If we are not misled by the reports, Sir Austen
Chamberlain seems to have delivered a rebuking homily, of which we greatly doubt the wisdom; to the Mandates Commission. The Commission has issued a very searching questionnaire in respect of the B. and C. Mandates which apply to the Cameroon, Togoland and the former German Colonies in East and South West Africa and elsewhere. Sir Austen Chamberlain apparently regarded the questionnaire as so inquisitorial as to be impertinent. We feel sure that he would not have complained without cause, but we none the less regret that he did not decide to overlook any minor offences. The truth is that the League cannot too emphatically assert its authority. Its failure to do so in the Saar Basin has long been a weak joint in its armour. Our feeling is that almost everything should be forgiven so long as enthusiasm and firmness in carrying out the proper functions of the League are proved. Besides, what have we to fear from a searching examination of our actions ? It is most important to set a good example to nations less experienced in colonial rule than we are ourselves. We ought to seem to court rather than to resent inquiry.
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