BRITISH STAND

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 136, 4 March 1936, Page 9

BRITISH STAND

German Campaign For Colonial Power DEMAND INSISTENT Return of Former Colonies Not Contemplated By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright. (Received March 3, 7.25 p.m.) London, March 2. The Berlin correspondent of the Australian Associated Press says: With a campaign in full swing to reinvest Germany with the prestige of a colonial Power, the first impression is one of cross purposes between the old diehards, seeking the return of all posses sions and Young Nazis who are prepared for the sake of the nation’s honour to accept a speedy compromise. Herr Dums, secretary of the German Colonial Society, told me that the Press had not been encouraged to report propaganda owing to the Government’s desire to avoid upsetting countries administering Germany’s former colonies. Herr Hums emphasised that the society is a private organisation. However, a highly placed official informed me that the demand for the return of all colo nie.s is as insistent as it was in 1920 When reminded that mandatories, at great expense, had substantially developed territories he argued that they accepted a sacred trust and could not expect Germany to refund expenditure undertaken for humanitarian motives. The “Sun-Herald” news agency says: In view of apprehension in Australia regarding the situation arising from the clamour in Germany for the return of colonies British Government quarters were asked for a statement on the latest position. It was emphasised that the possible return of New Guinea or any- other former German colony has never been contemplated. The position in regard to this is precisely as outlined by Mr. J. H. Thomas, Colonia! Secretary, on February 12. Mr. Eden’s statement in the House of Commons reiterating Sir Samuel Hoare’s promise at Geneva to consider the raw material problem is in no way, associated with the return of colonies, but simply with the examination of the access of foreign countries to the purchase of raw materials. However, there is little sympathy for Germany's claims as outlined by Dr. Goebbels.

The British attitude is that Germany, by her stupendous rearmament expenditure, had so cramped her currency that her own economics are solely responsible for restricting her purchases. The British Dominions and Colonies will always be accessible to Germany for buying raw materials, but never for the reacquisition of territories.

In answer to a House of Commons question on February 12, the Colonial Secretary. Mr. J. 11. Thomas, stated that his Majesty’s Government had not considered, and was not considering, the handing over of any of the British colonies or territories held under mandate.