THE PACIFIC ISLANDS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17534, 28 January 1919, Page 5

THE PACIFIC ISLANDS

AMERICA DESIRES NEUTRALISATION.

CASE FOR DOMINIONS STATED.

PARIS, January 24. Mr Keith Murdoch writes: Mr Hughes, Mr Massey, and General Smutewere called before the Peace Conference to state a' case against the neutralisation of the islands south of the equator and Southwest Africa-.

This is not a question of any German colony being returned, but America wishes the neutralisation of them all except South-west Africa. The dominion representatives urged their annexation by the Empire, and are assured of French and Italian support. Mr Lloyd George epitomised British views, and mentioned the strategical claims of Australia, New Zealand, and British East Africa. He urged that young democratic nations should be given the greatest possible security consonant with justice, in which respect these cases, he said, were unchallenged. Mr Hughes was then called on to deal with the Pacific. With the aid of a map of the Pacific he stated Australia's case, enforcing the strategical aspect. He said the Powers holding one group should hold all, because each group was a steppingstone, and was strategically connected with the rest. He declared that the neutralisation of New Guinea was the same as the neutralisation of Australia, for any Great Power controlling New Guinea controlled Australia. Australia would not have any Great Power threatening her from any commanding position in the Pacific. General Smuts followed with a good case for South-west Africa, but not claiming German East Africa.

Mr Massey dealt with Samoa, declaring that New Zealand would never give Samoa up to Germany. He protested against any foreign Power being posted strategically on_ New Zealand's flank, even if such a thing were mandatory under the League of Nations, in an island won by New Zealand's efforts.—A. and N.Z. Cable.

CONSULTING JAPAN'S VIEWS. MONTREAL; January 24. In Paris Mr Lloyd George had a private talk with the Japanese Peace Delegates. It is suggested that he is anxious to appease Japan and to accede to her demands in the Pacific The Japanese are under the impression that the United States favours Australia's demands regarding the islands. Not only Mr Lloyd George, but other British statesmen, appear to be dissatisfied with Mr Hughes's statements that Australia must have these islands.—A and N.Z. Cable. - OUTSPOKEN FRENCH OPINION. DOMINIONS , CLAIMS JUST. INTERNATIONAL CONTROL A FAILURE. LONDON, January 25. (Received Jan. 27, at 9.45 p.m.) Mr A. J. Fraser, writing from' Paris says : The Echo de Paris, commenting on the Pacific Islands question, declares that it should not be difficult to reach a decision on the matter. Australian and New Zealand have spent milliards of francs for the common cause. The paper fails to understand the mentality of those who would prevent the immediate acceptance of the colonial view, and declares that Mr Lloyd George has long shared these views. Messrs Hughes and Massey have made a just claim. The writer objects to the League of Nations undertaking the administration of the Pacific, as international administration has always proved a failure —A. and N.Z. Cable.

THE DOMINIONS' CASE,

JAPAN AND AMERICA YET TO BE HEARD.

High Commissioner's Cable LONDON, January 25 (6.20 p.m.). _ Somewhat unexpectedly matters of great importance to the dominions came before the Council of the Allied Powers on iriday. Mr Lloyd George opened with a statement with respect to the captured German colonies. Mr Hughes stated the case'for Australia, General Smuts that for South Africa, and Mr Massey that for New_ Zealand. It appeared to be the unanimous opinion of the conference that a good case had been made out. Japan and America have yet to be heard Mr Maesey on Friday was the guest of the Earl and Countess of Derby at a luncheon at the British Embassy

AMERICA'S VIEW ABOUT NEUTRALISATION.

DESIRED UNDER BRITISH MANDATE.

TO PREVENT JAPANESE EXPANSION.

PABIS, January 25.

(Received Jan, 28, at 1.45 a.m.) Mr Keith Murdoch (correspondent for the Sydney Sun and Aielbo'urne Herald) says • v Headquarters I gathered' tne ioliowmg clear and unquestionable facts concerning America's attitude. President Wilson favours the neutralisation of all former German possessions in the Pacific under the British mandate, which he is willing should be transferred to Australia. He does not wish to see Japan astride the Pacific, and thinks Japan has no moral claim or strategic need for the islands. He does not see why Japan wants the Ladrones,' Carolines,, or Marshals, because they are practically useless for colonising; therefore the desire must be for mere expansion of power and influence in the Pacific. Mr Wilson is likely,to make a strong fight against this. It must be. understood that there is no certainty that Great Britain will secure a general mandate regarding the Pacific therefore Australia's objection to neutralisation is based on the possibility of another Power stepping in.—A. and N Z Cable.