PEACE CONFERENCE.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16410, 2 January 1919, Page 6

PEACE CONFERENCE.

THE ALLIES IN HARMONY

(By Cable.—Prcus AMOcUtion.—Copyright.) (Australian and X.£. Cable Association.) NEW YORK, December 81. The L'nitoJ Press Association correspondent at Paris interviewed President Poincare, who said: •'! do not foresee the slightest trouble in the way of the Allies arriving at the most complete accord even concerning the details of peace. "We are already in harmony on general lir.es, and the details will bo settled as soon us the delegates begin their work. It will naturally tako Ronu> time. President Wilson is bound to play a cnpitul role at the Peace Conference, and we hopo to have his aid in the settlement of the principles of peace before his departure." The correspondent adds that _ President Poincare is planning a visit to the United States after the Conference. FRENCH PREMIER'S STATEMENT. PARIS, December 30. M. ClemencoauJ addressing the Chamber of Deputies, 6aid that the vote of credit showed that the Chamber supported the Government In peace as it had done in war. Tho Peace Conference would meet in a few days, and would settle the fate of nations. Franco was in a difficult situation. She was_ near Germany, while America was far off and had 1 taken time to come into tho war. England had responded at once to Mr Asquith's call. M. Clemonceau added: My guiding thought is that nothing should separate the four great peoples, united by war. X made up my mind not to question Presidont "Wilson and let him do the talking, which ho did. He explained his views and his proposed means of supporting them. I would not be speaking tho truth if I said I found myself in sgiooment- with him on all points. I have preoccupations, which do not touch President Wilson as much as they do a man who has seen the Germans in our country for four years. There are I old injustices to bo repaired. Talking of tho freedom of the seas, I told President Wilson of my short, conversation | with Mr Lloyd George, who snid, "Do I you know that without tho fleet Franco would not have been able to continuo the war?" I replied '.'Yes." Mr Lloyd Goorgo went on: "Would you be disposed to do anything that would make it impossible for us to help you again P" I replied "No." President Wilson said, "I approve of what was said." and added that each side should retain its liberty. M. Clemonceau conI eluded: ' 'If we do not arrive at an agreement our victory will be in vain." The newspapers compare M. Clemencoau's triumph to Mr Lloyd George's.

LABOUR CONDITIONS. LONDON, December 30. The "Daily Express'' announces that the Govornpient is planning international action at the Peace Conference for the improvement of labour conditions in every country and the prevention of sweating. France is in hearty accord with the plan. CHINA'S CLAIMS. NEW YORK, December 31. Lu Chine Chian, head of the Chines* Peace Mission, interviewed at New York, said: "China will ask th® Peace Conference for the return of Kiao-chnu to China, and for the readjustment of her status commercially with the other nations." PRESIDENT* WILSON. LONIJON, December 30. President Wilson has departed for France. THE CLEMENCEAtI-WILSON DIVERGENCE. (Beuter's Telegram*.) (Received January Ist, 7.35 p.m.) LONDON, December 31. The newspapers reveal the fact that a certain uneasiness is apparent owing to the divergence between *M. Clemenoeau, the French. Premier, and President Wilson, bnt it is obvious that an endeavour iB being made to avoid suggesting anything like a substantial disagreement. NEW YORK, December 31. The American Press comments adversely on M. Clemenceau's ideas opposing those of President Wilson. General approval is given to President Wilson's Manchester that the United States will not join in maintaining the balance of power, but will give adhesion ;; to a combination of all nations. FOREIGN TRADE TREATIES. (By Cable.—Press Awocialion.~Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Receivod January Ist, 7.35 p.m.) NEW YORK, December 31. The United Press Association Tokio correspondent says it is officially announced that Japan is preparing to revise foieign trade treaties. She will send representatives to the Peace Conference* to bring about the revision. THE BRITISH CASE. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received January Ist, 11.40 p.m.) LONDON, December 31. The "Morning Post" states! that President Wilson's conference with the British Dominions' representatives was marked by extreme cordiality. Everyone was satisfiod that the preliminary Imperial War Cabinet had reach- , ed a complete comprehensive ' agreement in principle on all the peace questions, and succeeded sufficiently in defining the broad outlines of the British case to enable the Premier and Mr Balfour frankly to submit to Presidont Wilson the Jftitish Empire's iueas on the peace settlement. These included reparation, indemnities, maritime law, and the German colonize. With regard to indemnities it is understood that the Dominions will submit demands separate from Britain's. With reference to the colonies, it is understood that the Dominions have received the Cabinet's assurances that they will not bo restored. I