THE PEACE CONGRESS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 104, 27 January 1919, Page 5

THE PEACE CONGRESS

ANXIOUS TO COMPLETE

THE TREATY

DISARMAMENT AND ABOLITION OF

CONSCRIPTION

THE INDEMNITY QUESTION

REPRESENTATION OF RUSSIA

By Telegraph-Preen Association-Copyright

(Kec. January 26, p.m.!

-Paris, January 23. Mr. Eraser states that at Britain's instance the Powers are discussing the abolition of conscription and disarmament. It is clear that the enemy must disarm first. It is possible that to-day s meeting of the Supreme War Council will deal with the subject. Tlie Powers are anxious to complete the actual Peace Treaty at the earliest moment, in order to effect demobilisation and without awaiting the settlement of the League of Nations proposal or the Russian situation. In reference to the punishment of the Kaiser, the American view is less emphatic than the Allies'.. The Americans' view is that the Kaisei's punishment after trial will be. less than if he remains in exile Further, his punishment would remove, the iunaamental causes of war. America favours securing the greatest indemnity Pf slbl,ebut prefers its distribution among tne nations rather than tha it b<i apportioned to meet individual losses lhe Powers are, in full agreement on the options to be submitted to to-nwrrow s plenary conference. They are adophni; the general, practice that the Poweis which bore the brunt of the fig Wang should formulate and agree upon a schema and thus give the .waller nations the fullest time to debate in the conference, and therefore it "likely that Mr. Lloyd George's speech if ill briefest nature in submitting the League of Nations proposals. Such matters as the-League of Nations and legislation will be subsequently eubmittedto the neutral nations. The British proposals drafted for the league by Lord Robert Cecil, South ■ (? Sir Frederick Smith, now, Lord Birlcenhead Lord Chancellor), and Lord Phillamore ;earned the highest commendation by President Wilson, and considerable progress has been made. On tne question of indemnities it is understood that President Wilson has agreed to the principle apart from the. full costs ot reparation. The commission -asl-ed foi by Mr. Hughes will deal with and state the method of payment. There are no w : various commissions created, ami tne colonial delegates' time is fully occupied, and apart from their duties on certain commissions there is. much them to deal with at other commSMons by which they need to be consulted., iue mJS. ire confident that President Wilson's plan to meet the ?»»«»» at the Sea, of. Marmora is the wisest cou se and it will probably lead the enormous debt due to the Allies Prince Lvoff, on the other hand, ««ud». the recognition of Bolshevism as disastrous. He and M.' Sazanoff declare that the Omsk and Archangel Government, will never confer with the Bolslwviki. Best-informed opinion in Paris is satisfied that the Bolshevist Party Jβ y>* »l>' stronger and drawing in many moderates with a probability of the evolution of something like a stable. Government Princes Island has been chosen because it affords good accommodation. It wo main holiday resort of wealthy Tints. Poland, will be represented by a delegation. The Poles have also received asWance of full -Allied .support_in the event of a Bolshevik attack on Poland.-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Asan. NEW ZEALAND'S REPRESENTATION SIR JOSEPH WARD TO HAVE A PLACE ON THE BRITISH PANEL. .' ■ ' ..."'■ Paris, January 23. , Mr. A. J. Eraser, representative of tho New Zealand and Australian Press Association, states that tho Colonial question will probably coma before the Council of Powers to-morrow. There was a long debate on the representation of New Zealand, and it is understood that the British delegates .agreed that Sir Joseph Ward should have a place on their panel. Mr. Hughes denies tho statement, pul>lished in London, that ho advocated the allocation of the ielands north of the Equator to Japan. That was, ho said, a matter lor the Conference to decide. Hβ held strongly for the allocation of the islands south of the Equator to Australia. On the latter point it is believed that President Wilson is not entirely in accord with colonial aspirations. The Council of Powers to-day completed the appointment of various commissions. Mr. Hughes pressed for a commission on reparation. It is understood that General Botha will join the Polish Commission, while Lord Robert Cecil and Sir Robert Borden will be the British delegates to. the Sea of Marmora. The British and Dominion representatives held a long discussion on the question of separate recognition in the League of Nations, but have not yet reached a settlement.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Aesn. QUESTION DISCUSSED BY IMPERIAL CABINET CASE FOR SAMOA BACKED BY FULL EMPIRE .DELEGATES. (Rec. January 2G, 5.45 p.m.) Paris, January 23. Mr. Keith Murdoch says that Mr. Lloyd George agrees that the decision to give separate representation to the Dominions at the Conference table inevitably involves their separate representation op. the League of Nations. This principle has not yet been accepted'by the Imperial Cabinet, but Mr. Lloyd George's support and Mr. Hughea's re-, Sresentations, backed by Sir Robert Boren, General Botha, and Mr. Massey, seem to have put l the question beyond doubt. The Cabinet to-day discussed New Zealand's position. Everybody was sympathetic and unanimous that Sir Joseph Ward should attend on Saturday as a British delegate, though tho other Dominion representatives must in future take their turn ,011 the delegation. Mr. Lloyd George explained the difficulties in securing any- Dominion's representation, but thought it would be possible to ngnin press for a fifteenth delegate. He paid a tribute to \ New Zealand's splendid fight, but pointed out that Canada had eight millions.of population and Australia had five millions. Moreover, New Zealand would have a full share iu the Imperial Cabinet discussions and decisions which would guide his policy. Furthermore, New Zealand was in a very different position ■ from Liberia, or even Rumania, for' New Zealand's case for Samoa would bo backed by the full delegation of the. great Empire. Mr. Murdoch adds: "The Now Zealand delegates seem to bo satisfied. Mr. Maesey thinks .the work is ample for two Ministers. Sir Joseph Ward appears ready to remain and throw his heart into the work, especially the committee work. Mr. Massey will join the commission on internationalising wnterways and ports, and mentions that the Peace Conference is greatly improving." One thing decided is that neutrals will not be invited to join the League of Nations until the constitution has been determined. Regarding the Russian position Mr. Murdoch declares that it is clear that the Bolsheviki will send delepates to the Sea of Marmora conference. The Peace Conference has decided to hold any party blameworthy which makes tho Marmora Conference abortive. Tho Allies are prepared to recognise the Bolsheviki if they prove a slnble- Government and cense terrorising. The Bnlsheviki have already offered" to repay the loans of the Allies, and may seek election to tho Constituent Assembly. Allyway, a conciliatory spirit will niiuk the Sea. of Marmora proceedings.—United Ser« vice. INTERVENTION IN RUSSIA FAVOURED BY.MR. SCAVENITJS Paris, January 22. The "Petit Parisien" reports that Mr. ■Scavenius (former Danish Minister in Russia), is a statement to the conference, 1 favoured, immediate and energetio inter-

vention in Russia. The peasants in several provinces, lie said, while trying to resist tyranny were shot in hundreds by the Hed Guards. Committees, formed in the towns allegedly for the purpose of quelling a counter-revolution, continue to hunt the bourgeoisie. Few intellectuals have escaped imprisonment or the revolutionary tribunals. Tho remaining bourgeoisie and'intellectuals are forced to subsist on starvation rations, whereas the Bolshevik partisans are allowed ample food. It is understood' that Mr. Scavenius greatly impressed the confer-ence.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE RUSSMMNVERSATIONS VIEWS OF THE FRENCH PRESS. (Rec January 26. 5.5 p.m.) Paris, January 23. . It is understood that Mr. Lloyd George wanted the Russian conversations to occur at Paris. JIM. Clomenceau and Pichon adhered to their, refusal to meet ihe Bolsheviki. President Wilson suggested the.middle course as. adopted. Some .French newspapers accept the solution, provided the Bolsheviki are prevented from spreading their propaganda," the fear of which has influenced MM. Clemenceau and Pichon, but "Le Journal" states that the solution painfully impresses France, and it considers that Mr. Lloyd George really inspired President Wilson's suggestion, which may,hide brutal facts under fine humanitarian phrases, Franca sees a policy which is vital to French interests abandoned. The "Figaro" saye the solution is a perilous attempt to' reconcile the Bolsheviki. and the anti-Bolsheviki,. and carries President Wilson's idea to extremes The "Victorie" says: "We have invited the Lenin and Trotsky Rang to. meet , us in order to please President Wilson."—AusN.Z. Cablo Assn. PRINCK LVOFF CONSIDERS THE INVITATION A FATAL STEP. (Reo ' January 26. 5.5 p.m.) Paris, January 23. Prince Lvoff states: "The invitation of the Bolsheviki is a fatal step. Patriotic : Russians will refuse to meet the men who betrayed Russia. The Bolsheviki in Paris have won the greatest victory, and patriotic Russians are pained to find that the Allies have go soon forgotten the.efforts of Russia in the first two years of war" ■ ■ The Russian Committee ha= discussed future action.—Aus.-N.Z.. Cable Assn. WHY PRINTS ISLAND WAS ' CHOSEN. (Rec. January 26, 5.5 p.m.) ' London, January 23. Diplomatic correspondents declare that there was practically no other course open for the Conference than to supDort President Wilson's view that the Bolsheviki should be consulted. The conditions in Russia are- appalling. The nationalisation of women and other features of Bolshevik rule point to organised depravity. Princes Island has been chosen with a view.to preventing the Bolsheviki coming westward, and thus be given an opportunity for propaganda. -Aue.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. DECISION OF CONFERENCE APPLAUDED IN WASHINGTON. . (R«c. January 27, O.lfl a.m.) _, New York, January 23. ilie 'New York Tinies's" Washington correspondent says that official circles, benators, and Congressmen generally applaud the peace delegates' decision regarding the Russian situation. A few Senators and Congressmen are opposed to any form- of recognition of the Bolshevik Government—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE LEAGUE.OF JVATONS DISCUSSION TO BE INITIATED BY MR. LLO7D GEORGE. (Rec January 2G, 5.5 p.m.) , r T , , Paris, January 23. Mr. Lloyd George will initiate the Leaffue of Nations discussion at Friday's plenary session. President Wilson will follow, and it is expected that M. Bourcemis, General Smuts, and .Lord Robert Cecil will expound their views. Tho Confnrenco will then, appoint a special commission to examine the various schemes, and will also appoint a commission to investigate indemnities—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. • (Rec. January 26, ■ 11.5 p.m.) ' , • Paris, January 24. , An open session of tho Peace Conference debated the League of Nations. Mr Lloyd George outlined the British scheme,' drawing a distinction between jjistifiablo and nonjustifiable disputes. Each nation must itself decide who is justifiable or not. It is reported in American circles that the creation of a super-sovereignty as considered feasible. President Wilson addressed the conferenco in fav6,.f of the Leamie of Nations, earnestly urging that now is the proper time/ to act—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

RESOLUTION IN FAVOUR. OF LEAGUE ADOPTED. (Rec. January 26. 11.5 p.m.) Paris, January 24. .The conference adopted a resolution in favour of the formation of the League ns an integral part of the Peace Treaty; the League to be opon to every civilised nation, which can be relied upon to promote its objects at periodical conferences. It was alsv decided (hat a permanent- secretariat filiould bo established. —Aus-N.7,. Cable Asen.

DRAFT OF THE LEAGUE ■■■ PUBLISHED. (Rec. January 26, 11.5 p.m.) London, January 24. The preliminary draft of the League of Nations has been published. It shows that the creation of a permanent organisation will continue to be th» business between the meetings of the Peace Conference. The appointment of a committee to consider the League's functions and constitution is urged, and the draft calls for the appointment of n commission to report on (he responsibility for tho causes of the present war.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ABANDONMENT (W URTC OF PTTBMARTNES IN WAR PROPOSED (R<?c January ?(! 5.5 p.m.) Paris, January 23. The United- States will submit a. plan in connection with the Lengue of Nations comprehending the total abandonment of submarines as instruments of war, and the destruction of existing submarines, in the possession of all nations joining the League of Nations.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. BETHMANN-HOLLWEG INTERVIEWED VICTORS MUST NOT EXPLOIT THE CONQUERED PEOPLE. (Rec. January 27, 0.30 a.m.) New York. January 23. American correspondents interviewed Bethmami-Hollweg in Berlin. He said: "Only if pence is concluded in n. spirit of justice, based on President Wilson's exalted ideals, can the League of Nations be'saved from sinking into dust and ashes. The victors must not exploitthe weakness of the conouored peoples." Bethmann-Hollweg said he had not changed hie views regarding the responsibility for the war.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. THE GERMAN COLONIES DOMINIONS' INTERESTS EXPLAINED. London, January 23. Mr. W. M. Hughes and Mr. 'W. F. Massey attended the Peace Conference and explained the demands of the Dominions regarding the Ge'rnuin colonies. —Aiis.-N.Z. Cable Assn. (Rec. January 25, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, January 2-1. The colonial Premiers explained the Dominions , interests in reference to territorial adjustments of the German colonies dsii'in* Hie nlirriioon session of the conference.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. (Rec. January 25. 5.! i p.m.) Paris, January 23. It is believed that the British delegates have agreed to submit the question of the German colonies and other disputed Irri'itory to the League of Nations. -AIIS.-X.Z. Cable Assn. PRESIDENT WILSON'S VIEWS. London, January 22. The "Evening StandardVParis correspondent says it is incorrect to suppose that President Wilson wants the Geri man colonies restored. ' He believes that

their neighbours should decide the ques-tion.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ME. HUGHES'S INTERVIEWS. New York, January 24 The Paris correspondent of the New York "Evening Sun" suggests t!int the Pacific Islands should be divided between Australia and, Japan. He states that there .are indications that Mr. Lloyd George is dissatisfied with Mr. Hughes's interviews concerning the islands.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. DEMAND FOR PimVE INDEMNITIES PRESIDENT WILSON .ABANDONS HIS OPPOSITION. , Paris, January 24. It is reported that President Wilson has abandoned his opposition to the demand for punitive indemnities from Germany. The Supreme Council is now discussing the question of disarmament.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. conditionsltTeurope THE PROBLEMS 01? EMIGRATION. New York, Januar}- 22. A United Press correspondent in Paris interviewed members of the American Commission which is investigating conditions in EiKwpe. They otated t'hat KiiU'ss the Peace Coriere l * exercises foresight in dealing with the problems of. emigration, a tidal wave of restless humanity .will sweep over the world like (ho Goths of the Middle Ages. The returned soldiers of all nations are tremendously land-hungry, and thisjiunger must be satisfied. The copulations of many European countries have increased in spite of the war, which has prevented emigration. Emigratory movements after the war will he tremendous, and must be reckoned with.—Aue.-N.Z. Cable. Assn. THE FOObITfUATION MESSRS; BARNES. ANT) ROBERTS ASSIST IN DISCUSSION". Paris, January 22. Mr. G. N. Barnes and Mr. J. H. Roberts are assisting the conference 'in its discussion on the European food situa-tion.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable'Assn. PRESIDENT WILSON ATTACKED. (Rec. January 25, 5.5 p.m.) Washington. January 24. Senator Sherman, speaking >in the Senate, attacked President Wilson on the food relief soheme, alleging that it was merely intended to help the Russian Bolsheviki. Every anarchist through, out the world would rejoice. Peace .Conference delegates recognised that the Russian BolshoviK were a set of worse criminals than the Germans.—Aue-.-N.Z. -Cable Assn. • FORCES NECESSARY ON THE WESTERN FRONT (Rec. January 25, 5.5 p.m.) Vancouver, January 24. The Paris Supremo Council has decided to' appoint a committee to inquire into the strongth of the forces necessary to be maintained on the. Western front during the period of the armistice. The Allies have agreed to a general wireless message to be sent throughout the' world shilling that any parties using armed force to gain territory, the possession of which is subject to the Peace Conference's decision, will gravely prejudice their claiijs.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. LARGE ARMIES TO BE 'MAINTAINED (Rec.'January 26, 11.5 p.m.) Paris, January 24- ; > The Conference decided that Britain and the United States should maintain large armies in Franco for many months. 'Demobilisation will be an international affair. The Supreme Command will be maintained till peace is signed.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. INTERNATIONAL LABOUR COMMISSION , Paris, January -22. Mr. G. N. Barnes, in an interview, said that the conference, when dealing with the League of Nations, will simultaneously appoint an International Labour Commission to devise machinery for handling international 'labour' problems. —Aus.-N.Z.' Cable Assn. 1 (Rec. January 20, 5.5 p.m.) London, January 23. Mr. Barnes explains that the first duty of the commission which the Peace Conference is appointing will he to convene an international labour conference to deal with 1 the questions of prohibition of night work for women and children, minimum wages, and holidays. He hoped a practical effort vould be made to establish a. higher world-wide standard of and eliminate international competition with low-wage countries.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.