THE COLOUR BAR

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 153, 24 March 1919, Page 5

THE COLOUR BAR

JAPAN AND THE PEACE

SETTLEMENT

SPEECH BY VISCOUNT ISHII

ISSUES PLAINLY STATED

By Telegraph-Press Association— GoriyiielU

New York, March I!). Viscount lehii, Japanese Ambassador, in a speech at the Japan Socie'ty, said that tho constitution of the League of Nations would bo unworthy of a great world conference it if omitted a provision remedying the conspicuous injustice arising out of race prejudice. He was of opinion that nothing would contributo more towards attaining a permanent world peace than the inclusion of such a provision. Tie said Hint in order to pievent misunderstanding a rn'iestion of such a description as this should l>s considered independently of tho question of labour or immigration. "Japan," he said, "will calmly, patiently, and wisely await the time 'when by a gradual process of evolution the difficulty in tho matter of Japanese immigration will he settled to the mutual satisfaction of tho United States and Japan. In thi> Meantime Japan will continue the policy of strict, self-imposed restriction of labour emigration. Nothing will be further from Japan's thought than to hastily force the issue of labour, even if the article against racial discrimination should lie inserted in the League of Nations."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. roiIMENTONTHE SPEECH New York, March 21. Tho Washington correspondent of the New York "Times" states that great interest is shown in Viscount Ishii's pjeu for the incorporation of a provision against race discrimination in the League of Nations covenant. . Senator Chamberlain says that the inclusion of Viscount Isliii's plan would imperil the chances of success of any League of Nations and endanger tho safety of the United States. Senator King declares that. "Japan s insistence on tho equality of her citizens, which implies equality in. immigration into other countries, means that either the. United States or Japan will not be a signatory to the League compact. — Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. '

COMMENT IN OFFICIAL CIRCLES. (Rcc. March 23, 5.5 p.m.)

New York, March 18. There is much comment in official circles regarding Japan's attitude. Important riuaiters believe that Japan will not refuse to join the League even if provision for racial freedom is omitted from the Covenant.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

ANOTHER BONE OF CONTENTION. New York, March IS. The Peking .correspondent of the New York "Times 5, states that Japanese official disapproval of the contemplated interna ticmalisation of the Chinese railways is responsible for a. plan aiming at the isolation of the Japanese railway interests in China. It is expected that the Shantung railway, with the German interests in tho Tientein-Pukow railway, will bo considered as an indemnity and awarded to Britain or Prance.-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE PEACE TREATY WILL IT INCORPORATE THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS? Paris, March 10. Lord Robert Cecil, addressing tho Press, said the question exciting tho greatest interest was whether tho covenant of the League should bo inoluded in the preliminary peace. .He belioveil tho preliminary peace was intended to settle tho broad principles of the world's peace. Ho therefore thought it essential that tho League covenant should have a part in it. He doubted whether it would bo possible to proceed successfully with peace unless it was known what the League was to lie. I'or instance, the German colonics could not bo left in the air. The clause dealing with mandatories was settled by HieCouncil of Ten, and confirmed uy the League Commission. Therefore they could not (leal with the colonies until tho League was part of the machinery.—Aus.N.Z". Cablo Assn.

PRESIDENT WILSON REPORTS IN THE

AFFIRMATIVE

Now York, March IS. Mr. Tumulty, the President's secretory, has received ;i cablegram from President Wilfon staling that the Plenary Council has positively decided that the League of Nations ii'mst bo a part, of the Peace iYeaty.-Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. (Uec. March 23, 5.5 p.m.) New York, March 10. The "New York World's" Washington correspondent stales that official circles believe that the League of Nations covenant will not be included in the preliminary peace with Germany. President Wilson's message to Mr. J. P. Tumulty that the Plenary Council had decided that the covenant would form part of tho Pence Treaty is understood to mean that the covenant will only b? included in tho final treaty.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. BRITAIN'S ATTITUDE. London, March 1!). The British attitude is that of outlining the preliminary agreement in order to restore, peace between the belligerents; and afterwards the detailed settlement would bo considered. The League of Nations would be left to the final treaty. Another report states that it is understood that the preliminary Peace Treaty will not include any provision for the League of Nations.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE OPPOSITION IN AMERICA. New York, March IS. The Washington correspondent of Hie New York "Times" states that Senators Reed and Borah and others who have declared against the League of Nations and are organising to oppose it will sen-.l couriers to France for the purpose of circumventing the ' American and French censorship and keeping tho American people correctly informed of events at the Peace. Congress. i hey will also communicate to the French Press and people the. real American sentiment toward tho Peace Treaty and i.he League of Nations.—Ans.-X./.. Cable Assn. AN APPENDIX, NOT A PART.

(Rec. March 23, 5.5 p.m.) New York, March 18. The New York "Times's" Pafi* cprvos-poi-dent lciirns from a reliable source that tho ''loveiianfc of tho League of Nations wi'l iirolisibly not bo an integral part ot tho Preliminary Treaty of Peace, but will ])B attached to it as an appendix. It was indicated that tho Preliminary Trea y and tho Lea-sue Covenant would be ready for approval by tho entire Peace Conference by March 29, and would bo submitted to Germany afterwards—Aus.-A./i. Cable Assn.

ARGENTINE ACOKPTS THE PIUN

(Kec. March Ki, 5.5 p.m.) New York, March 10. The Buenos Aires cnrresnoiidpnl «f ]J»e New York "Tinifs" reports Hint ""-' Foroian Minister, M. Pueyrrcdon. at a conference with Ministers ot neutral countries, staled that: Argentina had accepted the Leaßiie of Nations m principle, but would sn«(;(.«tsoiii('thanks in the present cnvenaut.-Aus.-iV/.. Uinu As?n.

DOMINIONS ANDTHELEAGUE .MEMOBANDi;M"nT«R. ROBEBT BOHDEN. (Kec. March 23, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, March 22. Sir Robert Bordtu, Prime Minister ot Canada, has submitted a memorandum to tho British delegate, to be sent on to

tho Conference, emphasising tho point that tho oroi'iioas Dominions do not feel it incumbent on them, as partners in the League of Nations, to take tho responsibility of intervening in helping to decide differences between European nations where tho British Empire is not involved directly. Sir Robert Mordcn. has not consulted Australia, hut it is understood that the United States will support him. .Mr. Hughes points out Hint tho fact that Australia has not acotd so far docs not moan that Australia will differ from th(> Canadian attitude. II; is understood that Sir Robert Bordon's amendment is intended to apply to Mcnroeism.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable'Aesu. WILL GERMANY SffiN THE TREATY? SPECULATIONS ON THEIR ATTITUDE Paris, March 21. , It is authoritatively stated that British circles admit the likelihood of the German Government refusing to accept the terms, and throwing responsibility on tho Allied.—Ans.-N.Z. Uablo Assn. "WILL SIGN WITHOUT HAGGLING" New York, March 17. The correspondent of I'lir New York "World" states: "The English and American food delegate?, who havo returned from Bi-ussoli', told nip their impression was that Germany will sign the Peaco Treaty without haggling, hoping to bo permitted to liavo tho opportunity lo pay damages to the Allies and then be allowed to develop her own industries and trade. I can say authoritatively that tho llconomie Commission will almost certainly favour tho complete abandonment of the blockade restrictions immediately peace is signed."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. PUBLIC IMPATIENCE GROWING FIRST TREATY EXPECTED NEXT AVEKK. Paris, March 21. Impatience with the Conference's delays continues. The newspapers welcome Colonel House's assurance that the first treaty will be ready on March 29. Tho delegates will probably meet aC Versailles in mid-April. Mr. Lloyd George has announced that the Germans are expected at Versailles to sign tli3 treaty within a month. "I/O Matin" quotes Marshal Foch as stating: "Tho Rhino is France's only good defence. If the Rhino is not secured Trance will havo fought in vain. The armistice was signed only to avoid slaughter. The Allies previously were certain, of crushing Germany."—Aus.N.Z. Cable Asm. GERMAN SEAMEN THREATEN OBSTRUCTION. Hamburg, March 21. A mass meeting of seamen refused to assist in the delivery of the German ships to the Allies, on the ground that Germany was not. guaranteed sufficient food — Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. OPPOSITION COLLAPSES. (Rcc. March 23, 5.5 p.m.) • Paris, March 22. The strike at Hamburg failed. The steamers are now failing.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. FATE OF GERMAN WAR FLEET WILL PROBABLY BE SUNK. .. . (Rcc. March 23, 5.5 p.m.) New York, March 18. Interviewed at Paris, Mr. 11. B. Swope (war correspondent for the New York "World") says that tho Peace Conference will probably adopt the suggestion to sink the German warships. The Conference is also unlikely to impose any restrictions on Gorman after-war trade.— Aiis.-N.li. Cable Assn. ARGUMENTS FOR DESTRUCTION. (Rec. March 2;!, 5.5 p.m.) Mow York, March 19. The New York "Times" Paris correspondent states that President Wilson is now considering tho disposition of the surrendered German Fleet, it is understood that lii.-s advisors favour its destruction for the following reasons: its destruction would lie in accord with Article 8 of the eovennt pledging the League of Nations to a general policy of disarms wont; and that an addition of any part of tho German Fleet to tho navy of European Powers would' menu that iho United States would be compelled to increase its naval programmo proportion-ately.—Aus.-N.Z. Cabb Assn.

CHARGE OF MISCHIEVOUS MISREPRESENTATION AGAINST LOCAL NEWSPAPER London, March 21. Official.—lt is considered a matter for surprise that the Wellington "Post," as quoted in the London "Times" of March 18 from its Wellington correspondent, should so grossly and mischievously misrepresent tho actual position regarding thfl British and New Zealand claims respecting Samoa. The "Post's" statement that Mr. Massey's claim is based on "parochial and 'anti-Imperial absurdity" is extravagantly incorrect. Tho claim to Samoa as entrusted to and advocated by M;- Massey is not based on tho fact that New Zealand troops took possession of tho former German territory at ail. That was merely incidental, and Mr. Massey, when presenting the caso to. the Alliwl Council, cited and acknowledged the aid given by the Navy and the Allies. Possession "of Samoa was taken, at the request of the Imperial Government, for tho Empire, aiming particularly at tho elimination of the German naval base in lh(> South Pacific. Mr. Massey would bo perfectly satislied to seo Samoa become a British possession, but the policy of the great Allied Powers is against anything in the form oi annexation. Tho policy of Great Britain is exactly tho policy advocated by Mr. Jfas«oy, and that is nothing' more or le« than that Samoa should be placed under the control of Now Zealand as a mandatory State, and that New Zealand (administration and laws should operate in the now territory with, certain safeguard regarding tho natives. Mr. Massov's, claim as representing Britain s policy is neither parochial nor anti-Im-perial, nor opposed to Japan being fairly treated. , ~ It ought to be mentioned that Mr. Massey has had, and is having,' serious difficulties to contend with. These dilhculties will be increased if New Zealand; or.s takr- up tho attitude of the Post and "The Times" correspondent. Bolli M. C'lemencoau and Mr. Lloyd George, win heard all the claims respecting the disposal.of miLMiiy territory, warmly congratulated Mr. Massey on .his. powerful, but lliornughlv fair, premutation of no Sanman case before the Council of Ihe Allied Powers. TWO PACIFIC ISLANDS. \USTKALL\N-NFAV ZEALAND CONTROL. Paris, March 17. There is a likelihood of Australia and N>w Zealand controlling the islands oi Nauru and Angoa, New Zealand having a third Cable Assn. THE ISLANDOF NAURU

NO SrGGESTTON OF FRICTION. (Hoc. March K>, It p.m.) London, March 22. Oiliciiil.-Tlie British delegation as a vholo has yet (o deal with the general qiicwMcm of the mandates for the former German colonies, and also with tho future control of Ihe Island of Nauru, reKiirdiiiß which Severn! Mi|,'<;p:-I:ion- have Wit made by-Air. Iliu'lin, .Mr. and the Colonial Spcivhi'. , '-. It can be slnled deiinili'ly that Hioie has been no friction, or even suspicion of friction, as between Australia and New Zealand over their respeclivi , claims and proposal reftardiiiK the dNpnsa! of Nauru. Mr. Miissey i> cop.iident that satisfactory _arrrmwmenls ciiii bs nmde.—Aus.-X.Z. Cable Assn. DALIAN THREAT TO WITHDRAW FROM CONFERENCE Paris, March 21. The Italians liavo decided to withdraw from the Peace Conference unless they are given Fiume.—Aus.-N.Z. Gable Assn,