“WHITE AUSTRALIA.”

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160736, 24 August 1920, Page 2

“WHITE AUSTRALIA.”

UNEASY FEELING IN THE COMMONWEALTH. 1 SYDNEY, August 11. There is in the Commonwealth an uneasy and very widespread feeling that the policy of “White Australia” is in grave danger. This uneasiness has found expression in one or two guarded newspaper articles. It is pointed out that, whereas Australia expected to receive her mandate for the Government of the captured German territory in the Pacific many months ago, it is not yet to hand. When Mr Hughes came Back from the Peace Conference a year ago, he made several references to the mandate, which indicatd that he expected this official authority to follow him very shortly. Now, it appears, from the careful utterances of <pe or. two Ministers,' that Australia need not expect her mandate until it has been approved by the executive body of the League of Nations. Why the delay ? The answer is provided by every one here who discusses the matter without hesitation. Japan, it is believed, is working through the channels of secret diplomacy to withhold the mandate from Australia until Australia recedes in some degree from her policy of “A White Australia.” Japan, it is pointed out, fought hard against the principle during the Peace Conference and, being beaten, promised to try other means to bring about her wishes. There is to be another conference of the Powers in a couple of months’ time, when it is believed that tins matter of the mandates will be finally settled. It is being said here that Australia should have at that Conference the strongest possible representation—failing which the clever and tireless Japanese diplomats may undermine the “White Australia” creed, if nqt in relation to Australia herself, at least so far as it affects the late island possessions of Germany. Mr Hughes and, a party are going off to New Guinea this month* to have a look over the captured territory. The newspapers are asking how, if he is going into the Pacific, ho is going to reach Europe in time for the Conference—for it is assumed that, if no one else goes, Mr Hughes must go forth again as the champion of “White Australia.” “White Australia” is the most treasured gem in all Australia’s big collection of policies and formulas, and the people here will never give it up. They suspect Japan—naturally enough, in the circumstances—but they also suspect" English statesmanship. There seems no reason for it—yet they believe that Britain would sell them to Japan!