TNAG-0714-FCO40-910-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-1978 — Page 45

о

do so, and though accepting that a plebiscite might be unsuitable, he urged that the Govt should at least have consulted the opinion of the

Heligoland Council. Amongst other critics, one dubbed the transaction

"an odious and dangerous precedent".

There were however not a few speakers who concurred in the cession

and declined to ."quibble" over consent on the ground of their opinion

that the Heligolanders were really German in blood and sentiment: One

such speaker was consistent enough to object equally to our neglect to

consult the opinion of the natives of those parts of Africa which were transferred to our control by the Agreement.1.

Jubaland (1924-5)..

K

This negotiation was before the public for some time before the signature of the Anglo-Italian treaty (July 1924), partly because the cession was in fulfillment of the secret treaty of London 1915 by

the terms of which Italy agreed to enter the war on the Allied side

the treaty having become known since 1919. The negotiation thus excited some interest in the UK and Farliament prior to signature, and

but local British commercial interests were well represented by MPs,

the natives of so remote an area presumably knew and understood little of the proposed cession. It should also be noted that this case arose in the early post-war years when the principle of self-determination was at its height and, though not many Pas were asked in advance of the

↑

1.The true facts as to the Heligolanders affiliations and sentiments are clearly germane to this matter but are not at all clear, and it certainly seems very doubtful whether they were adequately known to Parliament (or the Govt for that matter). They were of course Frisians by race and prior to 1807 had formed part of Schlesvig Province which had become German only by conquest in 1864, being formerly Danish. The best opinion on the Heligolanders' sentiments, and more dependable because given before the issue became controversial, seems to be one given by the Governor in 1886 in connexion with proposals to establish a local defence committee there. He reported that "the Heligolander is not German, and if he prefers England, it is because we make no demands on him for military or maval service"; he feels a certain pride in our naval power, but "he is essentially a Heligolander, loves the island, but beyond that has no patriotism".

There does in fact seem to have been little agitation in Heligoland. The Governor, reporting on the matter after the conclusion of the Agreement (but before the island was actually handed over), said (14th July) that though their reaction to the proposed cession "could by no means be called favourable, since they were quite content under British rulc and desired no change, yet there has been no active opposition or remonstrance", It is clear however that this was in considerable part due to their belief in the cufficiency of the safeguards and, as events soon showed, had they had the doubts about the implementation of the safeguards which were warranted, their attitude, or at least that of those who wished to remain British subjects, would have been different.

1

Page 45Page 46