Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1919-01-19
BRITISH POSITION DEFINED
(Continued From Page One.)

~- N~-,->.-~~- is also true of MesOpOtamia where Great Britain is represented as reel ing that she should hold the rudder The question of the Bagdad railway must be disposed of and whether it be regarded as a state railway or not is matter for the peace conference to decide. Much of this railway was built with what might be called cOsmopoli- tan money, and Germany did not have the share in its construction that many attributed to her, it is claimed. A part of the railway may be interna- tionalized it is suggested, but the part toward the Persian gulf, terminating at Basra, should, it is felt, remain in British hands,
 The presence of delegates from In- dia at the peace conference has it's significance in connection with the disposition of MesOpotamia. Should the peace conference approve. it is possible that the greater part of this territory would be placed under the supervision of the Indian government.
 Return of German Colonies.
 In considering the return of the Ger man colonies, it is declared, the in- terests and desires of the British do- mnions must be taken into account. Australia is deeply interested in the disposition of the German islands south of the equator and close to Australia
 Up to the time of the signing of the armistice, it is said, Germany talked of retaining the Bismarck. archepela- geo. Australia is said to oppose the return of these islands which might give Germany airplane and submarine bases The general feeling is declar- ed to be that these islands should come under the control of Great Bri- tain
 In the Far East Great Britain wants nothing except the assurance of stable administrations and the maintenance of the open door policy. Her affairs in the Far East. it is said, must be considered in conjunction with Japan and China.
 Great Britain is naturally interest ed in such matters as the future re- latnions of China with Germany, in view of England's settlements in China like that about Shanghai.
 Consider NatiOn's. Welfare.
 The welfare of the natives must be consulted in any adjustment of the African question. As far as the south west Africa is concerned the South African government at Cape Town, it is said unofficially, will demand its retention. Premier Botha and Gen. eral Shuts are in Paris and their atti- tude in favor of the incorporation of this region in the South African union has been made plain.
 In German east Africa the claims of Great Britain, it is pointed out. cannot be considered apart from those of Portugal and Belgium. India also is interested and then the French claim in Africa must be considered.
 The feeling in British circles is that Germany has made mess of her trust in the African colonies and the na- tives do not want. to be returned to Germanic influence. There must be a revision of the treaties of 1883 con- corning the partition of the Congo basin, it is hoped, because these can no longer stand.
 It is possible that the United States will be asked to cooperate With Great Britain in the trusteeship in Africa outside of German. southwest Africa. Great Britain, it is said, does not want to carry the burden of the administration of Africa by herself.