A DRAMATIC EPISODE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 45, Issue 13753, 4 February 1919, Page 6

A DRAMATIC EPISODE.

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Association) LONDON, Saturday.

The T>sily Chronicle states that the debate by -which, satisfactory provisional arrangements were reached for dealing -with the German colonies and th<) occupied territories in Turkey ami Asia, will one day be recognised as the most dramatic episode in. modern political ristorv.

Only the broad results of the consultations of the authors* of this decision can yet be published, and therefore many inaccurate reports are current.

Nevertheless, it is now known that President Wilson's plan has brought a form of heaven to earth, and the League of Nations will not be a p.latonic affair like the Hague Tribunal. This is chiefly due to President Wilson's devotion and the. liberal outlook of the British Imperial Cabinet.

Thus, the ownership of derelict States by the League of Nations has been dismissed, and a graduated guardianship has been accepted.

ilr Hughes retained his scruples to the last. '

The Morning Post, referring to President Wilson's triumph, says: "It was due to the solidarity of the three great British Dominions —Australia, JS'eu' Zealand and South Africa—and particularly to Mr Hughes-* eloquence and statesmanship, that the vital interests of the "Kinpirc were to scune extent safeguarded. The French and other delegates opine that Mr Hughes is achieving a prominent position in the Conference. The Dominions secured the ■acceptance of conditions ensuriug thai the mandate will be very wide. Thus, Australia will be entitled to apply to "Xew Guinea and the adjoining islands the general trade and eeononic policy which applies on the mainland. Therefore, the ''White" Australia and navigation policies will be applicable to the new possessions. "