FATE OF THE GERMAN ISLANDS

Hokitika Guardian, 20 August 1918, Page 3

FATE OF THE GERMAN ISLANDS

OPINION IN AUSTRALIA SYDNEY, Aug. 7 An argument as to Australia’s attitude towards the disposal of the German islands, which promises to become more spirited as time passes, is now engaging .•some attention here. Mr. Hughes, in England, says that the islands must not he handed hack. Here is the attitude of various Australian parties:— Extreme Lnhourities: “Australia does not want the islands. We are utterly .opposed to tho suggestion that we shall retain the colonies standing in the way of an honourable peace by negotiation.”

The Moderate Lnhourities (per Mr. G. S. Booby, a Nationalist Minister of New South Wales): “By what right does Mr Hughes say .in London that in no instance will Australia agree to any future German colonies in the Pacific? The ultimate fate of Germany’s colonies, as against the earliest achievement of a lasting peace, is not of vital importance. I urge that Aus tralia has an open mind on this •question. and is prepared to leave it open until the final balancing takes place—that Australia is prepared to say we do not care what becomes of any of the conquered colonics so long as the final peace terms prevent / Prussian militarism from ever again drenching this world with b'ood and tears.”

The Nationalist Party (per Mr. Watt, Acting-Prime Minister): “Any man in Australia to-day who will knowingly hand hack the possession of these islands without trouble is unworthy as a trustee of this great heritage of Australia.” The average newspaper: “Mr Hughes has the strongest possible right to speak for Australia on the subject of the Pacific Islands, and he is supported in his utterances by his colleagues :in Australia, and by the majority of Aus-