Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1919-01-29
Fate of Germany'S
Colonies Still Is
Holding Board
SMALL NATIONS
League of Nations
Not Lost Sight
of at Table

Paris, Jan. 29.-The Supreme
Council of the Peace Conference
had before it for consideration
on assembling this morning the
Polish question and the instruc-
tions to be given the Allied mis-
sion to Poland recently author
lied and about to leave on its east
ward journey. The program called
for the appearance of Polish and
Czecho Slovak representatives before
the council to present their views.
The future of the colonies taken
from Germany has become one of
the most interesting immediate
phases of the problems under con-
sideration by the Supreme Council
of the Peace Conference. Hearings
now are being given by the Supreme
Council to members of the confer
ence and to colonial experts.
Differ With Wilson
The hearings have progressed TO
the stage where the existence of
views greatly at variance with those
set forth in President Wilson'S four
teen points have been disclosed.
This development has determined
the American delegates to urge the
Ssl,AptIon of the American plan ut the
outst, nj order to keep the rival
claimants within the bounds of fair
ness.
This plan looks to international
control of the colonies, backward
nationalities and tribes by individual
powers or by agents to be known as
manufactures" of the league of ma
tions. These agents are to derive
all their powers from the league and
to act entirely on the lines of policy
dictated by that body.
The distribution of these guardian
ships is to be made by the league Of
nations; so its successful applica-
ton is wholly dependent upon the
consummation of the league.
Fear Great Expense
One argument against the leagues
control of the colonies advanced by
the British colonial officials was that
the "mandatories" might feel them
selves saddled with enormous finan-
cial responsibilities in an effort TO
develop their wards, and yet be sub
iect to criticism if they failed 10
bring them forward.
President Wilson himself answer
ed this argument by saying the
American plan contemplated that the
mandatory power would be liable
only for administrative expenses;
other expenditures would be made
only when authorized by the league,
unless the colony was able to finance
itself out of its own resources.
Hanks May Pilot Turks
While the plan has not progressed
to a point where any attempt has
been made to assign particular ma
tions to these guardianships, the
matter has been the subject of spe-
cial consideration. In the case OF
America. it has been suggested that
owing to its large influence in Tur-
key through the numerous graduates
of Robert College and because of the
conviction among the Turks of the
disinterestedness of America, if f.
is called upon TO assume such charge
might naturally first take upon itself
the guardianship not only of Turkey
in Europe. but also a considerable
portion of Turkeys former prov
inces, including Armenia.
Apportioh Tasks to Nations
The delegates of the South and
Central American nations to ths
Peace Conference decided at a meet
ing held to-day to create a commits
sion to safeguard the interests of ali
these nations before the conference
with delegates especially assigned to
look after various subjects.
Thus Brazil will voice the feeling
of the Central and South American
nations as regards the league of ma
tions; Cuba will pay especial at
tention to international labor legis-
lation from the same standpoint.
while Uruguay will especially sinter-
est itself in the subject of the in
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