A.—sa

(5.) The Mandatory should not be allowed to use its power under the mandate to exploit for itself or its friends the natural resources of the mandated territory. (6.) An organic law should be passed in the mandated territories as soon as possible, and before coming into force should be submitted to the League for consideration. General recommendations — (7.) Future drafts of mandates should be published before they are decided upon by the Council. I draw your particular attention to No. 3, but it will be noted that all are recommendations to the Council, and it will, of course, be for them to accept or reject the recommendations, and if they accept them to notify the Governments concerned. In the meantime the Council had received from the British and French Governments a number of mandates, which they proceeded to discuss, and on the 18th December I sent you the following telegram " All ' C ' mandates passed by Council League Nations in form already in your possession without material alteration. It is expected that they will be issued to Mandatories immediately.—Allen." So far as I know the mandates have not yet been received from the Council, but I attach for your information copy of the draft of that for German Samoa, which I am given to understand received two slight verbal amendments at the hands of the Council. The representatives of Great Britain, India, and the Dominions were in constant touch during the whole period the Assembly was sitting in Geneva, and our relations were most harmonious. On the whole I believe the meetings of the British Empire Delegation in Geneva did much to strengthen the bonds of Empire. We felt that we were in touch with other possible organizations, and that it was essential to stand together on questions of importance. Although there has been criticism on the number of votes possessed by the British Empire, you will realize that there is little to support this, in view of the fact that the South American States have fifteen or sixteen votes, and that they often voted together. Indeed, one of the dangers of the League is the organization of cliques for purposes of self-interest. Speaking very generally, you may rest assured that good work has been done, and I feel that there is every prospect of the League continuing to exist as the most powerful factor ever conceived for the peaceful development of the world. I have, &c., J. Allen. The Bight Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington, New Zealand.

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