PEACE CONGRESS

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16430, 25 January 1919, Page 9

PEACE CONGRESS

RUSSIAN REPRESENTATION. AN ABSORBING PROBLEM. (By Cablf.—Press Association.—Copyright) (Australian ar.d X.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, January 21. The Paris correspondent of the "Evening Standard - ' says that Russia is the most nbsoibing Conference problem. Many delegates are deeply concerned and consider that Russia should bo represented. Though there arc a, number of distinguished Russians present in Paris, it is felt that if they alono are consulted it will arm the Bolshevists with frosh arguments with which to appeal to their countrymen, especially the peasants. Ono difficulty is communication, but a wireless appeal could be sent world-wide, and couht be intercepted by Bolshevists, and might assist in assuring them that the Conference genuinely desired real Russian representation. It is understood that the British delegates favoured such an appeal, but it was not adopted because some of tho delegates still refuse dealr iugs with tho Bolshevists. Yet it is felt that the present position is intolerable. It is generally agreed that it is hazardous to take any action resembling interference in 'Russia, yet delay, by assisting to increase disorder, is likely _ to render intervention necossary. An important thing is to pet a strong, stablo Government established. "Le Matin'' suites that M. Noulens, French Ambassador to Russia, in his statement, emphasised two points — that there cannot be any peace with Bolshevism and that Bolshevism, like German Imperialism, threatens all civilised States, unless strangled hetimes. M. Noulens fears that the westward advance of tho Bolshevist army will cause widespread risings in Poland, Germany, and Hungary, where the conditions are ripe for Bolshevism, thus threatening Western civilisation. Largo forces would not be required to stem tho invasion if steps wero taken early. Ho estimates that the Bolshevists possess 450.020 troops of poor quality and 1500 guns, hut there is a shortage of shells. There is a strong force of anti-Bolshevist troops to tho northward and eastward, but little opposition in Poland, and the Baltic Provinces. It is now opportune to send help, which would sonn stem tho tide and eventually crush the Bolshevists. Mr Gompers states that ho approves the Paris decision in reforence to Russia. DECISION REACHED. (Received January 4tli, 7.35 p.m.) PARIS, January 22. The Council cf tho Great Powers discussed the situation in Eastern Eu'rope. The Polish situation was considered. Marshal Focli attended and advised tho Council on military aspects. It was decided to send a Mission of eight delegates, consisting of ono civilian and on© soldier eaclj, representing America, Great Britain, France, and Italy, to enquire into the conditions and ascertain what help, was necessary. Both America | and Great Britain insisted on obtaining tho fullest trustworthy information. Similar views were expressed in iegard to Russia. President "Wilson proposed a motion in this direction. The difficulty of securing news ahout the interior of Russia was recognised, but it was suggested that contiguous countries should be visited. An official communique states that the Conference approved President Wilj son's proposal that the single object of the. associated Powers was to assist Russia to tho utmost, recognising her right j to settlo her own affairs. There was no desire to exploit Russia in. any way. The Conference invited representatives of tho recognised groups in European Russia, except Finland, to send three representatives from each group to Princes Islands, in the Sea of Marmora, to riieet representatives from the Conferenoe, provided all military activity in Eastern Russia and Finland ceased. The meeting of the Peace Conference with, the Russian delegates was fixed to take place by February 16th, the Conference's proposal to be wirelessed to Russia. A plenary meeting of the Conference will bo held on Saturday, when Sir Lloyd George will move the League ©£ Nations proposals. The Grand Council discussed international labour legislation, reparation by and punishment of Germany, and international control of ports and waterways, with a view to arranging# the agenda for the first' plenary conference on Saturday. THE BRITISH PROPOSAL. (Received January 25th, 12.25 a.m.) LONDON, January 22. It is understood Mr Lloyd George did not propose that Lenin and Trotsky should sit at the Peace Conference, but that all sections of Russian, opinion should be invited to Paris to express their views. Tho "Daily Chronicle's" diplomatic correspondent states that it is believed that the policy of intervention in Russia is gaining ground. Lenin and Trotsky are anxious for peace, in order to gain a breathing space in which to complete their plans for world conquest for the Bolshevists, on the principle of benevolent penetration. BAR TO BOLSHEVISM. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received January 25th, 1.45 a.m.) LONDON, January 22. Paris correspondents lengthily discuss the Conference's attitude towards Russia. They consider the difficulties have been lessened owing to the likelihood of the establishment of a stable Government in Berlin as a result of the elections. Probably the Allies first aim will be to place an effective barrier of buffer States against the westward advance of the Bolshevists. The correspondents generally agree that the overthrow of the German extremists will facilitate Allied aid to Poland, and also assist in the task of feeding the Central Empires. It will soon be possible to allow Germany and Austria to purchase food abroad. "AN OUTRAGE." (Received January 24th, 9.10 p.m.) PARIS, January S3. M. Sazanoff says the invitation to tho Bolshevists is an outrage on those Russians who remained faithful to tho Entente. He refuses to participate in the meetings, and he is sure that the Donekin and Omsk Governments will also refuse. VIEWS SUMMARISED. (Australian and Cabl« Association.) (Received January 24th, 10.50 p.m.) LONDON, January 22. The Paris correspondent of the "Morning Post" summarises the views of the Great Powers on the question of Russian intervention. France, he says, is perfectly ready to assist in material, not men. Great Britain is understood to favour intervention in tie Transcaspia. Italy is not againfit intervention,

but there is no indication of method. | Mr Wilson has always hoped that Lolshevism would ultimately work out its own salvation. Japan restricts hor interests to Siberia. It is for tne Conference to harmonise these conflicting j views. The delegates are lieartny tired ; of tho discussion of tho barren questions of procedure. Tho cumbrous com- j position of the Conference must . the people beyond the Rhine; it Goes not conduce to the rapid despatch of business. GUILT AND PUNISHMENT. NEW YORK, January 21. A Paris message states that tho American Peace Delegation to be in favour ot fixing the guut 'or tho war and the punishment ot the including the Kaiser. lhere is interest in President Wilson s views. It is felt that he will also favour punishment, since the French and the Bntish have already expressed a desire w» punish the guilty. Mr Wilson s altitude will probably fix the course to be pursued. MR WILSON'S SUCCESSOR. NEW YORK, January 21. Tlie Washington correspondent of the "New York Sun" states that since President Wilson is to return to the United States next month, it is believed he will appoint Mr .aft to take his place on the Peace delegation. This is considered a wise move, since Mr Taft approves of a League of Nations and has the support of American Labour. The appointment will perhaps secure the ratification of the Peace Treaty by Republican Senators. A JAPANESE DEMAND. j NEW YORK,. January 21. ! Tho Tokio correspondent of the "New York Sun'' states that the Japanese. who lost thirtv-two ships, totalling 132.384 tons, by German mines and torpedoes, demand that Germany slia.ll pay them £20,000,000 for the loss. (Received January 24th. 11.10 p.m.) NEW YORK, January 22. Tho Washington correspondent of the "Now York Times" says the Japanese Embassy has published Count Ochida's speech at Tokio. Count Ochida said Japan would co-operate with the Allies to ensure a lasting peace, only if national aspiration is an unfettered development on the highway of justice. Japan wants the rehabilitation of Russia as a great Power, and will withdraw her troops as fast as it is doomed wise. Japan has decided not to aid China financially. Japan has no aims in the diroction of territorial aggression in China. Kiao-chau will be returned to China in accordance with the terms of the Treaty of 1915. NEW ZEALAND'S DELEGATES. PARIS, January 23. Mr Massey interviewed Mr Lloyd and objected to only one delegate being allotted to New Zealand. Mr Lloyd George pointed out that New Zealand's representation was a result of the Peace Conference decision, and not that of the British Government. Mr Massey declared that if other Dominions asked for representation on the League of Nations, he would demand the samo for New Zealand. (Received January 24th, 7.35 p.m.) PARIS, January 22. Mr Massey and Sir Joseph Ward have arrived. Mr Massey will probably raise New Zealand,'s claim to two representatives, claiming that she is as much entitled to two as outside countries like Siam and the Hedjoz. OUTSPOKEN CRITICISM. (United Barrio#.) (Received January 24th, 11.50 p.m.) •LONDON, January 22. The New Zealand delegates are making their case publio. Mr Massey's claim to two delegates rests roundly upon New Zealand's war efforts. He points out that New Zealand's sacrifices, proportionately, equal those of the United Kingdom, and are greater than those of any other Dominion. He declares that New Zealand looks a small country from here, but on the basis of sacrifices she is more entitled to two representatives than certain other nations. It is understood Mr Lloyd George pointed out that Great Britain was sympathetic, but the limitation of representation was tlie work of the Congress as a whole. Other nations regarded an additional New Zealander as an additional British delegate. Mr Massey does not blame Great Britain or the other Dominions, bat outspokenly criticises the Conference s decision. He strongly supports Mr Hughes's plea that eacb Dominion should have separate representation In the League of Nations. BASIS OF QUALIFICATION. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received January 2oth, 12.30 a.m.) LONDON, January 22. The "Morning Post's" Paris correspondent states that there is a strong feeling in many quarters that it would) have been better to regulate admission' to the Conference according to actual sacrifices. Some complaints of the excessive representation of tho British. Dominions arise from a quarter not bowed down by a heavy death roll, but the number of Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand graves in France and' Flanders is sufficient to test the right of these Dominions to sit with England and France. There is % danger that the Conference will not settle down to business before the glow ot victory has doparted. The early departure of Air Wilson is not calculated to speed up the business, because there is no time during his stay to solve the most important problems. ProDably only pious resolutions regarding a League of Nations will be passed in the meanwhile. LEAGUE OF NATIONS. PARIS. January 23." The British proposal for a League of Nations takes the form of a nonrigid conciliation body, not possessing binding powers, but based on a sufficient international guarantee to be effective. INCLUSION OF DOMINIONS. (Received Januarv 24th. 7.35 p.m.) PARIS, January 22. Mr A. J. Fraser says a statement has been published in England to the effect that the Dominions were demanding representation on the League of Nations. Enquiries reveal that there is no reason for the demand, as the fact that the Dominions are separately represented at the Conference confers recognition of their status as nations, and their claims to be entitled within the League is an inevitable corollary. THE POPULAR SCHEME. (Australian and N. 4. Cable Association.) (Received January 25th, 1.45 a.m.) LONDON, January 22. The plans for a League of Nations are

attracting increasing attention in Paris. Tho most popular scheme consists of tho appointment of a Council of members of the Governments of the Great Powers to meet at short- intervals, all the members of the League to meet regularly, but- less frequently, to review tho constitution. It is stated that ft League, in order to avert wars, should submit disputes to the Council br tho full League, all agreeing not to fight tintil a decision has been readied: if an agreement is impossible, the aggrieved Statos to fight in accoi'danco with the rules <>f war. Disarmament may not yet bo included. Several other of Mr Wilson's proposals must be temporarily dropped., including the freedom oi' tho seas ancj equal international and economic treatment . SWISS aspirations. PARIS, January 21. The Swiss President has arrived. He is not officially associated with the Conference, but hopes to converse with Allied statesmen with n view to securing a maritime outlet by way of tho j Rhine and admission to the League of Nations. j I