THE PEACE ISSUES

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3093, 25 May 1917, Page 5

THE PEACE ISSUES

ANNEXATIONS AND INDEMNITIES

M. RIBOT'S SPEECH

AMERICAN DECLARATION EXPECTED Paris, May 23. M. Ribot's speech iu the Chamber lias created a deep impression, particularly the passage iusisting that the formula "no annexation and no indemnity" does not apply to restitution based upon right and justice. M. Eibot added: "There is no question of a war indemnity to be placed upon the vanquished as though H was a fine. The whole world shall judge our case. The nightmare, has lasted too long. Wo must destroy military despotism. Let Russia fake the olTeuwve, while tho United States is setting ready to send her first divisions. If Russia does her duty we have no more to tear.

M. Eibot's reference to Alsace-Lorraine was received with tumultuous cheers. Hβ'continued: "Wo are not opposed to the expansion of the German people after the war. Very soon, when the Russian nrmy is again fighting, Germany will demand peace in a straightforward manner. If not, wo lenow how to impose peace."—AUß.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE UNITED STATES VIEW "NO ANNEXATIONS, NO PUNITIVE INDEMNITIES." Washington, May 23. The United States Government hopes shortly to issue a statement on policy, of which tho principle is: "No annexations, no punitive indemnities." Tho Government sympathises with M. Ribot's attitude.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. Tho United States Administration recently received Italy's revised demands, which are to bo considered by the Allies it the close of the war. Italy has conceded some modifications of her proposed settlement of her national boundaries since tho United States entered the war, in deference to President Wilson's plea on behalf of the smaller nationalities. Italy's demands are, chiefly, five in number:— (1) Annexation of all islands in tho Adriatio. (2) Annexation of a 25-mile wide belt of territory, from tho present boundary of Italy along tho entire coast to Ragusa, with only ono interruption. (3) Bosnia-Herzegovina to be given to Serbia, with nn outlet to tho Adriatic at Kagusa. ' . (4) Austria to have tho port of Fiumo. (5) In accordance with President Wilson's plea, Albania to be independent, and to bo permitted to decide its own form of government by plebiscite. THE STOCKHOLM TEACE CONFERENCE NO ANNEXATION ACCORDING TO BULGARIA. Stockholm, May 23. Tho Bulgarian Socialrst delegates state they havo agreed upon, tho principle of peace without annexations, but tho Bulgariana cquisition. of tho Dobrudja and Macedonia must not be considered as annexations. AMERICAN SOCIALISTS FORBIDDEN TO ATTEND. Washington, May 23. American Socialists havo been prohibited from attending the Stockholm Confer-ence.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.