CONTROL OF SAMOA.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1939, 13 February 1919, Page 3

CONTROL OF SAMOA.

- L « MANDATE FOR NEW ZEALAND. ENEMY INFLUENCE REMOVED. Wellington, Eel). 12, The following oflieial report: of the Peace Conference is supplied: — The mandate for New Zealand’s control of Samoa on behalf of the League of Nations is almost completed. Air Massey was frequently consulted by (he high authorities regarding' the conditions, which practically eliminate international control. The historic document, which has yet to go before the Council of dm Powers and the Plenary Conference for approval, is appreciably different, from the original proposal. At is impossible to publish details, but it is permissible to say that the principle means dial New Zealand shall control Samoa as (hough the island was an integral part of New Zealand, whoso

administration and legislation will he exactly applicable to Samoa, New Zealand undertaking to prevent; abuses such as the sale of arms, and slave and liquor traffic. It is also provided that if Samoa, at any lime desires absorption, its union with Now Zealand will he agreed.to by the League, which must receive an animal report of New Zealand's administration of Samoa on (he League's behalf. There is absolutely no “open door” as regards trade or immigration, so that enemy influence will he entirelv removed.

The mandate is not yet accepted, Iml it is deemed acceptable in its present form, and a satisfactory settlement is now in sight. Mr Alassey is taking steps to,, wards securing the approval of the Ueaee Conference to the proposal that Gallipoli lie placed under direct British control, so that (he hallowed ground may be set, apart as n euiniiioinorative reserve in tribute to I lie memory of the gallant Anzaes and their British comrades who made Gallipoli the synonym for heroic endurance and noble sucriliee. The aim is to have the reserve afforested by Anzae trees and evergreens, and to have the graves adequately marked and preserved, There is a strong impression that the armistice terms have been hard-' (tied to curb the growing insolence of Germany, whoso military strength is still possibly dangerous, ami is now the subject of special consider;)! ion. In the meantime the Allied commanders arc taking prudent precautions along the Rhine. Many authorities believe Dial Die armistice was signed a month too soon, Good progress is being made with respect to the League of Nations' constitution.