PEACE DELEGATES

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 59, 4 December 1918, Page 6

PEACE DELEGATES

you tell me why New Zealand should be represented by two dolegates at the Peace Conference? As far as I understand it, they are required to represent New Zealand's views to the Home delegates. Surely in these times of increased taxation and indebtedness, one delegate should be sufficient. Mr. Massey, as head of llie Government, should possibly be our representative, though I do not consider either ho or Sir Joseph Ward are the best men wo could send, for the following reasons:— (1) For years now they have lived in an atmosphere of continual compromise. There has been no island or fall policy. We should bo represented by men of determination. (2) As leaders of our National Government, they have been much too lenient with enemy subjects in our own toiintry, and would probably continue to be so with the Huns in Europe. (3) Their places are here, to endeavour to steer the political ship through the troublous times that are, coming, and they surely are coming. Though the National Government has a majority in the House, 1 do not think it now has in the country. Therefore, before leaving, we are entitled to know our representatives' opinions on many of tho subjects which v.-ill bo discussed. We know they are. rot in favour of tho South' African colonies and the Pacific islands being returned to Germany. Mr. Massey is reported as having , recently said, in tho House, he had no idea of Germany's position as regards wealth or of her ability to pay an indemnity. "Politicus," in tho "Fortnightly Review," estimates Germany's wealth in coal, iron, and p'otash alone as over 2J17 billions. Tie also estimates the Allies' losses through the war at 50 billions. If his estimates are approximately correct, Germany is aide to pay the Allies' indemnity nearly five times over out of these three items alone. Are. they in favour of Germany refunding to the Allies the whole cost of the war? Are they in favour of Germany refunding to Prance the amount of the indemnity extracted after the 1871 war? Are fliey in favour of Germany refunding to Franco the vnlue, of the metals, coal, etc., stolen from Alsace-Lor-raine? Aro they in favour of all Germans

whom the Allies have good reason t> suspect (from the Kaiser downwards, including guol and camp warders) being made to stand their trial for murder? Are they in favour of all Germans now interned being repatriated? Are they in favour of no-.German being allowed to land in any of the British possessions for at least 20 years? Are they in favour of no modification of the armistice terms, and maintaining a determined position, in suite of whining and bluff? Are they in favour of President Wilson having most eay in deciding peace conditions? Do they remember that America looked on jpr nearly three years, while thousands of our good men were being killed? Are they in favour of a League of Nations? If so, how do they propose'to enforce compliance with the rules of the League ? Are they in favour of Britain reducing the strength of her Navy? There are many ivore questions I would like to ask, but fear to trespass further upon your good nature.—l am., INTERESTED. November 30, 1918. THE BKITISHNAVyINDTHE LEAGUE , OF RATIONS Sir,—Will you allow me to ask through the medium of your paper of those who believe in the League of Nations idea to keep the pc-ace of the world in future, what power would take the place of the British Navy to guard and protect the British Empire in all its parts? Would New Zealand trust her safety to a fleet composed of a majority of foreign battleships? For if each nation is represented by one ship or part, the international fleet would have a majority of ships foreign to England. Is there any, likelihood that our New Zealand representatives at the Peace Conference will, to come into line with President Wilson's idea of an. Association of Nations, agree to the reduction of the British Navy to a point bringing it to an inferiority when compared with the proposed international force? din they point to any league of nations in history that in time of stress has held together like the nations comprising the British Empire during the late war? Do they prefer a general league of nations to a league of English-sneaking nations? —I am, etc., BEIT. December l.(