THE COLONIES

Evening Post, Volume XCVII, Issue 26, 30 January 1919, Page 7

THE COLONIES

LEADING TOPIC AT THE CONFERENCE

AUSTRALASIAN CLAIMS

PROPOSED MANDATORY CONTROL.

(UNITBD PRESS ASSOCIATION.—COPITRIOHT.)

(AUSTRALIAN-NEW ZEALAND CABLB ASSOCIATION.)

(Received January 30, 8.30 a.m.)

LONDON, 28th January.

The fate of Germany's colonies haa become the leading topic, and the final decision of tho Conference is awaited with the greatest interest. The newspapers are giving considerable space to the case of Australia and New Zealand for retention. It is mentioned that when President Wilson inquired how much importanco Australia attached to keeping New Guinea, Mr. Hughes was able forthwith to produce Mr. Watts's telegram showing that Australian opinion was thoroughly aroused, leaving no doubt that Australia viewed the prospect of the islands reverting to Germany in any shape or form with the greatest misgiving and disappointment. One of the reasons given for President Wilson's hesitation in adopting the Australian and New Zealand standpoint is that he sees something inconsistent between allowing the Empire to retain German possessions and allowing subject populations a voice in deciding their own destiny. It is understood that President Wilson's plan contemplates the appointment of single Powers as mandatories of the Peace League to undertake the administration of the colonies, for which they would be responsible to the League. The Mandatory Powers would not be allowed to exploit" the colonies unless the League gives its sanction. It is understood that the United States has offered to control Turkey, but no decisions of any character have been reached yet. , (REUTERS TELEGRAM.. ', (Received January 30, 8 a.m.) PARIS, 28th January. During the discussion on the German colonies at the Supreme Council, Mr. Hughes, General Botha, and Mr. Massey submitted the claims of the respective Dominions, namely, New Guinea for Australia, Samoa for New Zealand, and South-West Africa, for the Union. The question of the future of, South-West Africa, Togoland and Cameroons was discussed. President Wilson explained hi* personal theory regarding the settlement _of the colonial questions, according to which the League of Nations would entrust the administration of these territories to Mandatory States. The Chinese delogates were especially, summoned to discuss -the interests of China.