FATE OF GERMAN COLONIES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16583, 5 July 1917, Page 4

FATE OF GERMAN COLONIES

REFERENCES IN THE HOUSE.

[BY TELEGIUrH— SrECIAL CORRF,3"3.VDENT.]

WELLINGTON, Wednesday. Tire future of the German colonies was referred to by Mr. Massey in the House of Representatives yesterday. He said members knew perfectly well that outside of Australia and New Zealand there was a considerable difference of opinion in regard to the German colonies. There was no difference of opinion on this matter in New Zealand or in Australia. If these colonies were to go back to Germany at the end of the war it would mean that they _ would bo occupied by our present enemies, who might use them as naval bases and headquarters for submarines and aeroplanes. We should emphasise on every suitable occasion our opposition to the return of these colonies to an unscrupulous rival who might use them to attack us more successfully on some future occasion than at the present time. Sir Joseph Ward also referred to the matter. He said it would be a crime if these colonies were ever allowed to revert to Germany or to any other foreign country. If they went back to Germany they would always be a menace, like a "watchdog ready to put its fangs into us.