CLAIM THAT MANDATES ARE TEMPORARY.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 16 September 1929, Page 7

CLAIM THAT MANDATES ARE TEMPORARY.

CONCERN REGARDING EFFECT ON NATIVES

SIR JAS. PARR’S PROTEST.

GENEVA, Sept. 14,

Widespread discussion on mandates included Palestine and the so-called ‘ ‘temporary” mandates, also South Africa’s alleged claim to sovereignty in South-West Africa.

Everybody sympathised with the victims of tiie Palestine disorders but hoped and believed that Britain’s measures would prevent a recurrence.

When the Italian and German delegates called certain mandates, for example, Tanganyika, merely “ temporarily” the French and Xew Zealand spokesmen offered a strenuous protest. Sir Jus. Parr said no mandatory would accept such definition. The Allied and associated powers had conferred mandates; it was for the League to supervise the mandatories’ work.

“We-are doing our best, let, us go on and not employ a word which gives the natives the idea that the mandate is merely provisional, thus impeding our work. It would be disatrous if such a view wore upheld.” A Brifts'll delegate, Mrs Swanwick, argued that any alienation of the mandates required the assent of the allied and associated powers which had conferred them. The German and Italian delegates dissented.

In replying to a Swiss member, the South African, Mr Louw, promised to ahtem.pt to define more preeisly his Government’s viewpoint regarding South-West Africa.

The Irish Foreign Minister, Mr Mac Gilligan, signed the optional clause on behalf of the Free State.

The Free State delegate, Mr O’Sullivan, bluntly criticised the tariff holiday proposal. He said that asking countries to renounce their tariff safeguards was asking some to commit

economic hari-kari. The Free State only wished to use protection where necessary but it refused to bind its hands. Moreover, this first step towards an economic United States of Europe proposal required the fullest examination.

Mr Euler (Canada) said that Canada as a young country, was placed differently from Europe. It, would be unreasonable to expect her to open her markets to those excluding her products, Possible tariff developments outside of Europe and also the proximity of the Imperial conference, necessitated Canada reserving freedom of action.

Commission of Inqury Into Palestine Affairs

JUDGE AND THREE M.’sP,

RUGBY, Sept. 13

The Colonial Secretary has appointed the following members of Parliament to serve under the chairmanship of' Sir Walter Shaw, formerly Chief Justice of the Straits Settlements, on the commission of inquiry regarding the recent disturbances in Palestine; Sir Henry Betterton (Conservative;, Mr. Hopkin Morris (Liberal) and Mr, Henry Snell (Labour). Mr, Lloyd, of the Colonial Office, will be secretary of the commission. The terms of the commission’s reference are to inquire into the immediate causes which led to the recent outbreak in Palestine and to make recommendations as to the steps necessary to avoid a recurrence.

While the date of the commission's departure for Palestine has not been definitely fixed, it is hoped it. will sail towards the end of this month, or early in October,

British Delegation is Satisfied With Progress

AUSTRALIA’S POSITION.

Received Monday. 2 a.m. GENEVA, Sept. 15. The British delegation reports satis

faction with the progress it is making with its principal rims in the present assembly. Though there is no sign of attaining a united Empire declaration of the optional clause, the British are confident that there will at any rate be an agreement to sign by the whole Empire before the Assembly ends, holding the view that the Australian election does not preclude here signature, provided the form of reservation is held over till after the election.

The whole problem of immigration barriers, especially the United States immigration laws, may shortly come before the League.

The German delegation introduced a resolution, demanding that the League Council decide whether the League could usefully take up the question and if so, in what form. It is reported that the plan for financial assistance in the event of aggression has beßn shelved for at least a year, owing to difficulties of drafting a convention that is 'acceptable generally.