SOUTH-WEST AFRICA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 18 June 1936, Page 6

SOUTH-WEST AFRICA

THE proposal of the South African Government to incorporate SouthWest Africa in the Union is important, since it has a bearing on the political status of other ex-German colonies (of which Western Samoa is one) which were, and still are supposed to be, vested in the League of Nations. The proposal is based on Section 6 of Article XXII of the League’s Covenant, which reads as follows: There are territories, such as South-West Africa and certain of the South Pacific islands, which, owing to the sparseness of their population or their small size, or their remoteness from the centres of civilisation; or their contiguity to the territory of the mandatory, and other circumstances, can best be administered under the laws of the mandatory, subject to the safeguards above mentioned in the interests of the indigenous population. The safeguards referred to were provided by placing such backward nations (as those under consideration) in charge of “advanced nations who, by reason of their resources, their experience or their geographical position,” could “best undertake this responsibility,” and would accept it from the League as the dispensing Power. In placing the ex-German territory of South-West Africa under the Cape. Government the League’s primary object was the welfare of the native inhabitants, not the interests of any Germans who might remain in the territory, though of course it was recognised that their interests must be conserved. There has been a decided movement among such Germans to effect the return of the territory to Germany. Hence the proposal of the South African Government “to administer South-West Africa as an integral portion of the Union.” According to a cable message to-day it is believed that Herr Hitler will demand the return of Togoland and the Cameroons, the former German East Africa, but not South-West Africa, because the “German Government is anxious to maintain friendly relations with the South African Government.” The issue does not any longer rest solely with the League, out of whose weak hands the Cape Government proposes to take it; and in that action the Union of South Africa will doubtless receive the support of the Empire.