THE PACIFIC ISLANDS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1933, 30 January 1919, Page 2

THE PACIFIC ISLANDS.

A SECRET TREATY DISCLOSED. BETWEEN BRITAIN AND JAPAN. SURPRISE IN AMERICA. Washington, Jan. ‘2B. The disclosure of a secret treaty between Britain and Japan allotting the Marshall and Caroline Islands to Japan lias surprised American opinion. It is understood that President Wilson intends to make a counterproposal for the internationalisation of all the Pacific colonics, Vancouver, Jan. 28. The Uuiled Press correspondent* in Paris says it is understood that Britain supports the Japanese claims to the Marshall and Caroline Islands; and that Japan supports Australia’s claims upon the-other islands. London, Jan. 27. The Daily Telegraph’s correspondent at Paris, apropos of Australia’s and New Zealand’s claims in the Pacific, says Che French Government is full of admiration Jot* the Dominions’ exertions in the war, and is anxious (o show its appreciation. AL Clemenceau is on the most cordial terms with the Dominion .Ministers, and is all smiles to them. MR. HUGHES' STIRRING SPEECH. London, Jan. 28. Air W. Al, Hughes made a stirring speech in the Australian Y.M.C.A. in Paris, declaring that Australians had won their rights respecting the Pacific Island-.. The speech is attracting widespread attention. Alelhourne, Yesterday. Mr Watt, in a statement regarding (be German colonics, strongly opposes llic proposal to internationalise I he Pacific islands. Pari.--, Jan. 27. The newspapers, apropos of today’s discussion regarding the German colonies, stale that Britain and (he Cnited States have arrived at an agreement that certain colonies in the. Pacific theoretically belong to the League of Nations, hut their actual government must he delegated (o Australia and New Zealand. There can he no question of international administration. Paris, Jan. 28. In connection with the German Colonics, no donhl the fact that Germany used, the Pacific Islands for strategic purposes rather than for economic development will carry weight. Germany’s treatment of the unlives in her overseas possessions compared with the reasonable I real meat accorded by British colonisers will also have an effect on the decision of the Powers, There is a strong feeling in some quarters that international control would lead to con fusion, especially m islands contiguous to mainlands with whom they have natural intercourse. THE FRENCH STANDPOINT. COLONIES SHOULD BE SHARED. Paris, Jam 28. Lc Journal says the French standpoint with regard to the fate of the German (Adonic.- is against the British, and is against the restoration of the territories, which will constitute a valuable advance, payment on account of future indemnities. There is also no question of international administration. The German Colonies must be divided among the States which have claims based on the war, and which have colonial experience and suitable geographical position.

AMERICA'S PROPOSAL. Washing on. .lan. 2S. President Wilson's proposal regarding I in.’ Pacilie colonies contem(dale's control by (me Power over tin* colonies, subject to general supervision by (he Peace League.