PACIFIC MANDATES.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XII, Issue 234, 15 September 1922, Page 5

PACIFIC MANDATES.

THE DISPOSAL OF PHOSPHATES. BRITISH RIGHTS DISCUSSED. Geneva, Sept. 13. Before passing the resolution on Lord Robert Cecil’s motion, the subcommittee, on Lord Robert Cecil’s suggestion, expressed general approval of the report which Marquis Theodoli presented to the August meeting and then proceeded to consider the report paragraph by paragraph. Tne principal discussion took place on the following paragraph:—“The wealth of Nauru consists of rich deposits of phosphates, for the exploitation of which the Governments of Australia, Britain and New- Zealand have reserved to themselves exclusive rights.” The sub-committee replied by a motion drafted by Lord Robert Cecil, as representative of the British delegation. to the effect that the above sentence might lead to a misapprehension. It would be more correct to say. as was explained to the commission in August by the representatives of the three Governments concerned. that these rights had. in fact, belonged to the British Phosphates Company and had been purchased voluntarily from the company by those Governments. The sub-committee also resolved that it was inaccurate to say. as Marquis Theodolis’ rejjprt did. that the British Empire had transferred responsibility for the of Nauru to Britain. Australia and New Zealand. It would be more correct to say that the administration of Nauru by Australia. Sir Francis Bell states that it is believed the Mandates supporters will endeavour to defeat the resolutions when they come liefore the full committee and Failing thaT'They will continue the fight in the Assembly.—(A. and N.Z.)