“Taranaki Central Press” THURSDAY, MAY 20, 1937. WILL MANDATES DISAPPEAR?

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 438, 20 May 1937, Page 4

“Taranaki Central Press” THURSDAY, MAY 20, 1937. WILL MANDATES DISAPPEAR?

“Mandates must disappear if the world is to have peace, says Baron von Loringhoven. His words may be true, but not in the sense intended by him. Mandates are likely to disappear only when the world is in the mood for peace, and when Germany has abandoned war as the ideal form of national activity. The suggestion has been made that all colonies should be put under an international moral trust for the welfare of their native inhabitants, and that all nations should have equitable access to their raw materials. The compromise was discussed a month ago by Mr Wickham Steed in an effort to solve the perplexities of those who would like to give Germany every proof of goodwill and yet are troubled by the thought of handing over to Germany large numbers of natives who might either be ill-treated or trained as warriors. There is the danger, of course, that the refusal to give back any colonies might drive Germany to seek expansion in Eurqpe, with a consequential war from which Britain could hardly keep aloof. On the other hand, the question arises whether there would be any end to the concessions that might be demanded under threat of war if some were granted. The discussion emphasises the impasse into which the nations have been forced by the failure of the League of Nations. Germany’s defection from the League, and her rearming, are intended, obviously, to get concessions that might not be given to a weaker Germany; but with Germany inside the League, public opinion might run strongly in her favour in regard to mandated territory. It is late in the day to think of that now, and the compromise of an international trust may, in consequence, be brought more prominently into the discussion.