THE ANNEXATION QUESTION.

Kumara Times, Issue 2606, 13 January 1885, Page 2

THE ANNEXATION QUESTION.

[SPECIAL TO MELBOURNE AGE,] London, January 5, It has transpired that in July last, Germany forwarded to England a request to desist from annexing any territory in the Pacific where no previous British settlement existed. Prince Bismarck is reported to be favorable for the suggested exchange by the British Government, of Heligoland to Germany for New Guinea. The members of Cabinet have been summoned at request of Earl Derby to consider the whole question of annexation in the Pacific. The St. James’ Gazette suggests that the British Government shall offer Heligoland to Germany in exchange for New Guinea. The Press is unanimous in condemning the action of Lord Derby, but the majority of the newspapers refer in favorable terms to the action of New South Wales over the annexation question. The Daily News says that Mr Service’s despatch to the Agent-General was incautious and hasty. The Daily Chronicle expresses an opinion that if the Australian colonies are resolute, it will be impossible for Germany to maintain her claim to a portion of New Guinea. The Times states that the Cabinet is undecided and divided in opinion with respect to the question of French and German annexation in the Pacific. The same paper states that if Parliament were sitting a vote of censure would probably be passed against the Government on the annexation question, and advises Earl Derby to resign his position as Colonial Secretary. The Daily Telegraph says, that the report as to negotiations between the British and French Governments for the cession of the New Hebrides to the latter is unfounded, and that France does not intend to interfere with the New Hebrides.