THE GERMAN COLONIES.

Taihape Daily Times, 19 September 1918, Page 7

THE GERMAN COLONIES.

More than casual significance attaches to the observation of the German Vice-Chancellor that the idea of exchange of colonies on the ground of -expediency need not be excluded from a discussion of peace terms. The Germans know by this time that they arc not considered desirable neighbours by the British Dominions, and the war has taught them that their There is a school of opinion in Gercolonial position is strategically weak, many which advocates exchange of colonics as a means of overcoming the New Zealand and Australian objection to the presence of Germany in the Pacific and as a means of consolidating the colonial empire of which Germans still dream. Africa is the chosen land of those who propose such a policy. They picture East Africa, Togoland and South-west Africa as pillars of a great African territory which shall have been increased by the acquisition of certain allied possessions in erchange for concessions elsewhere. A compact German “Mittel-Africn” is a very attaettive prospect to the Berlin Government. It would give access to many tropical products required in her industries, and would place her in command of much excellent material for the formation of. a native army. The Germans take no trouble to conceal their disappointment that their colonial preparations for war did not equal their European preparations, and they express their determination to drill large native armies and stock their colonies with sufficient munitions to carry on war for years if necessary, thus creating an African empire which will be invincible and will seriously threaten the British, French, Belgian, and Portuguese colonies. Indeed, the German hope is that in a future war Britain will be unable to draw troops from South Africa and will then have to send reinforcements to prevent the colony being overwhelmed. It is not at all probable that the Allies will consent to a proposal that would enable Germany to disturb the peace of Africa and promote devtstating wars between native armies. The German record is black enough already and Europe would be lacking in her duty if she did not protect the African races from a nation which has neither the genius for colonisation nor regard for native interests. Germany has no moral claim to the return of any of her colonies, and as British South Africa has strong objections to the reestablishment of German rule on her borders the proposed African Empire is likely to fade with many (another German dream.