances to be. fortified of used for any military end, The one great benefit attending the transfer of authority over the former German islands is the elimination of a standing menace to nil nations which wislf to maintain peace, and in that, benefit Japan shares to the fullest possible' extent. The Japanese attitude, as it is defined, assumes that Australia and New Zealand have laid hold on rich prizes of war. In actual fact it is more than likely that the Dominion and the Commonwealth will each find that they have' undertaken a troublesome trust. Their ruling motive _in the matter is a desire not for gain, but for security, and in so far as security is attained Japan wil] profit in common with other nations _ that front the Pacific. This consideration in itself invalidates the contention now nut forward by .Lilian, and the specific complaint made in regard to immigration can hardly hi; hold to affect the essential merits of the case. Although the mandates have yet to be detailed in this country in their final form, it is probably true that much the same, will be imposed on Japanese immigration into Samoa, New Guinea, and other islands as are now imposed by Australia and_ New Zealand. This position promises to arise, not from any grasping or exclv/vc spirit on the part of the British Dominions concerned, but for the reason that the mandatories are pledged to safeguard and protect the native populations of the several islands. The essential provisions of the draft mandate relating to Samoa were, detailed by Mr. Massbv in tho House of Representatives last session. One of these provisions runs as follows:— New Zealand shall have full power of administration and legislation over Samoa as an integral nortion of New Zealand, and may apply the law, of Now Zealand to Samoa, subject to' Midi local modifications as circumstances may require. New Zealnnd undertakes by all moans in its power to promote tho material and moral well-being and tho social progress of the inhabitants of Samoa. Further details of the draft mandate prohibit the slave trade and forced labour "oxcept_ for essential public works and services, andthen only for adequate remuneration," i

Uic supply of intoxicating liquor to the native. l ;, tho military training of the natives otherwise than for purposes of internal police and the | local defence of tho territory. It, is expressly provided that ,: no military or naval bass shall be established or fortifications erected in the territory." The Samoan mandate is on all fours with the Australian mandate over ex-Gorman New Guinea and other island territories. Obviously Australia and New Zealand will have full power to regulate immigration into the islands, and it is equally evident that indiscriminate immigration from any quarter would be inconsistent with the full protection of the native populations 'to which the mandatories arc pledged. Nothing has been said of any express discrimination Japanese immigrants, and the attitude Japan has now taken up is based presumably upon an assumption that if the terms of the mandates are faithfully observed tho former German islands will offer little scope to immigrants from ' any Quarter. As their terms have been disclosed, the mandates satisfy two essential requirements. They safeguard international peace and protect the native populations. Although she reiidcrcd useful services in the war. Japan is manifestly in the wrong in seeking on prounds of narrow self-interest to disturb an arrangement which satisfies these vital conditions. Her attitude sets clear- cmnhasis on the practical nce"ssity of establishing the League of Nations on a. firm foundation, and ouffht to convince tho people of this country that their interest in that groat enterprise is far from being merely academic.