PEACE CONFERENCE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 171, 14 April 1919, Page 5

PEACE CONFERENCE

FOURTH PLENARY SESSION DISCUSSION ON THE LABOUR CONVENTION IMPROVED CONDITIONS SOUGHT By Telegraph-Press Association-CoryricUt (Rec. April' 13, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, April 11. M. Clemenceau presided at the fourth plenary session of the Peace Conference. M. Fadorewski took his seat with the Polish legation. Mr. W. M. Hughes, Sir Joseph Cook, and Mr. W. F. Massey attended. As the British panel was fully occupied there was no vacancy for Sir Joseph Ward, who is visiting London. Mr. G. N. Barnes, in introducing tho Labour Convention, said that pre-war experience of Labour laid upon the world a heavy burden and a great danger. They sought,now for the first time in history to get the co-operation of States, employers, and workers, and to get improved conditions in all countries. At the cutset tho convention was confronted with differing conditions in various countries .and objection to the acceptation of the decrees of any super-authority. Therefore it had to abandon the idea of uniformity or coercion and leavo it to the jusfcieb i of all concerned. . . M. Colliard, French Labour Minister, congratulated the commission on its wrok, which would make future international conventions easior. ' Lord Sinha, Under-Secretary for India, on behalf of India accepted the convention. From an industrial point of view India was backward. Ho had misgivings over the convention, fearing Its conditions ill adapted to tropical countries. However, Mr. Barnes's intention that a protocol should be added safeguarding their interests satisfied him completely. M. Vandervelde. (Belgium) and Signor Barzilai (Italy) supported the convention's principles. If is reported that the British, Amorioan; and Frenoh delegates opposed the inclusion of tho Labour points in tho treaty -Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. TERMS TO BE IMPOSED ON GERMANY OUTLINED TO DOMINIONS' PREMIERS. (Reo. April 13, 5.5 p.m.) London, April 6. The "Star" states that Mr. Lloyd George breakfasted with the Dominions' Premiers and outlined to them the terms to bo imposed on Germany.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE ALLIES IN ACCORD. Paris,. April 11. The "Petit Journal" publishes an interview with Mr. Lloyd George' 6 private secretary, who states that the Allies have reached accord on all questions relating to peace with Germany—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ■TREATY TO BE HANDED TO GERMANS.PRIVATELY. (Rec. April 13, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, April 11. When the Peace Treaty is ready it will probably be handed to the Germans privately, and any explanations required will be furnished in camera. The only public function at Versailles will be the signing of the treaty—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. CONFERENCeIfTIL NATIONS TO BE SUMMONED WHEN PEACE . IS SIGNED.

(Rec. April 13, 11.5 p.m.) New York, April 2. The New York "Tribune's" Paris correspondent reports that when peace is sisrned President Wilson will summon the representatives of all nations for a conference at Geneva for the purpose of discussing questions related to the Leagus of Nations.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE GERMAN DELEGATES EXPECTED AT-PARIS WITHIN A WEEK. (Rec. April 13, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, April 11. The "Journal" states that the German delegates are expected at Paris within ten days—Aus.-N.Z.• Cable Assn. LEAGUE OF NATIONS COVENANT JAPANESE AMENDMENT TO BE BROUGHT UP LATER. (Rec.. April 13, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, April il. The League of Nations Covenant as considered by the commission on Friday did not refer to the Japanese amendment. Tho latter i 6 bringing up the amendment at a later date—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. ' , CHANGES MADE IN COVENANT,., (Rec. April U, 0.5 a.m.) Now York, April 12. The New Yoric "World's" Paris correspondent states that the following changes have been made in the Covenant, namely: Principles of international practice, such as arbitration treaties and the Monroe doctrine, are lecognised Delegates may deal with any matter within the -League's sphere of action af fectintr the pence of the world. The Executive Council, with the approval of a mitiority of the delegates, may increase the number of States which will bt represented on the Council by a body of delegates, or the Executive Council must be unanimous unless otherwise expressly provided. The League will act through an Assembly comprising not more than three representatives from each State, which will have one vote. The League Council, which will be composed of one member from each of tho five Great Powers, and one member from every four others, will be unable to deal with matters of domestic jurisdiction. The Covenant does not affect the validity of treaties of arbitration and regional understandings like the Monroe doctrine. -Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

. GENEVA TO, BE THE LEAGUE CAPITAL. (Rec. April 13, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, April 11. The League of Nations Commission has selected Geneva as tho seat of the League. —Reuter. THE MONROE DOCTRINE AMEND- . MENT. Paris, April 11. The Council hn6 adopted a Monroo amendment to the effect that nothing in tho Covenant shall bo construed' as invalidating any agreement, such as the Monroe Doctrine, for the maintenance of peace. The British peace delegates have agreed to the Monroe Doctrine amendment in the form presonted by President Wilson.—Aus.-N.fi. Cable Assn. PRESIDENT WILSON DEPENDS THE DOCTRINE. Paris, April 11. President Wilson, in a speech, defended Monroeism as a barrier against absolutism. The Western world, he said, had been proteoted thus for long years against tho perils besetting Europe The President was surprised and discouraged to find opposition to it. ADMINISTERING THE GERMAN COLONIES. (Rec. April 13, 11.5 p.m.) Paris, April 11. It is officially announced that the revised Covenant provisos that the German colonies shall he administered by States willing to be mandatory States under the League of Nations. It is also officially announced that the League of Nations Commission does not apnrovo of Japan's request for the inclusion in the Covenant of a provision endorsing the principlo of equality of nations and iust treatment of their nationals. Another repotfc states that the

Commission adopted by :i majority (he Japanese racial amendment.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. DEMANDS OP BRITISH LABOUR CONFERENCE AMENDMENTS TO LEAGUE COVENANT PROPOSED. London, April 3 (delayed). At a special British Labour Conference in London the speakers demanded the abolition of conscription and tho -inclusion of Austria and Germany in tho Leaguo of Nations, which must bo made* Directive by removing nil power from the diplomats who were responsible for tho war. The conference carried Mr.' Ramsay MacDonnld's resolution that tho delegates to tho Leaguo should be chosen from the national Parliaments. Mr. Thomas's motion, that no armies should be raised by conscription, and that the manufacture of armaments should bo placet! under the control of the League, was adopted. Mr. Henderson proposed n resolution expressing the opinion that tho League Covenant should be part of tho preliminary Peaco Treaty, and suggesting several amendments in the draft to prevent the League becoming a menace to democracy. The League, said tho speaker, would mean nothing unless it wns based on international brotherhood. This motion was also adopted. Mr. Smillic's motion demanding withdrawal of the British from Russia, tho raising of tho blockade, and tho abolition of conscription, was carried. Mr. Smillie declared that the miners were prepared lo attain these objects — Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn; THE INDEMNITIES QUESTION GERMANY'S ABILITY TO PAY. London, April 3 (delayed). The full House eagerly awaited Mr. Bonar Law's reply to the indemnities debate. He said that two things must be borne in mind—the amount Germany could pay and tho amount transferable to the Allies. It was impracticable to secure a largo sum by means of labour in tho devastated areas. It was obviously proper that the Allies should securo tho ''hipping, which was of an estimated value ot a hundred millions. Gold and securities did not exist in Germany in great quantities, and tho other method of payment was the transference of goods. This meant a surplus of exports over imports, but tho pre-war imports exceeded the exports, the latter amounting to only Kyo hundred millions. Further, Britain did not desire to receive goods to eompeto with hor own industries. Germany could pay largely in credits over a long period if'the amounts were kept within her power to meet them.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. GERMANY ALLOWED.TO EXPLOIT WORLD'S MARKETS. (,'ec Airil 13, 5.5 p.m.) New York, April 11. The New York "World's" correspondent says that the Reparation Conimittco indicated the manner in which Germany will obtain revenue to pay for reparation. Germany will be allowed free exploitation of the world's markets and complete economic independence.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. UNEASINESS M.P.'S DEMAND FULL PAYMENT. (Reo. April 13, 5.5 p.m.) London, April 10. Four hundred members of the House of Commons have now signed a message to- Mr. Lloyd George urging that the fullest indemnities be demanded. Mr. Lloyd George's reply -has not allayed Parliamentary uneasiness, which is based on various reports and rumours from Paris.—United Service. MR, LLOYD GEORGE'S REPLY SATISFACTORV:. (Rec. April 13, 5.5 p.m.) London, April 10. Mr. Lloyd George's reply to members of the House of Commons on the indemnity demand is considered in some quarters to, bo a frank threat to those who were contemplating moving a voto of censure in the Hpuso of Commons. The originators of tlu telegram disavow disloyalty. They consider tho reply fiiitisi'actory.—Aus.-NIZ. Cable Assn.

VIEWS OF ENGLISH NEWSPAPERS. (Rec. April 13, 5.5 p.m.) London, April 10. "The Times," in a leader, states:—. "The indemnity memorial reveals an overwhelming British feeling against the Conference's vacillation and perversity ia handling the question. We must compel Germany to acknowledge liability. If Germany is unable to suggest if.eans of payment we must choose our securities." The "Daily Mail" says:—"Public opinion is most profoundly alarmed. If Germany does not pay the British will be burdened with taxation for generations. Already the nation is taxed nine ,hundred millions annually. There is no reason why the aggressor should not be taxed on the same scale."—"The Times." FRENCH SENATORS' MANIFESTO FULL RESTITUTION AND REPARATION DEMANDED.. (Rec. April 13, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, April 11. Following the- example of members of the British House of Commons a large number of French senators have signed a manifesto demanding full restitution and reparation, together with payment of the full cost of th-a war. Secrecy is maintained by the Council of Four, and the hint given that the terms of the treaty will not be published till after thev have been submitted to the Germans has occasioned uneasiness that the terms aro not as stem as the enemies' crimes demand. France has profound concern in regard to tho financial terni6. She is confronted witn an annual budKet of twenty-three milliard francs.

M. Peret. Chairman of the Chamber's litidget Committee, in correspondence with M. Clemenceau regarding the lack o[ information supplied by the Peace Conference, points out that" the committee is unable to formulate special taxation because it is kept in the dark over llie conference's findings. Ho appeals for reinbursements of the costs of the war— Aus.-N 'L Cable Assn.

London, April 9. The "Daily TelegraphV Paris correspondent States that French opinion oproses Hie leaving of the total indemnity irdofinite ; n the Peaiv Treaty, because the task of putting the French finances on a sound basis, which was utterly neglected during the war period, cannot be undertaken until (he final figures nro known. Apparently there has been no progress in Tegard to. the Saar and Rhine questions during the past few days — Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

STATEMENT BY DIRECTOR OF DEUTSCHE BANK ADVOCATES POSTPONEMENT OF MONEY PAYMENT. ' (Rec. April 13, 5.5 p.m.) ' London, April 7. Ilorr von Gwinner, director of the Deutsche Hank, interviewed by the "Daily Chronicle's" Beilin correspondent, cuoted the German banks' financial tri'iisaction in European capitals on tho pvu of the war to show that the German financiers were not prepared, and not c(i : sultcd regarding the war, which ho described (is mildness, lien' von Gwinl'er advocated a postponement for five years of payment of tho money indemnity Then a Commission should ascertain what Germany was able to pay. "She cannot pay now, as Europe is ruined and all the countries must help in putting Europe in order politically and financially- Otherwise Bolshevism will engulf everything." Herr von Gwinnei declared that Germany imbl; immediate lv help to rebuild Franco and Belgium, and restore stolen metals, goods, and machinery— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assu. KAISER AND VONTiRPITZ TO BE PROSECUTED FULL INDEMNITIES TO UE DEMANDED. Paris, April 11. The Peace delegates have, agreed that Gtrmnny must pay fuil indemnities, and must. leave the Kaisor open to prosecution Hi rough legal means by the coun tries in which the worst excesses wero committed. It is roported that they

have decided to charge vo:i Tirpilz witb tho Lusitnnia murders.—Av.s.-NY,. Cable Assn. GERMAN TERRITOrTwEST OF RHINE DEMILITARISATION DISCUSSED. (Ecc. April 12, 5.5 p.m.) London, April 9. The newspapers nro discussing the demilitarisation of German territory west of (ho .Rhine. Thoy point out that in that event a future Franco-German war would probably be fought on German soil, which would be militarily more advantageous than annexation.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE SAAR VALLEY' FORMULA. (Rec. April 13, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, April 11. The committee appointed to prepare the Saar Valley formula iias submitted it to tho Council.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE GALLIPOIfBATTLEFIELDS BRITAIN TO BE GIVEN PERPETUAL OWNERSHIP. (Rec. April 13, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, April 11. Air. iMassey's constant representations have resulted in an agreement amongst the Powers that a clause should be inserted in the Peace Treaty with Turkey giving Britain perpetual ownership over the Gallipoli battlefields. Tho question of Australasian ownership of Anzao arose, but it was decided bettor to havo the rights vested in Britain. It is intended to maintain the graveyards and battlefields as historic memorialsUnited Service. THE ADWATTCQIJESTION PRESIDENT WILSON TO PROPOSE A SOLUTION. (Rec-April 13, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, April 11. It is learned from a reliable Italian source that President Wilson in a few days will present an American memorandum proposing a solution of tho Adriatic question. The Italians fear this will oppose their aspirations, but they will not consent to any diminuntion of their claims. If tho memorandum does not accord justice, the Italian delegations will not accept it and may quit the Con-ference.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

Clil.SA DEMANDS (Rec. April 13, 5.5 p.m.) • Paris, April 11. Liang Chichao, formerly Chinese Minister of Justice, sets forth China's case for the Peace Conference. He says:— "In the ruins of defeated Teutonic Powers we havo a vindication of the demands of the oppressed peoples of China. Tsingtau and Kaiochau, with their railways, and mines, should be directly returned to China by Germany. Japan's only argument is that having wrested Tsingtau from Germany, sho is entitled to compensation. The Chinese believe the the agreement between China and Japan in 1915 was concluded under threat of war. Besides, the situation was changed by China's entrance into the war. Therefore, aa a belligerent Germany's claims to Shantung no longer exist, and the foundation of the Japanese treaty is de-stroyed."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.