PEACE CONGRESS

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16436, 1 February 1919, Page 9

PEACE CONGRESS

territorial questions.

SETTLEMENT EFFECTED

(By Cable.—Presa Awociation. —Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, January 30.

Interviewed, Mr Massey and Mr Hughes refused to answer questions regarding the disposition of the German colonies under President Wilson's plan.

The Canadian Press criticises President Wilson's policy as protesting overmuch and as idealism. History shows that a shadowy suzerainty is unworkable.

A message received in London says tho Japanese Foreign Office announces that there is perfect agreement between Japan and the Allies regarding the future of tho Pacific Islancls.

"Tho Times," in a leader, discussing tho German colonies, says that whatever the final settlement, the colonies will never return to Germanv. "What is more permanently interesting is tho Conference's new recognition of the Dominions' national status. The Dominions have taken their place in the wholo world's sight as self-governing partners in the British Empire. And, moreover, they are exercising a doublo voice, ono on behalf of the Empire, and tho other for themselves. Thoir position at tho Conference shows remarkably how tho Empire organisation has taken new shape in the hard mould of war.

General Maurice says that Australia, particularly, feels strongly that undisputed possession is the only compensation obtainable for hor great war sacrifices, but it is not beyond hope that she should consent to lift the question to a higher plane, and recognise that her legitimate aspirations will be mot if she is appointed trustee for the League of "Nations. Great Britain is prepared to set a good example regarding the and Togoland by giving France tho trusteeship. If Australia accepts the League's, principles, and abates hor indisputable claims, it. will mako the difficult problems of European settlement easier of solution. Those who are disposed to magnify the obstacles to the realisation of the League are watching thf discissions on this subject closely.

Tho Paris correspondent of the "Daily Express" writes: —Though "L'Humanito" declares that the British colonial demands are brutal pretensions, to which President Wilson will never agree, it is understood that the American delegates aro considerably impressed by Mr Hughes's and General Botha's statements. Possibly several moro sittings will be necessary before the question is settled.

Tho Paris correspondent of the "Morning Post" states it is highly probable that at to-morrow's conference it will be proposed that the mandatory system shall apply generally to the colonies and other territory outside Europe; also that delimitation of powers be defined by the League of Nations.

It is reported that the French view regarding territorial acquisitions is that they should have the Cameroons and Togoland, and have perfect liberty of action in Morocco, purchasing Spanish interests there for a billion francs. The French agree to Australia having New Guinea; that Belgium should have Tobnro, and the western region of Victoria Nyanssa and part of the western zone on the left Lank of the Congo, making certain, compensation to Portugal. The British and . French Governments have adopted President Wilson's colonial mandatories scheme. It is expected that the Conference will decide to-day to hand over the colonial territories to the nations claiming them, subject to the supervision of the League of Nations. . ... The Australian Press Association correspondent states that the Council was occupied all day in considering questions affecting Poland. The Imperial Cabinet members,, with tho Dominion representatives, discussed colonial questions in tho forenoon. The Dominion representatives urged energetic action in their interests. It is believed that the American delegates are not entirely unanimous regarding the internationalisation of conquered territories. Possibly a compromise will be peached, by which the territories will forthwith he handed over to the nations interested, with a reservation in favour of giving the League of Nations a voice when it is formed. French newspapers declare that the British Government will firmly adhere to the position that tho colonies captured by the Dominions should come within the control of the Dominions j concerned. I am unable to confirm this view from our own representatives, but other information strengthens the view that America has weakened on her previous attitude. Tho Council will resume tho colonial discussion to-mor-row. At times the Council has frankly become a gathering of politicians anxious to find means of pleasing and placating their electoral masters. President Wilson insists that public opinion ■ in America will bitterly resent anything savouring of land grabbing. Mr Lloyd George equally asserts that British opinion demands that the Dominions' wishes shall be met. The British Cabinet's proposal means that New Zealand will have full trusteeship over Samoa, and Australia over New Guinea and the Bismarck Archipelago. (Kenter'a Telegrams.) (Received February Ist, 12.45 a.m.) VANCOUVER, January 80. The Supreme War Council has announced that it has reached satisfactory provisional arrangements regarding the German colonies, also the occupiod territories in Turkey-in-Asia. PLAN OPPOSED. (Received January 31st. 9.35 p.m.) LONDON, January 30. Mr A. J. Fraser, in the "Daily Mail," asserts that the British Cabinet has accepted Mr Wilson's plan for choosing the Power contiguous - to a conquered territory to govern it, safeguarded by the League of Nations. Tho British delegates regard this as annexation in fact, if not in theory. South Africa and Australia have protested against its acceptance. AUSTRALIA AND AMERICA. NEW YORK, January 29. The Paris correspondent of tho "New York Times" says that one representative at the Peace Conference who _ is most insistent that the British Empire should annex the Gorman colonies outright is Mr Hughes. He is a frank, outspoken man, who does not hesitate j to express his opinions, sometimes to tho embarrassment of the powers that be in London. Mr Hughes strongly opposes President Wilson in his plan for the internntionalisation of the colonies, but in spite of this both have struck up a warm personal friendship. They are able to discuss their differences without constraint. The President argues that internationalisation of the islands would free Australia from the danger of invasion. The President may not oppose Australian administration of the islands. The correspondent i points out that with Australia and New Zealand demanding part of the German islands, and Japan the others, President Wilson is placed in a difficult position, and may give way. SIR JOSEPH COOK'S VIEWS. (Received January 31st, 8.15 p.m.) LONDON, January 29. Sir Joseph Cook is not unhopeful that the ultimate .results of the Peace

Conference will be satisfactory to Australia. He confesses he is not enamoured of the policy of mandatories in the Pacific, but believes w len finality is reached nothing nntowar will be decided so far as the Pacific is concerned. It is difficult to understand the practicability of the po icy of mandatories anywhere, but particularly in the remote Pacific, inasmuc as the mandatory Power may presumably be subject to the League of Nations, whose constitution is unknown, its powers undefined, and policy un guessable. Anything short of direc control will be for Australia and Gioat Britain a leap in the dark. BACKING UP MR HUGHES. (Received January 31st, 11.35 p.m.) LONDON, January 29. Anglo-Australians are following Mr Hughes's fight on the question of tho Pacific Islands with intenso interest, especially soldiers on leave. A crowded meeting of the War Ches Club at tho Aldwych Theatre passed a resolution "That every Australian so dier approves Mr Hughes's dotermin fight. Australians to a man stand behind his claims for the retention of the islands, which are essential to our safety, and Germany's payment of a ; financial indemnity covering Australia s war costs." The attitudo of leading: Anglo-Aus-tralians, business men, and officialsj is summod up in an article in tho "Evening Standard" by a well-informed Australian, who says New Guinea is the economic and strategic key which secures the liogemony of Australia in the South Pacific. Tho Commonwealth in this crucial time must establish her own defensive outposts. The "Standard" says that from every city and bush township in Australia a unanimous shout has gone up that the Australian garrisons must remain in Now Guinea. In spite of the mere theories of tho neutrally-incline delegates at tho Conference, the New Hebrides remains an awful example of the curse of internationalism in the Pacific. MR WILSON'S FEAR. (Received January 31st. 7.40 p.m.) PARIS, January 30. Mr A. J. Fraser states that tho oversea delegates believe Mr Wilson's firm stand is due to a fear that the Japanese occupation of the islands in the Pacific may cause an outcry in America. Mr Wilson doclaros that his fourteen points, which were accepted by the Allies, included tho principle of no annexation. Mr Wilson says: "If the Conference tolerates acquisitions, we shall renew the evil atmosphere of the Vienna Congress." Grave difficulties are foreseen in putting a compromise into operation. Seeing that conquered areas may theoretically be annoxed, subject to the will .of the League of Nations, the question therefore arises who pays the Govornment for tho development of the conquered area? also whether the mandatory Power is to be allowed to exclude such people as it wishes. French, Italian, British, and oversea opinion concurs regarding international control as doomed to failure. (Received January 31st, 9.15 p.m.) NEW YORK, January 29.

Mr Tuohy, the Paris correspondent of the "New York World," referring to the German colonies, says that Australia naturally wants to hold the captured islands in the Pacific, but Australia may find it difficult to decide whether 6he would not prefer Mr Wilson's scheme for the internationalisation of the islands, if that also entails the Temoval of Japanese control from the Marshalls and the Carolines. A CHINESE PROTEST. (Renter's Telegram*.) NEW IORK, January 30. The Chinese representative at the Peace Conference protested against Japan's claim to the retention of Tsing-tau Harbour and the German railways in Shantung. To deprive China of this province would leave Peking and Tientsin difficult to defend. REPARATION. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, January 29.' The correspondent .of the Australian Presß Association states that one of the thorniest problems confronting the Commission or Repatriation lies in the enormous amount of compensation demanded by the various war sufferers. It is difficult to see how Germany can ever meet the claims. Great Britain might be satisfied on receiving ton for ton • f the shipping sunk, while the of France might be met by the utilisation of the mines in the Saar Valley. Hero a difficulty arises through the heavy vested interests held in these properties by the French. In pre-war days the dcrmans long tried to buy out the French interests, and it might now bn possible for the French to buy out the German private interests. Failing this, some temporary control might be exercised over the mines until the French claims are satisfied. Other suggestions to meet the case lie in the control of the German railways and Customs. The "Evening Standard" reports that the Supreme War Council has decided not to ask the Teutonic Allianco to pay the cost of the war. BELGIUM'S BILL. (United Service.) (Received January 31st. 8.5 p.m.) PARIS, January 29. I Belgium has presented a Reparation Bill for £700,000,000, including: £ Railways and telegraphs ... ••• 140,000,000 i War expenditure 110,000,000 Taxes said to the Germans ... 105,000,000 Relief for population... 90,000,000 GERMAN DELEGATION. (Received January 31st, 8.5 p.m.) AMSTERDAM, January 29. Advices from Berlin state that the .German Peace delegation will consist ;)of Hcrr Scheidemann, Count Rantzau, Count Bernstorff, Herr Erzberger, and ex-Secretary of State Herr Haussmann. The two first-named will only participate in the opening sittings; the others will conduct the negotiations proper. (Received February Ist, 12.45 a.m.) AMSTERDAM, January 29. I The German peace delegates will be I Herr Schwdemanu, Count Brockdorff, | Count Rantzau, Count Bernstorff, Herr i Erzberger, and Conrad Haussmann. SECRET TREATIES ABROGATED. (Received January 31st, 10.35 p.m.) NEW YORK, January 29. The United Press Paris correspondent interviewed a high international law expert, who expressed the opinion that I all secret treaties weTe abrogated by the Allies and Central Powers' acceptance of Mr Wilson's fourteen points, therefore the Anglo-Japanese Treaty trivinn Japan the Marshalls and CaroLtt waa W void.

(Received February Ist, 12.10 a.m.) PARIS, January 29. A high legal authority states that the Rort of London is now nullified, as th© signing of the Armistico, including Mr Wilson's fourteen points, supersedes secret treaties. This question cam© into prominence during the discussion of the colonial claims. For example, reports have been published concerning a secret Anglo-Japanese treaty of 1916, giving Japan tho Caroline and Marshall Islands, but no complications are ex- i pocted over these matters in view of the clearness of tho positions of those Powers under tho Armistico. LABOUR COMMISSION. LONDON, January 29. Official.—Sir Joseph Ward attended the special confercnce of British delegates to tho Peace Conference and British Labour representatives, including the Hon. G. N. Barnes, Mr J. H. Tliomas, M.P., and Mr A. Hendersmi, who aro giving attention to a tentative scheme to regulate international labour. The scheme aims -at securing the establishment of international minimum standards. Tho immediate objects include the appointment of a preliminary Commission by tho Peace Congress to enquire into tho question of the international adjustment of labour conditions, also the creation of a permanent Bureau, with a Council drawn from Great) Britain, Prance, America, Italy, and Japan, and the arranging of Conventions. The principal and practical aims include the prohibition of nightwork for women and children. Sir Joseph Ward explained the advanced labour conditions in New Zealand as regards the protection of women and juvenile workers and social legislation. The conference appreciated the explanation. The conference has not concluded. Up to th© present tho Groat Powers have sent only two representatives to each of the various commissions, instead of tho five agreed upon last) Saturday. THE BRITISH SCHEME. (Received February Ist, 12.30 a.m.) LONDON, January 29. The Paris correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph" says an agreement has been reached on the British case for presentation to the Commission on International Labour Legislation. It 's understood the British proposal is to create a Bureau, with a Board on which Labour will be represented. The Board will collect information, determine principles regarding international labour, and suggest international, improvements in labour conditions. Machinery is also provided to deal with countries not complying with S&.ese conditions.) EXCHANGE OF GIBRALTAR. (Received February Ist, 1.20 a.m.) PARIS, January 29. It is rumoured the Peace Conference is discussing the exchange of Gibraltar for Ceuta (Morocco), in order to benefit Spain,