THE PEACE CONGRESS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 107, 30 January 1919, Page 5

THE PEACE CONGRESS

FUTURE OF THE PACIFIC ISLANDS IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS STRATEGIC USB BY GERMANY TREATMENT OF NATIVES IN GERMAN I COLONIES ByTelegraph-Press Association-Copyright Paris, January 28. In connection with the German colonies, no doubt the faot that Germany used the. Pacific Islands im strategicpurposes rather than for economic development will carry, weight. Germany's treatment of the natives in her overseas possessions compared, with the reasonable treatment accorded by British colonisers will also have an effect on the decision of the Powers. There is a strong feeling in some quarters that international control would lead to confusion, especially in islands contiguous to mainlands with whom they have natural inter-course.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Aesn. CLAIMS OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND WAR SERVICES CARRY WEIGHT IN FRANCE. The "Daily Telegraph's" correspondent at Paris, apropos of Australia's and New Zealand's claims in the Pacific, says the French Government is full of admiration for the Dominions' exertions in the war, and is anxious to show its appreciation. M. Clemenceau is on the most cordial terms with the Dominion Ministers, and is all smiles to them.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. . ■ London, January 28. Mr. W. M. Hughes made a stirring speech in. the Australian Y.M.C.A. in Paris, declaring that Australians had won their rights respecting the Pacific Islands. The speech ie attracting widespread attention.—Aus.-N.J;. Cable A6sn. Melbourne, January 29. Mr. Watt, in a. statement regarding tho German colonies, strongly opposes the proposal to internationalise the Pacific Islands.—Press Ae3n.

SECRET BRITISH-JAPANESE TREATY DISCLOSED Washington, January 28. The disclosure of a secret treaty between Britain nnd Japan allotting the Marshall and' Caroline Islands to Japan has surprised American opinion. It is understood that President Wilpon intends to make a counter-proposal for the internationalisation of all the Pacific colonies.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. Vancouver, January 28. The United Press correspondent in Paris says it is understood that Britain supports the Japanese claims ' to the Marshall and Caroline Islands; and that Japan supports Australia's claims upon the other islands.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable As3n. • PRESIDENT AVILSON'S PROPOSAL. Washington, January 28. President Wilson's proposal regarding the Paejfic colonies contemplates control l).y one Power over the colonies, subject to general supervision by the Peace League.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ' FRENCH FAVOim'mVISION OF COLONIES. Paris, Jfinmvry 28. ' "Lβ Journal" says the French standpoint with regard to the fate of the German colonies is agMnst the British, and is ngainst the restoration of the territories, which will constitute ft' valuable advance payment on account of future indemnities. There is nlso no question of international administration. The GeP mnn colonies must he divided among the States ■ which have claims based on tho war, and which have colonial experience and suitable geographical position.Renter. . • (Rec. January 29, 11.10 p.m.) London, January 27. •'The "Morning PcolV Paris correspondent understands that the conference has adopted a scheme for administering the German colonies through mandatories. Other reports indicate a com-promise.—Aus.-N.Z. Cab!* Assn. SUPREME COUNCIL DISCUSSION. (Rec. January 30, 1.55 a.m.) Paris, January 28. The question of the Gorman colonies was discussed at to-day's sitting of the Supreme Council. Chinese were specially summoned (o discuss China' 6 interests.—Reuter. SOUTH-WEST AFRICA ANNEXATION BY BRITAIN EX- ... PECTED. (Rec. January 29, 9.1 a p.m.) New York,.January 27. ■ The "New York World's" Paris correspondent says it is thought that President Wilson will assent to British annexation of South-West Africa, because there is no natural defensive border between tho Gorman and tho British African colonies.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. LEAGUE OF NATIOMS* RESOLUTIONS PRESIDENT WILSON .ELOQUENT BUT UNCONVINCING. London, January 27. Official: The New Zealand delegates attended the second plenary session of the Peace Conference, Mr. Mrssey representing Sew Zealand and Sir Joseph Ward sitting as a member of Britain's delegation. It was a brilliant scene when President Wilson, in the tense silence of concentrated and universal expectanoy, eet in serious motion the idealistic movement towards the creation of a League of Nations to end war for ever. The President's . statement was charmingly eloquent, but disappointingly unconvincing. Full value was given to every word, and also to every omission, for tne great assembly obviously realised that the argument was more' the idealistic product of study than a. substantial machine for permanently remedying human frailties. President Wilson's most important point was impressively made, this being the eolemn warning that the delegates were not representatives of Governments, but representatives of peoples who were surfeited with war and who bade tho Conference make a. permanent peace. Therefore, he said, tho League .must be the unslumbering eye of the nations. He moved for the adoption of the proposal and the immediate appointment of a committee to prepare the details. Mr.' Lloyd George seconded the motion. He said the personal sight of the \vide6pread devastation in France and the acres of graves had convinced him it was time a saner plan than organised savagery was adopted for the settlement of dieputes. The' motion was supported by Icnly, China, Poland, Belgium, and the smaller Powers. . ' Mr. W. M. Hughes drew the assurance from M. Clemenceau that the'delegates would have an opportunity to discuss the completed scheme. _ ■ The Conference later degenerated into a wrangle ovor tho representation of the small States on the special commissions, sometimes three delegates simultaneously wising a "barrage" of argument. Tig final procedure surprised many of the delegates, M. Clemendeau Wskly including several undisclosed subjects'in a resolution which was carried, only a few nf the delegntes voting. ■ Mr Mnesey lunched on Monday with Mr. Lloyd ' Georgo.-Aus.-N.Z. "Cable Assn. FAVOURABLE COMMENT OF LONDON PRESS. (Rec. January 'J9, 8.10 p.m.) London, January 27. Full aocounts of the League of Nations proceedings havo been favourably received by the London Press, apart irora the "Morning Poet," which continues its de. structive criticism. It ie generally recognised that the conference has really got to work. Thero is , much oommenda- ' lion of M, Olemenoo&u'fe etjpng lead and

his anxiety to get business transacted. Some newspapers consider that General Smuts has supplied the basis of the official scheme for the league. The protests of tho smaller nations receive attention, though their attitude is regarded not as one of fault-finding, _ but as a natural expression of disappointment that they are not a.ble to take a larger share in the deliberations.—Aus.-N.Z. cable- Assn. A TANGIBLE STEP TAKEN. (Rec. January '29, 8.45 p.m.) Washington, January 27. The prevailing feeling in official circles is that the P«ace Congress action regarding the League of Nations is a tangible step towards the realisation of the league. It is not thought that serious opposition to the teague will develop in tfie United States Congress.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. STATUS OF OVERSEA DOMINIONS (Reo. January 29, 9.15 p.m.) New York, January 27. The "New York Herald" says editorially: "Some confusion of mind has been caused here and in Europe by the declaration that the British oversea dominions consider themselves independent nations as far as internal conditions are concerncil. There is really nothing new in this. .They sit tight within the Empire when.the Empire is threatened, but naturally demand freedom when only local matters are involved."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. NEW ZEALAND'S REPRESENTATION S]R JOSEPH WARD THOROUGHLY DISSATISFIED. (Rec. January 29, 7.40 p.m.) London, January 27. Mr. Keith Murdoch, writing on January 22, says': "Immediately on arrival here the New Zealand delegates took up a vigorous crusade for increased representation. Mr. Maseey points out that the understanding Britain made prior to his departure for New Zealand clearlv provided for dual representation. Sir Joseph Ward strongly criticises the conference decision. It is understood it has been explained that-the work requires the fullest attention of two Ministers. Sometimes Sir Joseph Ward will be able to attend the conference on the British panel, and will also attend an , important British Commission. Mr. Maseey is. unlikely to adopt the panel system for New' Zealand's delegation. Sir Joseph Ward is thoroughly dissatisfied and his present inclination seems to be to go lioiflo."—United Service.

THE INVITATION TO RUSSIA REGARDED BY FRANCE AS A TRIUMPH FOR LENIN. London, January 27. The "Morning Post's" special correspondent in Paris reports that practically the whole of France regards the invitation to tho Bolsheviki as a diployyitip triumph for Lenin, who will demand the resumption of diplomatic relations with the Allies, particularly with London, nnd thue enable Litvinou" (who was a Bolshevik envoy to London) to resume his activities. The "Daily Telegraph's" correspondent at Paris states: "It is known here that, the Omsk, Ekaterinburg, and Archangel Governments will decline to be present at the conference with the Bolsheviki." —Aus.-N.Z. Assn. Paris, January 20. M. Tchitcherin, the Russian People's Commissioner, sent a wireless message to the paper "Lβ Populaire," begging for exact information regarding tlie "improbable story" of the intention of the Groat Powers to confer with the Russian Government.' Ho eays a moeting on a solitary island would make true publicity impossible, but a territorial arrangement might be brought about if the conference with the Russian Government conveyed arbitration by a third Power. To stop tho fighting was impos-sible.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo, Assn. PROPOSAL OPPOSED IN RUSSIAN MILITARY CIRCLES. London, January 27. The "Morning Post's" Archangel correspondent states that tho GovernorOfcnoral hu« rightly forbidden the publication of the text of President Wilson's proposal for a conference . with the Bolshoviki adopted by the Pails Conference, owing to fear of the effects unon the Russian population, The Eussinn military dements opposed tho proposal ' describing it as tho abandonment or Russia to the Bolsheviki by President Wilson. They threaten to rejoin tho Siberian Army if the Allies leave Arch-, angel. The position of tho Bolsheviki is strengthened by the Conference's invitation, which encourage them to believe the Allitv are yielding.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Absii.

PLAN ENDORSED BY AMERICAN ' AMBASSADOR TO RUSSIA. (Rec. January 29, 9.15 p.m.) Nov/ York, January 27. ■ The "World's" London correspondent interviewed Mr. David R. Francis, United States Ambassador to Russia, who endorsed President Wilson's plan to bring together the Russiau faotions. Mr. Francis added: "It is necessary to remind the Russians opposed to the plan that they wero inherently unable to agree even before the Boleneviki existed. It is necessary also to warn them that Germany hopes to recoup herself in Russia for the losses sustained in the war."— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. PARLEYING WITH THE RUSSIAN FACTIONS DISAPPROVED. (Reo. January 29, 9.15 p.m.) New York, January 27. Interviewed at Chicago by the New York "Times," Mr. Breahkovskaya expressed disapproval of President Wilson s plan to parley with the Russian factious, because those factions will not harmonise. "Allied troops in Siberia will not be of the slightest use or benefit to the Ruseian people."—Aus.-N.Z. table Assn. UTILITY OF CONFERENCE DOUBTED BY SWEDISH SOCIALIST. (Rec. January 29, 9.15 p.m.) New York, January 27. ■ ' The United Press representative at Berne interviewed Herr Branting, Swedish Socialist leader, who declared:. The Allies must take advantage of their victory, but peace must be just rather than imperialistic. President Wilson's ideals are on the banners of all European Socialists. I have no sympathy with the Russian Bolsheviki. ] doubt if the proposal for a conffirence with the Russian factions will solve tho Russian problem. I do not believe tho factions can agree. — Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. LABOUR DELEGATES MAKE GOOD ■ PROGRESS A COMPLIMENT TO BELGIUM. (Rec. January 30, 1.55 a.m.) Paris, January 28. Mr. A. J. Fraser states- thai the conference between the British Labour delegates made good progress. The Dominion representatives had many consultations on labour matters. The British Eoheme ie almost prepared. , Tho small Powers, in choobing delegates fov commissions created last Saturday, generously accorded Belgium two out of five as a compliment for the part played in the war.-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Asm. LABOUR CONSULTATIONS IN PARIS (Rec. January 30, 1.30 a.m.) Paris, January 37. A rapprochement 'between Labour and certain members of the Government is manifesting itself in Paris. Mr. Arthur Honderson, Mr. J. H. Thomas, and Mi Or. Lnnsbury are frequently consulting Mr. Barnes, ostensibly conueriiinff tho .British Labour Commission and tho international scheme.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. NEUTRALISAtTonTf KIEL CANAL PROPOSED HY UNITED STATES MINISTER TO DENMARK. (Roc. January 29, 8.(0 p.m.) Mew York, January 27. Mr. Maurice F. Egnn, United Stntes Minister to Denmark, in a speech said: —"Neutralisation of the Kiel Canal would protect Denmark from fear of Germany. The future safety of Denmark, Sweden, nnd Norway lies in a Scandinavian confederacy, which will pexmit benevolent s.upervieiqn of the Bal-

tic, and provide an effective set-off against German propaganda, which is still prevalent."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. FUTURE OfIoNSTANTINOPLE POLICED BY BMTAiN ON' BEHALF 01' ALLIES. (Eec. January 29, 7.40 p.m.) London, January 27. 11. Marcel Hutin, writing in the "Echo de Paris," says that the British will police Constantinople on behalf of the Allies. Constantinople will be internationalised, and the Sultan will retire to Konich or Broussa.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. CREATION OfTsTRONG POLAND CAPABLE OF BECOMING A FIRSTCLASS POWER/ (Kec. January 29, 8.10 p.m.) New York. January 27. The "New York Globo's" Paris correspondent states that tho American peace delegation is determined to create a strong Poland, economically independent and capable of becoming a first-class Power in European affairs, and of withstanding German economic competition. The delegation intends to secure lor Poland Danzig and a stretch of territory with thirty to thirty-five millions of population.'— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assu. INDEPENDENCE'OF FINLAND '{Rec. January 29, 11.10 p.m.) Copenhagen, January 27. The Finnish Government learns that France intends to propose the recognition Of the independence of Finland, and England has already assented.—Aiie.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE IRISH PETITION SINN FEINERS UNABLE TO VISIT PARIS. (Reo. January 30, 0.30 a.m.) Paris, January 28. The Sinn Feiners will be-unable to come to taris because this would inyolvo a declaration that Uiey fie British subjects. The Mayor of Dublin and representatives of the corporation are coming, also two American Irishmen, with a view to inviting President Wilson to Dublin, and also to presenting a petition to The conference praying for independence.—United Service.

JEWISH MISSION PETITION AGAINST EXTRADITION OF BOHEMIAN JEWS TO POLAND. (Bee. January 30, 0.30 a.m.) Paris, January 28. Mr. Keith Murdoch states that a Jewish mission, is to present n great petition to the conference praying for prevention of the wholesale extradition of Bohemian Jews (o Poland, claiming (Ist fifcy had greater freedom in Austria than fliey are getting in" Poland.— United Service.