INTERNATIONALISATION OF GERMAN POSSESSIONS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11748, 7 February 1919, Page 8

INTERNATIONALISATION OF GERMAN POSSESSIONS.

JAPAN ENTITLED TO MARSHALLS AND CAROLINES Renter. Tokio, Feb 6. The question of tha internationalisation of German possessions in the Pacific is engrossing attention. The concensus of opinion is that Japan is entitled to definitely hold the Marshalls and Carolines in view of a recent understanding with Britain. Consequently the alienation of those Islands will create the deepest disappointment and might possibly lead to an outbreak of national indignation According to some opinions there is only one condition on which Japan could possibly agree to the mandatory proposal, namely, the disarmament and non-fortilioation of Islands in the Pacific outside Japanese territory. The Asahi remarks that the Marshalls and Carolines are a big question in the Pacific, which is really a world problem, involving whether America, Britain or Japan are supreme in the Pacific. The paper believes that no cause exists for a conflict of interests between Japan and America in China, and a working agreement for the economic development of that country is possible without any clashing of mutual Interests. Therefore, there is no reason why America should object to Japan obtaining definite poaeesison ot some islands in the Pacific. Unless Japan’s natural claims are recognised by the Powers the Asahi is afraid that a peaceful solution of the problem in the Pacific will be difficult.