§ 5. Mr. Thorneasked the Prime Minister how many countries are involved in the German Colonies claim; and what was the square mileage of the German Colonies before 1914?
§ Mr. ButlerThe Governments administering Mandates over territories which formed part of the former German Colonies are His Majesty's Governments in the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth of Australia, New Zealand and the Union of South Africa, and the Governments of France, Belgium and Japan. As regards the second part of the ques- 1868 tion, many of the areas concerned have not been accurately surveyed, and the available statistics are in certain cases conflicting, but, so far as can be ascertained, the area of the German Colonies in 1914 was approximately 1,135,600 square miles.
§ Mr. ThorneDoes the hon. Gentleman recognise the tremendously big problem that has to be confronted?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, Sir.
§ Mr. ManderHas the visit of Lord Noel-Buxton to Germany to lecture upon the return of the Colonies been taken with the approval and concurrence of the British Government?