THE PACIFIC ISLANDS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1731, 28 June 1917, Page 3

THE PACIFIC ISLANDS.

k Mr Massey, during the course of an interview on Imperial matters, did not care to divulge anything about the future - of the Pacific Islands, .for the all-important reason that several of these islands, though held by Australasia, as we believe, for all time, cannot with propriety ■be so regarded until after the peace conference. Tonga remains, as before, a nominally independent kingdom, which had the recent perogative of declaring its neutrality in the war against the Kaiser; but Tonga is a protectorate within the orbit of New Zealand destined to be administered from the Dominion before long, in accordance with the old dream of Sir George Grey. Samoa will, of course, come in. the same orientation. Looking farther a held, to India, Mr Massey does not think the recognition of that Empire as practically an equal partner in the British comity alters the matter to any great extent. Certainly it will make it easier rather than more diflieult for (he Dominions to negotiate'with India round the council table about such matters as Indian emigration. The New Zealand Prime Minister does not, however, anticipate any further dillieullies in this connection. The policy of making openings* in the Indian Army for New Zealand oflieers is likely to he developed to our benefit. 1 It was scarcely possible for the War Cabinet to discuss large matters of naval policy, which will undoubtedly he one of the main questions for the conference which, wo all hope, will meet next year to discuss the terms of peace. The naval experts are all 100 fully engaged today in the real purposes, for which the Navy exists to devote any attention lo after-war policies.