HC Deb 02 June 1919 vol 116 cc1668-9
40. Mr. A. WILLIAMS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now state what steps are being taken to give effect to the Prime Minis- ter's undertaking given in June, 1917, that the dominant factor in determining the future of the German Colonies would be the wishes and sentiments of the inhabitants of the territories?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

The Peace Conference decided, after a full discussion that the German Colonies should be administered under a mandatory system, and I would refer my hon. Friend to the relevant clauses in the League of Nations Covenant.

Mr. WILLIAMS

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that the uncertainty as to who is to be the mandatory is causing an emigration of the native population into British territory?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

There are some indications of that, but this is really a matter for the Peace Conference and not for the Foreign Office.