W. Samoa

N. Guinea And

Effect of International Develop ments on Their Future

THE Nazi organisation in Germany has launched a tremendous volume of well-shaped propaganda in favour of the return of German colonies, and some of the more sensational newspapers are speculating about the future of New Guinea and Western Samoa.

There is little likelihood of any de velopment which is likely to disturb the status quo in either of the Territories named —nor in any of the former Ger man colonies.

There is a large body of public opin ion in the British Empire which held that the post-war territorial settlements were inequitable, and which believed, un til recently, that the right course for Britain was to make preparations to re turn to Germany a large portion of the Territories taken over in 1914.

That opinion was held strongly in 1938, and especially after the Pact of Munich. It was confidently anticipated that Mr. Chamberlain, as soon as he was assured of the good faith of Adolf Hit ler, would make the discussion of col onies the next forward step in his policy of appeasement.

Then came March 15 —the blackest day

in the modern history of Europe. Hitler broke every assurance, verbal and moral, which he had given to the Western democracies, and seized Czecho-Slovakia.

From that moment, a tremendous change took place in British public opinion. Yes terday, the British believed that if col onial territory were returned to Germany, it would be accepted as evidence of British good faith and a sincere contribution to world peace. To-day, they know that if they made any concession whatever to Germany, it would be accepted as proof of our weakness and fear, and a tribute to the glory of Hitler, and as encouragement to further demands. The overwhelming majority of British peo ple to-day, would rather die fighting than bargain in any degree with the gang of Nazi hooligans who now strut in Ber lin, and direct the affairs of what was one of the world’s greatest nations.

Beyond doubt, Germany again will be a great colonial power. But that day will not dawn until Hitler and the form of political degeneracy he represents have been destroyed.

The New Guinea Mission Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul, which is near ing completion at Dogura, Papua, will be opened by Rev. J. W. C. Wand, Arch bishop of Brisbane, on October 28. The concrete building is 165 ft. long and 40 ft. high from floor to apex of roof. The height of the two towers—memorials to Revs. Albert Maclaren and Copland King, founders of the Mission—will be 56 ft.

A new motor road between Alofau and Amouli east of Pago Pago, in American Samoa, has been officially opened by the Governor. Captain E. W. Hanson.