§ 6. Mr. WATTasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can say of how many square miles the colonies of Germany throughout the world consisted before the War; and how much of that territory has now been conquered?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Bonar Law)The German colonies before the War occupied between 1,100,000 and 1,200,000 square miles. Of that extent about 450,000 square miles have been conquered by the Allies. The area of 450,000 square miles includes German South-West Africa, Togo-land, Kiauchau, and German possessions in the Pacific, but excludes that portion of the Cameroons which is in the occupation of the Allies.
§ Mr. MACMASTERIn speaking of these territories as being conquered, has the right hon. Gentleman kept in view the observation of Bismarck that the possession and the retention of colonies are decided in the main centres of action?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThat is undoubtedly so, but it does not alter the fact that these territories are now in the occupation of the Allies.
§ Mr. WATTHas the right hon. Gentleman included in the figures that which has been conquered by the Japanese?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWYes, that is included.