The Times TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 1937. Germany’s Colonial Demands

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 98, 27 April 1937, Page 6

The Times TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 1937. Germany’s Colonial Demands

The agitation in Germany tor restoration to her, in whole or part, of those colonial possessions which she lost as the result ot the Great War is discussed in the pamphlet, “The British Colonial Empire and the German Claim,” issued by by the Empire Economic Union. It is pointed out that the colonies which Germany surrendered were not ancient possessions, and they had now ceased to be hers for nearly as long as they were hers. The case of the Allies for taking these colonies was primarily that of security, coupled with the fact that German administration was open to very grave criticism.

“ Germany’s surrender was outright,” it is stated. “The division among the Allies was also outright and intended to be permanent. The idea which is vaguely held in many quarters that these territories in some sense belong to the League of Nations, are held subject to good behaviour on a kind of tenancy, were only abstracted for the time being from Germany, and that there is some kind of residual claim to them on Germany’s part, has no foundation whatever in fact. ”

It is contended that apart from one vital conception of trusteeship to the native populations, the whole defence of the British Empire was involved. One thing the Empire had gained out of the war was added security, for South Africa could be supported from the north and could lend her help to the rest of the Empire.

“ To reverse that situation,” it is added, “to interpose a powerful German foothold between the Union of South Africa and East Africa, with Italy on the other side of Kenya, would surely be running risks from the point of view of Imperial defence which it would require a very great deal to compensate. That is one of the difficulties involved in any suggestion of retrocession. ’ ’