PEACE CONGRESS.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16431, 27 January 1919, Page 7

PEACE CONGRESS.

PUNITIVE INDEMNITIES. MR WILSON GIVES WAY. (By Cable.—Pima Association.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) PARIS, January 24. It is reported that President Wilson has abandoned his opposition to tho id?a of demanding punitive indemnities I from Germany. THE RUSSIAN QUESTION. I'ARIS. January 22 "Lo Petit Parisian'' says that M. Scavenius, tho Danish Foreign Minister, iti his statement at tho Peace Conference, favoured immediate and energetic intervention in Russia. Peasants in sevurwl provinces, when trying to rosist tyranny, wero shot in hundreds by the lied Guards. Committees formed in towns allegedly for the purpose of quelling the . countcr-rovolution, continue to hunt the Ixnirgenisio. Few Intellectuals have escaped imprisonment or the revolutionary tribunals. The remaining bourgeoisie and Intellectuals are forced to subsist on starvation rations, whereas the Bolshevist partisans aro allowed nmplo food. It is understood that M. Scavenius greatly impressed the Conference. (Australian and N.Z. Cublj Association.) : (Received January 26th. 5.5 p.m.) ! LONDON, January 23. i America favours securing tho greatest indemnity possible, but profers its distribution among the nations rathor than being apportioned to meet individual losses. On the question of indemnities, it is understood that Mr Wilson has agreod to the principle, apart from the full costs of reparation. The Commission asked for l»v Mr Hughes will deal with estate and method of payment. ABILITY TO PAY. ''Reccive r l January 25th. 5.5 p.m.) . NEW YORK, January 23. Tho Paris correspondent of tho "Chicago News" states that Germany might bo expected to pay an annual indemnity of £5C0,000,000, provided sho is allowed in resumo her normal commercial and national life. Tlie>so figures nre based <m Dr. Helfcrich's pre-war estimate of Germany's national wealth. CONFERENCE WITH BOLSHEVISTS FRENCH AXD RUSSIAN HOSTILITY. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Uecoived January 26th, 5.5 p.m.) PARTS, January 23. It is understood that Mr Lloyd Georpo wanted the Russian conversations to occur at Paris, but M. Clemcnceau and M. Pichon adhered to their Tefusal to moot Bolshovists. President Wilson suggested a middlo course, which was adopted. Som.e French newspapers accept the solution provided tho Bolshevists aro prevented from spreading th£ir propaganda, fear of which has influenced M. Clemencoau and M. Pichon, but "Lo Journal" considers that the solution painfully impresses France. It considers that Mr Lloyd George really inspired President Wilson's suggestion, which may hide brutal facts under fine humanitarian phrases, but Franco sees a policy which is vital to French inter- j ests abandoned The ''Figaro" says the solution is a perilous attempt to reconcile the Bolshevists and anti-Bolshevists, and carries Mr Wilson's idea to extremes. "Victoria" says wa have invited the Lenin-Trotaky gang to meet us in order to ploase Mr Wilson. Prince l#voff. sates that the invitation to the Bolshevists is a fatal step. Patriotic Russians will refuse to meet the men who betrayed Russia. The Bolshevists in Paris have won the greatest victory, and patriotic Russians are pained to find that the Allies have so soon forgotten the efforts of Russia in tho first two years of the war. The Russian Committee has discussed its future action. Diplomatic correspondents declare that thero was practically no other j course open for the Conference than j to support Mr Wilson's view that the | Bolshevists should be consulted. The conditions in Russia are appalling. The nationalisation of women and other features of Bolshevist rule point to organised depravity. Princes Island has been chosen with a view of preventing the Bolshevists coming westward, and thus giving them an opportunity for propaganda work. AMERICAN OPINION. (Received January 26th, 5.6 p.m.) LONDON, January 23. Tho Americans are confident that President Wilson's plan to meot tho Russians in the Sea of Marmora is the wisest course, and will probably lead to the retrieving of the enormous debt due to,the Allies. Prince Lvoff, on the other hand, regards the recognition of Bolshevism as disastrous. He and M. Sazanoff declare that the Omsk and Archangel Governments will never confer with tho Bolshevists. The best informed opinion in Paris is satisfied that the Bolshevist party is growing stronger and drawing in many moderates, with the probability of the evolution of something like a stable Government. Princes Island has been chosen because it affords good accommodation. It is tho main holiday resort of wealthy Turks. Poland would be represented by a delegation. The Poles have also receivod an assurance of full Allied support in the event of a Bolshevist attack on Poland. Mr A. J. Frnser declares it is clear that the Bolshevist® will send delegates to tho Sea of Marmora Conference. The Conference docided to hold any party blameworthy which makes the Marmora Conference abortive. The Allies are prepared to recognise the Bolshovists if they prove a stable government and cease terrorising. The Bolshevists have already offered to repay the loans to tho Allies, and may seek the olection of a Constituent Assembly. Anyway, a conciliatory spirit will mark the Marmora proceedings. (Keceived Januarp 27th, 12.10 a.m.) NEW lORK, January 23. The Washington correspondent of the "New York Times" says that official circles, Senators and Congressmen, generally applaud, the peace delegates' decision regarding the Russian situation. A few Senators and Congressmen ire opposed to any form of recognition. >f the Bolshevist Government. A PLACE FORTSIR J. WARD. PARIS, January 23. , Mr A. J. Fraser, Australian Press Association correspondent, states that .here i» a possibility, of the colonial

question coming before the Supremo \> ar Council to-morrow. There has been a long debate on New Zealand representation. It is understood that the British delegates agreed that Sir Joseph Ward should have a place in their panel. Sir Josoph Ward will attend Saturday's Conference as a British representative. Tho Council of the Great Powers today completed the appointment of tho various commissions. Mr Hughes pressed for a Repatriation Commission. It is understood that General Botha joins 1 t» 0 Commission, whilo Lord ' Robert and Sir K. Bordon will be > the British delegates to Conference with the Russian representatives at Princes Islands, in the Sea of Marmora. TRIBUTE TO NEW ZEALAND. (United Servic*.} (Received January 26th, 5.5 p.m.) PARIS, January 23. Mr Iveith Murdoch says Mr Lloyd George agrees with the decision to give separate representation to the Dominions at tho Conference table, which inevitably involves separate representation on the League of Nations. This principle has not yet been accepted by the Imperial Cabinet, but Mr Lloyd George's support and Mr Hughes's representations, backed by Sir R. Borden, General Botha, and Mr Massey, soem to put tho question beyond doubt. Tlie Cabinet to-day discussed New Zealand's position. Everybody was sympathetic and all were unanimous that Sir Joseph Ward should attend on Saturday as a British delegate, thougn ' other Dominion delegates must in future take their turn thereon. Mr Lloyd George explained the difficulties in securing representation foi any Dominion, but said he thought it was possible to again press for a fifteenth delegate. Ho paid a tribute to New Zealand's splendid fight, and pointed out that Canada had a population of eight millions and Australia of five millions. Moreover, New Zealand would have her full share in the Imperial Cabinet discussions and the . decisions which guided his policy. Fur thermore, New Zealand was in a vcrj , different position from Liberia or ever Roumania, for New Zealand's case foi Samoa would bo backed by the full , delegation of the Great Empire. Mr Murdoch adds that the New ! Zealanders seem to be satisfied, anc! Mr Massey thinks the work is ample for two Ministers. Sir Joseph Ward appears ready to lemnin and throw his heart into the work, especially committee work. Mr Massey joins the Commission on Internationalising Waterways and Ports, and mention! that the Peace Conference is greatlj improving. Tho one thing decided is that neutrals will not be invited tc join the League of Nations until n united constitution is determined. PUNISHING THE KAISER. (Australian and X./j. Cable Association.) (Received January 26th, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, January 23. In reference to the punislimont of the Kaiser the American view is less emphatic than that of tho Allies. Americans take the view that the Kaiser's punishment after trial will bo less than if he remains in exile unpunished. Further. his punishment would not remove the fundamental causo of the war. 1 COMMISSIONS APPOINTED. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received January 26th, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, January 23. There are now various Commissions created, and the colonial delegatus' time is fully occupied. Apart from their duties on certain Commissions, there is much concerning them to deal with at other Commissions, by which they need be consulted. Tho Powers are in full agreement on the questions to be submitted to tomorrow's / -nary conference. They are adopt? tho general practice that the Powa vh bore tho brunt of the fightiil formulate and agree upon a *'is give the smaller ne to debate it at the Conie-. 'efore it is likely that Mr Lloyu , ~Jb speech will bo of the briefest in submitting the League of Nations. Such matters aa the Leaguo and Labour legislation will subsequently be submitted to the neutral nations. LEAGUE OF NATIONS. DOMINION REPRESENTATION. PARIS, January 23. The Dominion representatives lengthily discussed the question of. separate recognition in tho Leaguo of Nations, but navo not yet reachod a settlement. BRITISH PLAN COMMENDED. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received January 26th. 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, January 23. The British proposals drafted for a League of Nations by Lord Robert Cecil, General Smuts, and Lord Phillimore, have earned the highest commendation from Mr Wilson, and considerable progress has been made. Mr Lloyd George initiates tne League of Nations' discussion at Friday's plenary session. President Wilson follows, and it is expected that M. Bourgemis, General Smuts, and Lord Robert Cecil, will expound their views. The Conference will then appoint a Special Commission to examine the various schemes, and will also appoint a Commission to investigate the claims for indemnities. The United States will submit a plan in connexion witA a League of Nations) containing a provision for the total abandonment of submarines as instruments of war, and the destruction of existing submarines in the possession of all nations joining a League of Nations. FORMATION AGREED UPON. DECISIONS OF FULL CONFERENCE. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received January 26th 11.5 p.m.) PAR-IS, January 24. An open session of the Peace Conference debated the League of Nations. Mr Lloyd George outlined the British scheme, drawing a distinction between justifiable and non-justifiable disputes. Each nation must itself decide which is justifiable or not. It is reported in American circles that the creation of a super-sovereignty is considered feasible. The Conference adopted a resolution in favour of the formation of a Leaguo as an integral part of the Peace Treaty, tho League to be open to every civilised nation which can be relied upon to promote its objects at periodical conferences. It ■was also decided that a permanent secretariat be established. Tho Conference decided that Great Britain and the United States should

maintain large armies in Franc© o. many months, the demobilisation to J© an international affair, and the supremo command to bo maintained till peace is signed. President "Wilson addressed the n ferenee in favour of a League of tions, earnestly urging that now is proper time to act. (Received January Otli, 11.5 P*®"' LONDON January --1. A preliminary draft of a League o Nations has been published. It shows that tho creation of a permanent organi sation will continue to be the business between the meetings of the Peace Conference. The appointment of a committee to consider tho League's functions and constitution is urged, and t ia draft calls for the appointment of a Commission to report on the responsibili.y for the causes of the present war. THE GERMAN VIEW. (Received Januarp 27th. 12.10 a.m.) NEW \ORIv January 23. American correspondents interviewed Herr von Bftlmiarui Hollweg in Berlin. Ho j%aid that only if peace were .bemr cludcd in a spirit of justice based «>n President Wilson's exalted ideals could a League of Nations bo saved from sin l !- dust and ashes. Th© victors not exploit tho woakness of tho conquered peoplos. »Hollwogsaid he had •not chnngod his view*, regarding the responsibility for the war. LABOUR COMMISSION. PARIS, January 22. .Air G. N. Barnes, in an intorview, said that the Conferoure, when dealing with the League of Nations, will simultaneously appoint an International Labour Commission to. deyiso machinery for handling international Labour problems. QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. (Received January 26fch, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, January 23. Mr Barnes explain? that the first duty of the Commission which the Peuce Conference is appointing will bo to convene an International Labour Conference to doa! with the follow ing questions: Prohibition of night-work for women and children, minimum wages and holidays. It is hoped a prncticnl effort will be made to establish a higher world-wido standard of wages and eliminate international competition with low wage countries.