The Ypsilanti daily press., 1944-09-29
Observations
Colonies Stumbling
Block TO Postwar
Settlements
BY Helen Essary

One OF the bitches in the peace
planning is the determination of
both France and Great Britain TO
keep the colonies they had before
the war.
France wants to hold on TO lndo-
China. Java, New Caledonia and
the rest Russia and the United
States are not too pleased with
this ambition.
However, Brita'N supports France
in her wish. In fact, Britain in
sists that France shall have all If
her insular and colonial posses
sions restored TO her.
There are two reasons for Bri-
tain's support OF France. Britain
wishes TO hold on TO her own col
onies after the war. Perhaps more
important is the second reason for
Britains support OF Frances peace
demand.
Britain is planning a postwar al
lance with France-something on
the order of Federation OF West
ern Europe.
Since the menace of Germany
will continue for many generations,
England needs the help OF France,
her closest friendly neighbor, for
years 10 come.
FRANCE, | UNDERSTAND, con-
tinues to worry about the disposi-
ton OF New Caledonia. Here is
spot on which the United. States
has cast an interested eye. (And
why not?j
New Caledonia Is fabulously rich
In almost untouched mineral de-
posits. One large nickel mine there
is largely controlled by British in
terests. The British are wise in
vestors.
The French have permitted the
island 10 remain largely undevel-
oped. Noumea, the largest town,
has a beautiful harbor.
Many sharp-thinking Americans
do not wish TO acquire New Cal
edonia-or any other island. They
say that island possessions are
more pain than profit. They are
expensive and great care. For
example they point to the grief
brought on by our present island
possessions-the Virgin Islands,
Puerto Rico, the Philippines, Guam,
Hawaii.
SOME STATE DEPARTMENT
PROPHETS say that the war with
Germany will be over in October.
a month or six weeks will see the
end Of the formal fighting with the
Nazis.
Then the Allies will move a mill
tary government In TO occupy the
defeated country. II is not expect
ed that the Germans will be as
civil TO the Allies-or specifically 70
the Americans-as they were after
the last war
Older Germans may recognize
the inevitable and bow to it super
ficially at least. But trouble is ex-
pected with the young Germans
who have been nourished from In
fancy on the doctrines OF the Ma
tionalist Socialist party.
AMIABILITY. THE NATIONAL
CHARACTERISTIC of Americans,
will be a mighty useful commodity
in the postwar turmoil. All over
seas stories tell of the good nature
of the American soldier.
But let Us not be too good-natur-
ed at the peace table. We think
in neither the European or Asiatic
way. We really aren't very smooth
at circumlocution and intrigue.
AS | sit here Il the typewriter
| can see in my minds eye the big
corridor outside the hall in Geneva
where the League of Nations met
before II dropped apart. At the
last meeting OF the League coun-
ell sat in the corridor and watch
ed the League members and their
advisers together in secret conver-
sation.
The look OF the sort OF intrigue OF
which we in this country know
nothing was on their faces and in
their manner. felt uncomfortable
and little frightened, too.