WORLD POLITICS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 98, 20 January 1919, Page 5

WORLD POLITICS

PREPARING FOR THE GREAT CONGRESS

BRITISH STATESMEN CONFER

RUSSIA THE THORNIEST PROBLEM

THE REPRESENTATION QUESTION By Teleeraph-PreEs Aesooiation-Copyrinlit Paris, January 15. The great hotels and bureaux in Paris are a babel of world politics, in which plans, long pondered, are being modified ready for die meeting of the conference, and the possibilities of compromise are being discussed. Mr. Lloyd Georgo and Mr. Bonar Law have had several conferences with Mr. William Hughes, Sir Joseph Cook, and other Dominion Ministers in order that the latter will be able to sit at the conference table' in turn as full British representatives if Mr. Lloyd George and Mr. Bonar Law are compelled to return to London in connection with the opening of Parliament, as is likely. Though the fact that the British Empire has thirteen spokesmen is arousing criticism, the importance of tho matter is easily exaggerated. The number of delegates has no connection with , voting power. Voting, however,' will probably not play a large part in the conference, otherwise it would be impossible to reconcile the fact ■ that Britain has six votes while the United States has one one.

The results of the first day's pourparlers were far from satisfactory. It is evident that Russia is the thorniest problem. None of the Governments has really reliable information as to what is passing in Russia or Poland.

The "Echo de Paris" states that Mr. Lloyd George has not changed his opinion as to the desirability •of entering into, relations with, the Soviet Government and permitting its representation at the Peace Conference.

It is announced unofficially that von Hindenbarg is taking command of the Germans in the East against the Poles.

The tentative decisions regarding the delegates have aroused dissatisfa/otion in Paris, particularly in the case of Belgium, which has fewer representatives than Brazil. Belgian, diplomats are surprised and disappointed at the reduction, and there are many caustic comments on the boulevards that the American delegates to the conference have failed to realise that the tremendous sacrifices of Belgium, France, and Britain made tho victory.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

London, January 15. The Paris correspondent of the "Daily Express" says the statement of the number of delegates allotted to the various countries is premature and inexact. The British'delogation will consist of a variable panel, to enable the Dominion statesmen to be included from time to time.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.'

NEW ZEALAND'S DELEGATES. (Rec. uanuary 19, 11.50-p.m,') Paris, January 17. \ There is general regret that New Zealand's representation at the Peaco Conference is limited to one, but it is pointed out that when Mr. Massey attends as a British delegate, Sir Joseph Ward' can attend as New Zealand's delegate. . French will ,be the official language.—United Service.

THE GEOGRAPHICAL GROUPS

(Ueo. January 19, 6.5 p.m.)

' Paris, January 17. An analysis of the conference's geographical groups shows that North and South America have sixteen members and nine votes; Europe lias twentynine members and ten votes; Asia, ten members and four votes; Africa, three members and three votes; Oceania, three members and two votes. Politically, Britain has fourteen delegates and six Vo*es. France has only one vote as none of her colonies secured representation, although this, is likely to be remedied. The United States, with Central America, Cuba, and Liberia, has eight votes.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. VOTING NOT INFLUENCED BY NUMBER OP MEMBERS. (Rec. January 19, 5.5 p.m.) . Paris, January. 17. ■ As the British Ministers will frequently be.backward and forward between England and Paris, their\ places on the delegation are likely to be filled by the overseas representatives. Each delegation is a unit, and the number of its members does not influence its voting or status.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

RUSSIAN SITUATION EXPLAINED.

Paris, January 17. M. Noulens, the French Ambassador to Russia, explained the Russian situation to the Peace Conference. —Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.

SOUTHERN SLAVS WANT REPRE- ' SENTATION. (Bee. January 19, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, January 17. Mr. A. J. Fraser writes that the Jugo-Slav Committee in Paris has protested against admission to the Peace Conference of Sorbian' delegates to the exclusion of the Jugo-Slavs from tho Austro-Hungarian provinces now incorporated in Serbia. ' Tho committee claims that transformed Serbia possesses no purely Serbian Government. -Ans.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

THE INAUGURAL ADDRESS

TO BE DELIVERED BY PRESIDENT OF FRANCE. (Rec. January 19, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, January 17. President Poincare will deliver the inaugural address on Saturday afternoon, and President Wilson will prol>ably respond. It is expected that the conference, will forthwith denl with the question of the League of Nations and the formation of n*»- States.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn, ' • ■

BRITAIN'S PART IN THE WAR EULOGISED. (Rec January 19, 11 p.m.) Paris, January 18. President Poincare, at the opening of the Conference, outlined! the German aggression and the shameful bargain offered to Britain, seeking her neutrality. President Poincare eulocised Britain's decision and the magnificent part she had played in the war.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

M. OLEMENCEAU TO BE PERMANENT PRESIDENT. ' (Rec. January 19, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, January 17. It is practically certain that M. Olemenceau will be permanent presi-dent.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. (Rec. January 19, 11 p.m.) Paris, January 18. On the motion of President Wilson, seconded by Mr. Lloyd George, M. Clemenoeau was nominated chairman of the Congress.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable As«n;