LOST COLONIES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22619, 6 January 1937, Page 9

LOST COLONIES

GERMANY'S CLAIM CASE FOR THEIR RETURN VISCOUNT ELTBANK'S VIEWS OPINION IN DOMINIONS By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright (Received January 5, 5.<15 p.m.) Times Cable LONDON, Jan. A In a letter to the Times after his return from his mission to New Zealand, Australia and Canada, Viscount Elibank said he had found everywhere the belief that the problem of Germany's claim to colonies could be solved and that it would be folly to risk another European war through not dealing with the claim. The colony - owning nations — Britain, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, America and Japfli)—should, with goodwill, it was thought, be able to satisfy Germany's aspirations, Germany for her part making a contribution to world pacification. "Personally, 1 have never felt that there was any strong reason against the return of Togoland or tho ( ameroons to Germany," said Lord Elibank. "1 believe that if the peace of Europe was at stake, New Zealand would not feel verv strongly about tho return of Samoa, or Australia about the return to Germany of New Guinea. "Japan might even be persuaded to return some of her mandated islands in the Pacific. Holland lias huge undeveloped areas in Dutch New Guinea and might be able to help. Portugal also has territories, the inhabitants of which need not suffer by a change of mastership." Lord Elibank concluded by suggesting that a committee of experts be established by the colony-owning nations to consider tho matter. Viscount Elibank, president of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of the Empire, was in New Zealand last October when ho presided at the conference of the federation in Wellington. Previously lie was in the Colonial Service, from which he retired in 1917. 'llie discussions at tho conference dealt with many topics of interest to tho Empire, including the revision of tho Ottawa agreements, migration, exchange and local tariffs.

FRAMING DEMANDS GERMAN MEMORANDUM TRANSFER OF MANDATES (Received January ft, 10.35 p.m.) LONDON. Jan. 5 The Berlin correspondent of the Dailj Telegraph says it is understood that Germany is preparing an elaborate memorandum demanding colonies for presentation to the interested Powers, including Britain and France. This will deal exclusively with Germany's former colonies and will make suggestions regarding how the mandates can be transferred to Germany without causing economic complications. Germany will claim that she requires colonies to enable her to obtain raw materials for her industries and that world trade will benefit if her demands are satisfied. The memorandum may be presented on January 30, the fourth anniversary of Herr Hitler's accession, when the Reichstag is expected to meet.