Manawatu Evening Standard. MONDAY, AUG. 26, 1935. MISRULE IN LIBERIA.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 229, 26 August 1935, Page 6

Manawatu Evening Standard. MONDAY, AUG. 26, 1935. MISRULE IN LIBERIA.

Arising out of grave charges of slavery and financial abuses, the United States six years ago refused to grant further recognition to the Administration of Liberia, the tiny negro Republic on the west coast of Africa. American travellers in that country had reported that the Kru tribe were in a state of virtual enslavement, and as the United States had always taken a deep interest in the fortunes of Liberia, which was founded by American enterprise and philanthropy, Washington took so serious a view of the matter as to withdraw its recognition of the Monrovian Government. The State was founded m 1847 by American negroes from the United States, and the position to-day is that their descendants, some ten thousand educated negroes, arc lording it over two million primitive Africans whom they have failed either to conciliate or to civilise. Erom its inception the Government of the State has been an oligarchy, and in governing the many the few have taken much and given nothing. Liberia is a member of the League of Nations which immediately made an investigation of the charges to find them proved. That was in 1931 and the Liberian Government declared that, because of the financial position, it could not carry out reforms without the League’s help. It was then smarting under the “insult” of America’s withdrawal of recognition and had appealed to Erance for diplomatic support and to Britain and Germany for aid. The League drew up a scheme which proposed the appointment of a white chief adviser, who should have sufficient authority to insist on the execution of the reforms, but the Liberian Government raised so many objections that last year the Council decided that offers of financial assistance should be withdrawn. Mr Eden, in expressing the views of the British Government, mentioned the substantiated report that a system amounting to slavery existed, and that the financial situation was tragic, Liberia having no budget, no accounts, and no money. Economically and financially, he said, the Republic was in imminent danger. Though the State had grossly failed to observe its obligations to the League, Britain, Mr Eden added, proposed to approach the United States with a desire to co-operate in an attempt to find a remedy. The position was placed before Washington by the then Eoreign Minister (Sir John Simon), who said that the British Government felt that it would be a dereliction of duty to civilisation if the misgovernment of the native tribes by Liberia were to be allowed to continue, resulting in slave trading and the slaughter of natives by the “corrupt and inefficient oligarchy of Monrovia.” As Sir John stated, Liberia is “rendered dependent upon the United States Government by the extent to which her financial machinery is in American hands and organised in conformity with a contract entered into between the Liberian Government and an American corporation.” This corporation has been charged by Liberia as being the chief cause of her plight. It has vgst rubber concessions in return for which a loan . was negotiated at a high rate of interest, but the charge does not convince those who are acquainted with Liberia’s misgovernment. The sequel now is that Washington has agreed once again to recognise Liberia, President Barchiy having received formal advice recently. Washington now has confidence that Liberia will reform the abuses which led to recognition being withdrawn. Under the new arrangement worked out with the United States alone, President Barclay will have a chief adviser on reform, responsible only to the Monrovian Government. Concessions have been made to the corporation mentioned above, but the rate of interest on the loan has been reduced from 7 to 5 per cent. 'The future of the hapless Republic and its unfortunate subjects now appears to be brighter.

SHARING TRADE WITH JAPAN.

Much good should accrue to New Zealand if the points discussed iu the informal conversations which have been proceeding between the Government’s representatives and the Japanese goodwill mission at present visiting- this country are taken up with whole-hearted enthusiasm and carried into commercial activity. The trade balance with Japan has for many years beeu very much against New Zealand, and with several countries turning their eyes eastward, particularly Australia, for commercial development steps should be taken to ensure that this country benefits to a greater extent. Mr Masters, the Minister for Industries and Commerce, has pointed out to Mr Debuehi, the Japanese Ambassador Extraordinary, who heads the mission, that this Dominion produces several kinds of goods which Japan imports in substantial quantities, such as crossbred wool—Japan has been buying this material at the rate of over 200,000 bales a year from Victoria, plus large quantities from South Africa and the Argentine—and tallow and meat have also been mentioned as offering avenues for adjusting- the trade balance to a more equitable basis. New Zealand’s position in relation to Australia in this respect presents a sharp contrast, for the Commonwealth has been enjoying an export trade balance of upwards of £8,000,000 with Japan, whereas our position is adversely stated at approaching £500,000 in Dominion currency. Australia has been quick to grasp the opportunities offering in trade with not only Japan, but other Eastern countries. She has appointed a number of men highly qualified in commerce and foreign languages to overseas countries with which she desires to enlarge her trade. Now she is extending her commerce with India by means of improved direct shipping facilities. Similar activity should be speeded up by our own Department of Commerce and shipping arrangements pressed forward with all the speed possible. The admirable frankness with which the leader of the Japanese mission has expressed his country’s goodwill toward New Zealand augurs well for future developments and the outcome of the discussions will, it is hoped, lead to a much larger share of the trade offering with his country for this Dominion.