MANDATORY SYSTEM.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 246, 16 September 1929, Page 7

MANDATORY SYSTEM.

DISCUSSION *AT GENEVA. (Australian Press Association). GENEVA, Sept. 14. There was a widespread discussion on mandates to-day. The discussion included Palestine and the so-called temporary mandates, also South Africa’s alleged claim to sovereignty in South-West Africa. Everybody sympathised with the victims of the Palestine disorders, but hoped and believed that Britain’s measures would prevent a recurrence. When the Italian and German delegates called certain mandates—for example, Tanganyika—merely “temporary French,” the New Zealand High Commissioner, Sir James Parr, offered strenuous protests. Sir James stated that talk about temporary mandates hampered the mandatory nations in discharging their trust, and no mandatory would accept such a definition. The Allied and Associated Powers had concurred in mandates. It was for the League of Nations to supervise the mandatories’ work. “We are doing our ebst,” added Sir James Parr. “Let us go on and not employ a word which gives the natives the idea that the mandate is merely provisional, thus impeding our work. It would be disastrous if such a view were upheld.” The British delegate, Mrs Helena Swanwick, M.A. argued that any alienation of mandates required the assent of the Allied and Associated Powers which conferred them. The German and Italian delegates dissented. ... Replying to the Swiss member, Mr Louw (South Africa) promised to attempt to define more precisely his Government’s viewpoint with regard to South-West Africa.