PEACE CONGRESS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 73, 20 December 1918, Page 5

PEACE CONGRESS

THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS

PRESIDENT WILSON'S PROGRAMME FRANK EXCHANGE OF VIEWS By Telegraph-Press" AssociaUon-CoDyrisht New York, December 18. Mr. Richard Oulahan, formerly Washington correspondent of the New York "Times," and now in Paris, says tlii\t President Wilson lias not a hard-and-fast programme, but is prepared for ' a frank exchange of views with the Allied representatives before determining upon America's plans. President Wilson's views on the League of Nations are not inflexible. The President realises that a divergence of opinion among the Allies regarding the league may compel the formation at the outset of a looselyformed league, which is More likely to use the economic boycott than armed force to discipline offending members of the league. Even on the subject, of Freedom of the Seas, President Wilson's attitude is conciliatory.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ■ DECLARATION BY PRESIDENT WILSON. Paris, December 18. President Wilson, in n speech, said he believed that a League of Nations was indispensable for the preservation of peace—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. GERMAN ESTIMATES OF INDEMNITIES EXPERT JUGGLERS AT WORK. (Rec. December 19, 7.15 p.m.) London,- December 17. The "Times" says: "The German financier?, are busily juggling with the estimates of the indemnities, with a view to proving that the Allies must moderate their claims. They admit the damage to Belgium and Northern France, and declare that the tonnage sunk by submarines must be restored. But their counter-claims aire minutely and in some instances humorously detailed. These include payment for the destruction of Germany's oversea trade, colonial interests, and the merchant ships that were seized; the cost of feeding the prisoners, the compulsory business liquidations, damages to bombed towns, the.value of the food abandoned in France, and the surrendered guns, aeroplanes,, warships, and Alsace-Lorraine railways."—"The Times." THE ARMISTICE CANADIANS.CROSS THE RHINE.' Ottawa, December IS. Canadian troops have crossed the Rhine bridges, and are occupying a bridgehead near Cologne. The Canadians crossed by the Bridge of Boats, but heavy rain spoiled the spectacle.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. BRITISH CABINET RECONSTRUCTION RUMOURED CHANGES. London, December 18. The newspapers anticipate a number of early Cabinet changes.. It is reported that a new "Reconstruction Cabinet," consisting of about a. dozen members, will shortly supersede the Wair Cabinet. Lord Miln'er and Sir Eric Geddes are likely to leave the War Office and the Admiralty, and Mr. Austen Chamberlain is expected to become Chancellor.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuier. THE WAR ON RUSSIAN BOLSHEVISM COSSACK VICTORY REPORTED. Washington, December 18. The State Department is informed that the Don Cossets defeated the Bolsheviki, capturing 20 guns and thousands of prisoners.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. BOLSHEVISM IN SOUTH AMERICA WORKERS' COUNCILS BEING FORMED. New York, December 18. Dispatches from Monte Video state that Bolshevik agitations are increasing in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. In some places Workers' Councils have been formed, with the co-operation of the police.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Ass:i. ■ UNREST IN SPAIN ' ■ SERIOUS REVOLUTIONARY DISTURBANCES. Madrid, December 18. There have been serious revolutionary disturbances in Barcelona and Bilbao. The Guards used firearms and there were some casualties. The censorship prevents the revelation of details.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reute?. . . RETURN OF BRITISH WAR PRISONERS TRANSPORTATION TO BE EXPEDITED. London, December, 18. Steps are being taken to expedite the return of British prisoners. Fifteen Danish ships, in addition to British transports, have been chartered. Many men are arriving in the Rhine towns, and a steamer service on the Rhine has been organised for their transport.—Aus.N.Z. 'Cable Assn. A PATHETIC NECESSITY' DESTRUCTION OF WAR HORSES. (Rec. December 19, 7.50 p.m.) London, December 17. Owing to the cost and difficulty of transportation, it has been decided to destroy the Australian Light Horse mounts over twelve years of age and dispose of the remainder locally. This decision has occasioned pathetic scenes. The men, dreading that their favourites will pass into slavery, are 6hooting many, finding excuses, insisting that they are over age, or arranging that they shall meet with accidents. One brigade shot seven hundred horses one i.ight. There is a hope that the best animals will be taken to Central Europe.—Renter (via America). THE TENSION IN SOUTH AMERICA BOLIVIAN GOVERNMENT . STRENGTHENED. (Rec. December 19, 7.50 p.m.) La Paz (Bolivia), Decerhber 16. A new Bolivian Cabinet has been formed to strengthen the Government in view of the differences between Chile and Peru. The Cabinet comprises Senor Albert Gutierrez (Foreign Affairs), Senor Tejadn (Minister of tho Interior), Senor Bustamenti (Education), S'enor Dario Gutierrez (Finance), Senor Vargos (Works), and Sonor Qu.interos (War).Reuter (via America). RIOT AT PORT DARWIN GILRUTH ADMINISTRATION UNPOPULAR. (R-ec. December 19, 8.35 p.m.) Melbourne, December 19. Speaking in the Federal Bouse, Mr. Glynn, replying to questions, stated that a serious disturbance occurred nt Port Darwin on Wednesday.' A crowd gathered alOMr. Gilruth's office, demanded an account of his work during tho past five years, and presented certain resolutions. Mr. Gilruth addressed the mob and declined to accede to the resolutions. A melee followed, in which Mr. Gilruth was knocked down. Steps were taken to maintain order.—Press A6sn,