Wairarapa Times-Age MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1939. COLONIES AND PEACE.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 February 1939, Page 4

Wairarapa Times-Age MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1939. COLONIES AND PEACE.

PULL sympathy will be felt in this country and other Dominions with a request addressed to Mr Chamberlain, by representatives of the British Anti-Slavery and Aborigines Protection Society, that he should regard as vital the wishes and welfare of the inhabitants “in considering the transfer of colonial territories in connection with possible German demands.’’ Presented as it is by influential and presumably well-informed people, including the Archbishop of Canterbury and Cardinal Ilinsley, this request is of disturbing interest as suggesting a belief on their part that the British Government may be contemplating as a possibility the return of colonies to Germany. It must be hoped that any such impression is erroneous. The return of colonies to the present rulers of Germany would show poor regard for the welfare of African and other native races and would open up as poor prospects of a satisfactory and stable settlement of international problems. A sufficient indication of the manner in which the Nazis would be likely to treat the members of coloured races is given in their treatment of Jewish and other minorities, and of all who venture to oppose them, in Germany. This consideration in itself should be decisive, but account has to be taken also of such facts as were brought to light by a. commission appointed by the South African Union Government to inquire into conditions brought about by Nazi intrigue in South-West Africa. The commission reported:— We find that there has been continual interference from the Nazi Foreign Organisation in the affairs of the territory and that, as a result, freedom of speech, of political association and even of personal conduct has ceased to exist in the territory for a large number of Germans who are Union subjects and who are entitled to the protection of the Mandatory against such infringement of their rights. The smooth functioning of the Mandate system becomes practically impossible if such interference in the affairs of a Mandated Territory continues. Nazi activities which may fairly be called intrigue and conspiracy are by no means confined to the former German colonies, but are pursued over a great part of South Africa and indeed in many other parts of the world. That any colonies secured by Nazi Germany would be used as new centres of conspiracy and mischief-making goes without saying. In other conditions, particularly with Germany playing a straightforward part in helping to safeguard world peace, the colonial claims of the Reich no doubt would be entitled to consideration. The question of African territories might then be settled with satisfaction to all concerned, and the natives of these territories might be fully protected, under a plan of international co-operation and guarantees. As matters stand, however, the cession of colonial territory to Germany could be expected to serve no other purpose than that of encouraging her Nazi rulers in a policy of aggression and in formulating further demands. It is necessary in this matter, as in others, to draw a. distinction between the German people and their present rulers. Late events in Europe have sufficiently demonstrated that the policy of making concessions to the Nazi Government of Germany for the sake of peace has already been carried unwisely far, and that, instead of helping to establish and consolidate peace, it has made the international outlook more than ever unstable and insecure. Germany eventually may rid herself of the terrible incubus she carries today, and in doing so may help to open a new outlook for the world, but it is self-evident that, to make further concessions to the Nazi dictatorship would be to proceed to an extremity of- weakness and folly. A GOOD BEGINNING. "yyiTII Saturday’s procession and demonstration, and with special services in the churches yesterday in which due emphasis was laid upon the deeper and commanding aspects of •fitness in men and nations, the fitness campaign has been launched very well in Masterton, as it has been in other parts of the Dominion. An excellent purpose should be served here and elsewhere, also, by the various gatherings and displays by young and old which have been arranged lor the coming week.

The essential point to be made and emphasised meantime is that these activities should be regarded as merely thejntroduction to a great continuing movement calling forth in full measure the powers and capabilities of the people of New Zealand —a movement directed to the well-rounded development of individuals and the strengthening of the nation. An impressive opening move is being made, but it remains to follow this up by patient and resolute effort, aiming at the promotion, not only of physical fitness, but of mental and moral fitness as well. There is a call here on the enterprise, energy and enthusiasm of all bodies —sports clubs, religious and cultural associations and others—which are organised to the end of inculcating and offering facilities for a worthy and profitable use of leisure. In some instances there are already encouraging assurances of continuity and expansion of the movement that is being launched and signalised in Fitness Week. In announcing, for example, that already eighty permanent district committees under the Physical Welfare and Recreation Act have been established throughout the Dominion, and that it is expected that the number will rise to 150 in the near future, the Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr Parry) said:— In all districts there are enthusiastic, efficient men and women eager to help in this nation-strengthening work. This indication of a strong continuation of the fitness movement is a splendid answer to the few persons who feared that Fitness Week might be just a spectacular flourish and a finish. Really the week is a curtainraiser to a play which will have an endless succession of acts. It must be hoped that the Minister’s optimism is wholly warranted and that his anticipations will be realised in full measure. The continuation of the fitness movement in lull strength and with full effect implies nothing less than a sustained, methodical and adequately supported effort to create a national environment in which every New Zealander will have a fair opportunity of developing his or her best powers. The task involved is not a light one, but in the possibilities it offers it is emphatically one to inspire courageous and public-spirited effort. In well directed and supported efforts to promote all-round fitness of body and mind throughout the community, a comprehensive attack will be made on all that is least admirable, or is positively humiliating, in our existing national organisation on those things, that is to say, that we have most reason to regard with concern in their immediate aspect and as they bear on the future.'