PACIFIC PROBLEM.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 January 1919, Page 5

PACIFIC PROBLEM.

WILSON FAVORE NEUTRALISATION,

WITH BRITISH MANDA3®. JAPAN HAS NO MORAL CLAIM.

Received Jan. 28, 1.45 a.m. Paris, Jan. 25,

Mr. Murdoch says: At American headquarter's I gathered the following clear, unquestionable facts concerning America's attitude. —President Wilson favors the neutralisation of all former German possessions in the Pacific, under* a British mandate, which he is willing Bhould be transferred to Australia. lie does not wish to see Japan astride the-Pacific, and thinks Japan has no moral claim or strategical need for the islands. He does not see why Japan wants the 1 Ladrones, Carolines or Marshal !s, because they are practically useless for colonising. Therefore the desire must be for more expansion of power and influence in the Pacific. President Wilson is likely to make a strong fight against tiis.

It must be understood that there is no certainty that Britain will secure a general mandate regarding the Pacific. Therefore Australia's objections to neutralisation are based on the possibility '•of another Power stepping in.—United Service.

VIEWS OF BRITAIN AND THE DOMINIONS.

Paris, Jan. 24. Mr. Murdoch >vr.'tes that Mr. Hughes, Mr. Massey, and General Smuts wore called Ibefore the conference to state their case against the neutralisation of the islands south of the equator and South-West Africa. There is no question of any Germany colony being returned, but America wishes the neutralisation of all except South-West Africa, The Dominions urged annexation, and are assured of French and Italian support. Mr. Lloyd George epitomsied the British views, mentioning the strategical claims of Australia, New Zealand, and East Africa. He urged that young democratic nations be given the greatest possible security consonant with justice, which in these cases is unchallenged. Mr. Hughes was then called to deal ■with the Pacific. With the aid of a map of the Pacific he stated Australia's case, enforcing the strategical aspect. He said the Powers holding one group should hold all, for each group as a steppingstone was strategically connected. He declared.that the neutralisation of New Guinea was the same as the neutralisation of Australia, for any great Power controlling New Guinea controlled Alts, tralia. Australia could hot have any great Power threatening her from a commanding position in the Pacific. General Smuts followed with a good case for South-West Africa, but not claiming East Africa. Mr. Massey dealt with Samoa, declaring that New Zealand would never give it up to Germany. He protested against any foreign Power being posted strategically on her flank, even as mandatory under the league of nations, in an island won by New Zealand's efforts.—United Service.

THE CASE FOR THE BRITISH COLONIES.

Received Jan. 27, 9.45 p.m. London, Jan. 25.

Mr. Fraser, writing from Paris, says that the Echo dc Paris, commenting on the Islands question, says it ahoald not be difficult to reach a decision upon it. Australia and New Zealand have spent milliards of francs for the common cause, and the paper fails to understand the mentality of those who would prevent the immediate acceptance of the colonial view, and declares that Mr. Lloyd George has 1 long shared these views. Messrs. Hughes and Massey made a just claim. The writer objects to the League of Nations undertaking the administration of the Pacific, as international administration had always proved a failure.

A GOOD CASE MADE OUT. The High Commissioner reports that somewhat unexpectedly matters of great importance to the Dominions cume before the Council of Allied Powers on Friday Mr. Lloyd George opened with a statement in respect to the captured German colonies

Mr. Hughes stated the case for Australia, General Smuts for South Africa, and Mr. Massey for New Zealand. It appeared to be the unanimous opinion of the conference that a good case had been made out.

Japan and America have yet to be heard.