PEACE CONGRESS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 101, 23 January 1919, Page 5

PEACE CONGRESS

VITAL LABOUR PRINCIPLES

INCORPORATION IN TREATY TO BE

ASKED FOR BY AMERICAN DELEGATES By Telegraph—Press Aseoclation—Copyright (Ree. January 22, 11.40 p.m.) ■ New York, January 20. The United Press corresponlwit says it is understood that th«- American peace delegation wi'l ask for incorporation in the treaty of vital labour principles, namely, an international; child labour law, the protection of womau workers, and uniform working conditions, including fixed hours of labour. . The American plan for the League of Nations embodies mtny features of General, Smuts's and Lord Robert Cecil's plans.' ' , '' ; It is understood that Germany and Russia will be allowed to join only after the; establishment of Stable Gov-ernments.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. NEW INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION TO IMPROvifsT AND ARES OF ' LIFE. ' j |. (Rpc. January 22, 7.45 p.m.) London, Jannary 19.« Mr. Gompers and four other American Labour delegates have arrived. They intend conferring with British and French Labour leaders for the purpose of founding a new international organisation, which ■ will influence the peace terms towards improving the standards of life of the. workers of all countries.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assa. COUNCIL OF SUPPLY" AND RELIEF L\VESTIGATINGIRBPROVISfONrN T G ■■■-: PROBLEMS. , (Kec. January 22. 7,45 p.m.) Paris, January if. . Mr. A. J. Fraser states that the Supreme -Council of Supply and Relief under Lord Reading is investigatna the financial problems couneeted-with the reprovisioning of Europe.—Ajis.N.Z. Cable Assn. . DISCUSSION UPON RUSSIAN PROBLEM ' CONCRETE PROPOSALS EXPECTED. Paris, January 21. Official.—Good progress has been made in the discussion upon Russia, and concrete proposals are expected as the result of another session.—Aus.N.Z.: Cable Assn. . . , . (Rec. January 22, B.s'p.tn.V London, Jannary 21. The Peace Conference has -made great progress towards agreement, on tlie Russian question. Concrete proposals are expected on Wednesday.— Aus.-N.Z.. Cable Assn.. • : \ (Rec. January 22, 7.45 p.m.) Paris, January 19. A conference of Allied Ministers received a- statement from M. Noulens, French Ambassador to Russia, concerning ,the situation. M.- Noulens said he ,wa,s formerly inclined to view the Bolshevik policy as not dangerous, but events latterly had changed his view. It may be assumed that his evidence will carry considerable weight, and will he the most recent which the Conference will be able to obtain on the Russian situation.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

THE LEAGUE OP NATIONS

DOMINIONS SEEK ADMISSION AS

INDIVIDUAL NATIONS. Paris, January 21

It is"understood that the Dominione are asking for admission to the Jjeague of Nations with the status of individual nations whose sovereignty ie admitted, although the right of Britain to,control their "foreign affairs is not contested.— Aus.-NiZ. Ca-ble Assn.

•PRESIDENT WILSON'S DRAFT SCHEME. , (Rec. January 23, 1.25' a.m.)

London, January 20. The Pyxchange Telegraph's Paris correspondent states that President Wil.son has completed his draft scheme > of the League of Nations. This scheme is based on a of the ideas of the various Allies,' embodying important French. aud. British features. • Also some is suggested in- General Smuts's recent pamphlet. The gonaral result is rather a combination of ideas than exclusively President Wilson's. It is understood that under. President Alison,* scheme the ,-present Allies will fonii the nucleus of'the . leaguey to which every free nation shall have access. Compulsory arbitration for dis-putes-is provided for. President Wilson'shows how the development of the new world spirit will prevent , future war with Germany and Russia. Ho considers a peace settlement useless if it leaver half Europo aflame. . , ■ . . ■ ■

It is understood that Mr. Lloyd George is outspokenly u\ agreement with President Wilson.—AtisrN.2. Cable Assn. . '"

BRITISH PRESS OPINIONS. (Rec. January 23, ,1.25 a.m.)

London, January 20. The "Morning Post'.' states that logically the mmds of Frenchmen ,refuSe to believe that President Wilson's idea will give them any protection. They fear that Franco may be sacrificed on the altar of impossible, dnd inipracticahle ideals. The French idea is an alliance of the Allies against Gennany. They realise the idea of a league which would enable France .to dispense with a standing army, though this is the basis of the American scheme. Britain's conception of the league is an elaboration of the old Concert of Europe. It would certainly be necessary to put many railways, straits, ports, and evon countries under international control. The "Morning Post" considers that probably along the modest lines of international co-operation lies the best chance of test-ing" the_ workability of tho League of Nations.—Aus.-NiZ. iCable Assn. '. THEJACOAR PROTEST BY JAPANESE NEWSPAPERS. (Rec. January 22, 11.10 p.m.) V Tokio, January 20. The Prese is displaying little interest in the Conference. It in taken for granted that Germany's colonies will never be returned. Popular interest centre* in the question .of racial discrimination, the' Japanese- nro excluded from America and Australia. The newspapers urge tho delegates to insist upon the removal of the race bar as' a fundamental condition of the League of Nations. —Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. " . -

' AUSTRALIA ANDJTHE JAPANESE

INTERVIEW WITH MR. HUGHES. (Rec. January 22. 8:5 p.m.) New York, January 18. The New York "World's" Paris correspondent interviewed Mr. Hughes, who said: "The Japanese are a groat people, but our ideals and theirs differ fundamentally. We do not wish for Japanese expansion in our direction. Wβ have a- very small population compared with Japan's. Neither our interests nor aspirations

are identical with theirs. Each of ue in our different spheres can safeguard the future, while aintaining relations of perfect harmony with one another." , With reference to the naval situation, Sir. .Hughes said that full protection by the British Fleet was necessary for Australia's safety. He did not fear thnt any difference would arise regarding British and American interpretation of the freedom'of the seas.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

CONFERENCE LARGELY SECRET

(Rec. January 22, 10.30 p.m.)

Paris, January 21. . Mr. Fraser.states that although the Press has asserted the principle of an open conference, yet in practice the conference is largely secret, and already it has constituted a close committee of the Great Powers, which will sit in open conference with the full delegations at certain intervals.

The conferencH (!oes not meet again before Thursday. Meanwhile the Gre.it Powers continue to wrestle with the Russian problem. A special committee will be appointed investip-ntf' international labour oorditions. i-'th .» vie-* , : to securing a basis nf uniformity in all countries in. regard to the employment and treatment of workmen.

A surplus of fond i* now available, and it is expected that p'leniy countries will recpive supplies within a month. — Aus.-N.Z. <%ble /\s«fc. ■ ' . (Rec. January 22, 10.30 p.m.) London} January 21. Representatives of the dominions are unanimous against the siiper-secreey of the conference.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. GERMANY READY TO DISARM ' GOVERNMENT'S INSTRUCTIONS? TO DELEGATES. ■

Amsterdam, January 19.

The German Government lias instructed its delegates.- to the Peace Conference to work for the abolition of all economic warfare.'; Agreements niust immediately be made concerning imports of raw materials and foodstuffs. Germany is ready to disarm on land and eea and in the air, but Germany's right within the scope of President Wilson's programme must be recognised.. Germany recognises the gtoat •principle of the people's freedom' of self-determination, especially in regard to Poland and Alsace-Lorraine. The delegates must work for the League of Nations.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. "-. i > .. THE RHINE MUST BE THE BARRIER TO PROTECT' CIVILISATION FROM ■ GERMANY. New York, January 18. . Mr. James Travis states that Marshal Focli", in an interview given ■ to American correspondents, said: "The Rhine must be the barrier that will protect the Allies and civilisation from Germany."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

FEDERATION OF ARAB STATES UNDER PROTECTION OF AMERICA. ~ (Rec. January 22, -10.80 p.m.) . . . ; PaHS, Jaauary 21. Emir Feisiil, son of King- Hadjez, is here awaiting his father's instructions regarding two delegates, to represent the'kingdom at the Peacev Conference. Colonel Lawrence,, Emir; Feisul's aide-, decamp, is , expected to bo chosen as the first delegate, in order to give greater weight to the proposal to be submitted to the conference asking for the formation of a federation of "11 Arab /States from the- Red Sea to the Persian Gulf, free frotn Turkish 'linimatiftii under the protection of the United States.—Reutor. ' MR. TAFT'S VIEWS ON GERMAN COLONIES SHOULD BE CONTROLLED BY THE LEAGUE. OF NATIONS.

New York, January 18. • . Mr. W. H. Taft, in a speech ■ in Washington,, said the German colonies must not bo given to Great Britain or to any Other Power. They must be internationalised and placet) under, the control of the League Of Nations.. Germany had forfeited her titlo to colonies by her mistreatment of them. If tho German colonies were given to Britain' or France .the suspicion might arise that they were beiiig exploited for selfish interests. Constantinople must bo internationalised and administered by the League, and tho Dardanelles, tho Sea of Marmora, and the Bpsphorus must be placed under the guardianship of a Homo Government representing the Allies. The American Monroe Doctrine of the sovereignty of all nations would be strengthened by the League. The projected new. republics in the Ukraine, the Baltic provinces, Finland, Poland, and Czecho-Slovakia must be protected by tho League. These new republics will horn in Germany and prevent her expanding into Russia and the Near East.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

AUSTRALIA'S'POSITION AND AIMS

STATEMENT BY MR, HUGHES,

New York,* January 17. ■' Mr. , William Hughes, Federal Prime Minister, in tho course V a statement upon Australia's aims, said: "Australia feels that , she stands politically where America stood at the end of the revolution. She has won liberty oA tho fields, of France, and deserves recognition as an autonomous nation. Her fighting record surpasses that of any "other nation, Her want of self-determination opposes the idea of another Power controlling tile Pacific Inlands. Tho War debt is a most frightful handicap, and Germany must pay indemnities to the utmost of her ability, Australia sharing in them in proportion to the part sho played in the war. President Wilson's fourteen points dp , .not include indemnities, but he believes that indemnities are nevertheless hist.

"The League of Nations," said Mr. Hughes, "is dosirable. but it must not impair n nation's right of self-govern-ment, and though a. valuable instru-ment-for the, world's peqco we must keep our powder dry. Australia has'a splendid system of military training, which partly explains our record in France. I do not think the Leaguo will abolish our system. I do not know the precise meaning of 'Freedom of the Seas'; but wo must depend upon Eilgland to protect', Australia's' coastline, and I therefore oppose the limitation of , England's supremacy."—Aue.-N.Z. Cable Assn.