During 1883, the Queensland colonial govt, fearful of German claims in New Guinea, annexed the unclaimed southeastern portion of the island, while in 1884 the Germans claimed the remaining northeastern portion. Now, WI the Qld govt had gone for the entire eastern portion instead (the entire western 1/2 being in Dutch hands) ? Could open war have occurred between Qld & Imperial Germany over New Guinea, & how would Britain, not to mention the other Australian colonies, have reacted ? how would Australian federation have either been delayed or acelerated as a result of such a unilateral act of war by 1 colony ?