THE PEACE CONFERENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 January 1919, Page 2

THE PEACE CONFERENCE.

fAUSTRALIAN it N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION]

GERMAN COLONIES. , PARIS, Jan. 27. Mr Fraser states in connection with the German colonics, doubtless the fact that Germany used the Pacific Islands for strategic purposes, rather than economic development, will carry weight; also the German treatment ot the natives in her overseas possessions, compared with the reasonable treatment recorded by British colonies, will have effect on powers decision. There is a strong feeling in some quarters that international control will lead to confusion especially in islands contiguous to mainlands, with whom it is natural the intercourse with these islands should be. __ The Paris “Journal” says the I rencli standpoint in regard to the fate of the, German colonies is against tlio restoration of territories which consttute a valuable advance payment on account of future indemnities. There is also no question that international administration of German colonies must be divded among the States which have claims based on the war, and colonial experience and geographical position.

A STRONG POLAND. i NEW YORK, Jan. 27. The “New York “Globes’ ” Paris correspondent states: The American Peace Delegation is determined to create a strong Poland, and to make her economically independent, and capable of becoming a first-class power in European Affairs. They will sco that she will he made to withstand German economic competition. The American Delegation intends to secure for Poland the Baltic port of Dantzig, and also such a stretch of territory as will have thirty or thirtyfive millions of a population.

SPEEDING-UP NEEDED. Reuter's Telecrams LONDON, Jan. 27. The “Observers” Paris correspondent states: The indications are that the heads of the Governments here realise that they must no longer waste time over the theoretical part of the Peace business. The most striking fact in this respect is perhaps that the British Dominions’ representatives were heard concerning the German colonies. Tt is deductible from this that territorial questions will be taken simultaneously wit-h the League of Nations’ debates. I understand that a majority formed inside the delegations from the five leading Powers favours that course . Hence the questions ot territorial delimination. both in and outside Europe, are likely to he delected to special committees forthwith.

PLAN OF WORK ARRANGED. VANCOUVER, Jan. 28. The Peace Conference made a distinct gain on Monday, when nineteen small Powers gave their full adhesion to the Conference organisation formulated by the five Great Powers. This will secure the united front of the great and small Powers to see out the work on the main subjects before com-

mission. This result has largely been due to the skilful direction of M. Cainbon. The Great Powers, at simultaneous sessions, appointed a Committee on Maritime Laws, which is regarded as being embraced in President Wilson’s Freedom of the Seas points.

CLAIMS FOR COLONIES. (Received This Day at 8.45 a.hi.) PARIS, January 28. During the discussion on the German colonies at the Supreme Council, Mr Hughes, General Botha, and Mr Massey, submitted the claims of the respective Dominions, namoly, New Guinea for Australia, S amoa for New Zea " land, South West Africa for the Union. The question of tho future of South East. Africa, Togoland and Cameroons was discussed.

Mr Wilson explained his personal theory regarding the settlement of colonial questions according fto which the League of Nations would entrust the adminstration of these territories to mandatory States.

IN AGREEMENT. LONDON, January 28. The “Daily Telegraph’s” Paris correspondent states an .agreement has been reached in such cases as AlsaceLorraine, Gorman South West Africa. New Guinea. When there is »o question of the return or internationalisation, of the land it is agree dthat the mineral and other wealth contained therein will be held, n 8 a set otf against the general claim of the Allies and the annexing State in particular.

FURTHER COMMENT. ■'Received This Day at 9.15 a.m.) PARIS, Jan. 28. Air Fraser states Mr Wilson’s predilection for the internationalisation of German colonies, was based rather upon Japanese progress across the Pacific than from a desire to thwart British acquisition of the islands. A feeling exists that Britain has made a secret agreement with Japan in 191(5 whereby the latter have possess ion of Marshalls and Carolines, and confining Japan’s influence north of the equator. The full weight of the British delegation is behind the Overseas claims. The whole question will he settled without reference to the Plenary Conference. * While Britain is agreed upon the -Overseas’ demands, she is willing to accept the principle of placing Togoland, East Africa, and Cameroons under the control of a mandatory Power, though other nations, notably Portugal and France, do not agree. THE LEADING TOPIC.

FATE OF GERA lAN COLONIES. (Received this day at 9.25 a.m.) LONDNO, Jan. 28. The fate of the German colonies lias become ‘the leading topic. The final decision of the Conference is awaited with the greatest interest. The newspapers are giving considerable space to Australia’s and New Zealand’s case for retention. It is mentioned that when Air Wilson enquired how much importance Australasia attached to keeping New Guinea, Air Hughes was able forthwith to produce Air Watt’s telegram showing Australian opinion was thoroughly aroused, leaving no doubt that Australia viewed the

prospect of the Islands reverting to Germany in any shape or form, with' the greatest misgiving and disappointment.

Two reasons are given for Mr Wilson’s hesitation in adopting the Australian and New Zealand standpoint. He sees something inconsistent between allowing the Empire to retain German possessions and allowing the subject population a voice in deciding its own destination. LONDON, Jnn. 2D. M 4 It is understood that Mr 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 would be responsible to the League. The mandatory Powers are not to be allowed to exploit tho colonies unless the League sanctioned it. It. is understood that United States offered to control Turkey, but 110 decisions of any character are reachable yet.