PEACE CONGRESS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 175, 19 April 1919, Page 7

PEACE CONGRESS

STATEMENT BY MR. LLOYD GEORGE i LEAGUE OF NATIONS UNDER CRITICISM BELATED STORIES OF ACUTE TENSION By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright (Rec. April 17, 5.30 p.m.) London, April 16. Mr'. Lloyd George, speaking in tho House of Commons, said that the situation was still full of peril for all countries. He pleaded that those who weredoing their Iji'st at the Paris Conferenco should be let -alone. The difficulties of the Congress of Vienna were insignificant compared with those of the Paris Conference. ' The,Allies'had reached a complete understanding on the fundamentals for the peace. It was not true that the United States and Europe had beeii at variance. No approaches had been received from the Bolshevik Government of Russia. Ho would rathor leave. Eussia to Bolshevism than rush Britain into bankruptcy. To dispatch a British Army s to Eussia would be an act of stupidity." Bolshevism was waning, owing to the retun cf ecclesiastical faith. The question 0 f recognising Eussia had never been broached. The Conference realised that its decisions might precipitate another war, and therefore tho most extreme care was necessary.

Mr. Lloyd George emphasised the gigantic character, complexity, and gravity of the problems to be solved at the Peace Conference. , He instanced the fact that ten new States had sprung into existence. some independent, some semi-inde-pendent, some, possibly, protectorates, and the boundaries of these must be indicated if not defined. The boundaries of fourteen countries milst bo recast.

"This," lie said, "will give some idea, of our purely territorial .'difficulties, but there are many other problems; equally affecting the peace of,the world and the destiny of the human race. The question of the indemnities was not easily settled, and could not be settled by telegram, Mr. Lloyd George referred to the international arrangement-for labour, and the great experiment on which the whole question of peace hung, namely, the Society of Nations. All and each of these separately wouid'occupy mouths. One blunder might precipitate universal war. In -view of these things they felt iustified in taking .some time. It was imperative in some respect that thoy should take more time, out for the fact that thev were establishing ■ machinory canable of readjusting and correcting possible, mistakes. . '

"That, is why," said Mr. Lloyd George, "the League of Nations, instead of wasting, has saved time. They have had to shorten their labours because, while trying lo build, they had seen in many ; lands the foundations of society tumbling into the dust. No body of men worked harder, more harmoniously. The journey is not ended. It is full of perils, for till -lands." The Premier referred to' the intrinsic difficulties of dealing with the problems'of a multitude of nations. He believed the difficulties had been surmounted. There were questions, never heard of, which almost imperilled peace while they, were sitting in Paris. One question never heard of before tllo war nearly produced a conflict between two allied States. . The Balkans created an atmosphere of unrest from which tho war arose, and one of the features of tho present situation was that,.owing to tlie break up of the great empires, Central Europe had-been Balkanised into small Stales. Care must be taken lest causes of future unrest .were created by the settlement .now being made.

The '.Russian situation, lie went on, furnished one of the most complex problems ever dealt with, by any body of men. "There is no Russia; no organisation controlling Central Russia. Tliero was not even a de fucto Government, for the whole of Russia presented the spectacle of a vast country in chaos, confusion, and anarchy. The best they could do was to provide security for those dwelling on tho most accessible slopes of this volcano, and arrest tho devastating tlow of lava, so (hat it did not scorch other.lands. There could be no question of recognition. It was never proposed'or discussed, because no 'Government represented the whole of Russia, and because the Bolshevik Government has- committed crimes against the Allied subjects, which make it impossible for us lo .recognise. it,-even under other circumstances, and because at this moment the Bolshcviki are attacking our friends in Russia." Regarding the !proposal for. military intervention, the Premier declared that.it was a sound fundamental principle of our foreign policy " ' never to interfere in the international affairs of other countries; however badly they were governed, and notwithstanding the state of British feeling, the difficulties of a military enterprise into Russia. were immense. Even if military coW|iie{.t were possible, political and practical difficulties remained. He had been horrified at the Bolshevik teaching", but he would rather leave Russia Bolshevik until sho saw what .Bolshovifu was doing, than he'would see Britain bankrupted by costly military intervention.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Asns.-Reuter. reparation and the saar VALLEY agreement on basic QUESTIONS (Rec. April 18, 5.5 p.m.) . London, April 13. The "Observer's".Paris correspondent states that the Council 'of Pour has acreed on all fundamental questions. The solution of tho Saar Valley problem was due to Mr. Lloyd George's suggestion, which establishes an autonomy Similar to that of Luxemburg, and guaranteed bv the League of Nations. The indemnity question has been settled ou t.ha basis of Germany being held responsible to all the Allied Powers for the war losses, which .include landed property, farming, implements, shipping, and war 'pensions. After the first instalment payment will ba spread over a period of thirty years, prance's claim to the Saar coal as part of the indemnity does not involve anv accusation of annexationist designs.—Aus.-N.lj. Cable Assn. GERMANY'S DEBT FOR THE ARMY ■ OF OCCUPATION. (Ree. April 17, 11.30 p.m.) Berlin, April' 13. It is announced that the maintenance of the Rhine-land Army of Occupation will cost Germany five and ajmlf millions sterling monthly,—Aiis.-N'.Z. Cable Assn. M. CLEMKNT'I.HT SATISFIED. (Rec. April 17, 11.30 p.m.) Paris, April 13. M. Clemenceau infoimcd a deputation of Radical and Socialist members that til-- settlement of the reparation question will meet- all France's dtmnnds. ho paid it tribute in trie Allied delegates for their attitude towards France. —Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. FRENCH f>ITARE OF FIRST INSTALMENT. (Rec, April 18, 5.5 p.m.). London, April 13. The " Mat in" states that out of Germany's lirst instalment of 125 milliard lrancs, payable in gold and credits abroad. France will receive 75 milliards. —Aus.-N.Z. Qible Assn. MYSTERIOUS MESSAGE 1 MR. HUGHES TO AUSTRALIA. Melbourne, April 17. As the n&ult of a cable mossiige received from Willi:ini 11 utiles ii\ connection with tlie question of reparation, Air. W. A. Wntt (Actiiitf-I'rpimcr) eonvenefl an urgent meeting of Cabinet, nrnl

after consideration ii. dispatched a reply, but no details am available.—Press Assn. \ lipiGOLANDTOBE DISMANTLED (Eoc. April 17, 5.30 p.m.) Paris, April 1(1. The Council of Four has decided that Heligoland is to bo dismantled, and tho works destroyed as far as possible. The Council of Ten dealt with a. number of smaller mutters concerning tho economic and other general provisions for inclusion in the Peace Treaty; also, the arrangement for the admission of Allied shipping to German ports.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE TREATY INVITATION TO THE GERMAN DELEGATES Paris, April 16. The representatives of the five great Powers met the representatives of all the States who had declared war upon Germany, with the object of disclosing the terms to be offered to Germany.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. SUMMONS TO "GERMANS APPROVED (Eec. April 18, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, April IG. A Council'representative of the eighteen nations who declared war against Germanv was summoned under the presidency of 51. Ciemenceau to give formal approval to the invitation to tho German delegates to Versailles. They Unanimously concurred in the invitation. It is understood that a conrier with the summons left for Germany last night — Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

ETIQUETTE TO BE OBSERVED. (Eec. April 18, 5.5 p.m.)

Paris, April 15. It has been definitely decided that the Germans will receive the Peace Terms at the. Trianon Palace. M. Ciemenceau wjll read the terms, and will then instruct the Germans to ho prepared to sign nt the Palace of Versailles on May 10 tho anniversary gf the signing of the Treatv of Ij'ranki'ort in 1871. It is not known whether the Germans will be allowed to return to Weimar in the interim or be compelled to discuss the details at Versailles. The Germans will come by special train to Versailles, without crossins Paris. It is expected that the party, including its advisers, will -.number 170. Its members will be kept in strict seclusion during their stay.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. SHOULD THE PARLIAMENTS BE FIRST CONSULTED. (Eec. April 17, 9.30 p.m.) London, Aprii 13. The "Daily Telegraph's" Paris correspondent. says that the ' contention is gaining support everywhere that the peace- terms should be ratified by the Parliaments of the Greater Allies before presentation, to the enemy. Mr. Lloyd George, however, fears (hat premature disclosure would delay immediate acceptance. but ho is anxious to be in a position to announce to the House of Commons the general trend of tho preliminary peace terms.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS OFFICIAL SUMMARY OF NEW DRAFT (Rec. April 18, 5.5 p.m.) London, April Hi. . The official summary of Hie League of Kntions Covenant :i I tracts attention. The re-drafting .is admittedly clearer than thn original, notably regarding the constitution of Ihe League, which comprises an Assembly representing all the covenanting nations, and .a- Council representing the fivii Great Powers and four others as the Assembly may select from time, to lime. The text gives greater prominence to Labour requirements and obligations concerning tho white slave, traffic ,tho opium traffic, and public health. it specifically declares thar the Covenant does not affect the validity of international fingagements such as treaties, arbitration; or regional undertakings like the Monroe doctrine,' for securing the maintenance of peace. Under the re-drafted (Jovenant tho covenanting States agree to reduce their armament plans, such reductions to ,be suggested by tho Council, but only adopted with tho consent of- the States themselves. and thereafter not increased without the council's concurrence. Moreover The Stales contributing armed forces (o deal with covenant breakers aro safeguarded in their right to decide how far ihev.concur in the Council's recommendation as to tlie amount of force, it' any, that should be supplied, while in regard to arbitration the Council cannot interfere .in a dispute solely within a State's domestic jurisdiction.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. UNFAVOURABLE "COMMENT IN LONDON x PRESS. (Rec. April IS, 5.5 p.m.) ' London, April 11. Apart from pious generalities, the new draft of the League of Nntions Covenant does not attract favourable comment. The "Daily Chronicle" states that tho new provision permitting the withdrawal on two years' notice of any State which kewt its obligations, and the provision for tlii! -Monroe doctrine, should facilitate tho United States' adhesion. Although tho Monroe doctrine would do no harm to the Covenant, it will go far to destroy the permanent character of the League. Tho other amendments make it easier both to transform."and to leave the League. The summary gives us only a shadowy supervision over tho armaments. Perhaps the full text will be stronger on this point. The most critical point is that tho draft demands unanimity for. decisions both in tho Council and in the Assembly. It seems Utopian. None of these States will ever cherish a design against the League or ils neighbours. Tho free veto will bo.a ready weapon for this purpose. The new draft is distinctly, perhaps decisively, inferior to the old."

. The "Morning Post" satirically likens th,; position of the Mouroe doctrine to tin tree of knowledge, and proceeds, to ask whether the agreements and arrangements .within the British Empire, for instance, preference, will be subject to the League's supervision." If so the l.eaguo covers a design to prevent closer' union, and may even disintegrate tho Kmpire. It would lie a monstrous thing if the Covenant ii signed and established before the text of the provisions- are fairlv considered by; the public and by Parliament."

The "Daily News" says:—"The Loaguo at least offers a chance of a reduction in armaments., .arbitration, safety against secret negotiations, and some measure of justice for Laljouiv.but in. the constitution of the new Council, which manifestly is controlled by the Five Great Powers when they are in agreement, there is an undoubted peril of the continuance of flic old exclusive alliances in a. new form."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assu. .TEWfSTI RELIGIOUS LIBERTY CLAUSE. Paris, April 16. The Jewish representatives failed to se'eure the inclusion of a religious liberty clause in the constitution of the League of Nations.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. japanYmiands BARON MAKINO CIRCULATES A NOTE (Rec. April p.m.) New York, April II idelaycd). The "Herald's" Paris correspondent snvs that, apparently Baron Makino is scelr'ng to avoid a clash over the racial equality question at the plenary session of the Peace Conference by means of a circular Note addressed to the various plenipotentiaries, the purpose of which is to obtain an agreement conserving Japan's stand on the questions of racial national equality and the Anglo-Jupan-e.-.e Alliance.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. (Rec. April 19, 0.23 a.m.) New York, April 10. The "World's" Paris correspondent was told by a Japanese ollicini that if Japan's claims lo Kaio-chau and Shantung are not granted Japan will withdraw from I he Peace Conference, and

inako her own arrangements with Ger-many.—Aus.-N.55. Cablo Assn. RELATIONS WITH AMERICA UNDISTUBBED.. fficc. April 18, 5.5 p.m.) New York, April 16. A message from Washington states that Mr. Polk, Acting-Secretary of State, says that relations with Japan have not been disturbed in spite of the Tientsin and Siberian incidents.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. FRICTION ATTHE PEACE TABLE PRESIDENT WILSON AND THE ' ~ ALLIES , (Eec. April 18, 5.5, .p.m.) New York, April 9 (delayed)..■The New York "World's" Paris correspondent learns authoritatively that if tho Allies do not agree to accept the Fourteen Points as a basis of the Peace Treaty, President Wilson, with the entire American delegation, will withdraw from tho Conference, return to the United States, and ask Congress, lo declare that the state of war haß ended between the United States and Germany.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. "ABSOLUTELY ALONE IN EUROPE " A GLIMPSE OF THE AECISNT TENSION. (Pec. April 18, 5.5 p.m.) New York, April 9 (delayed). Mr.' Frank H. Simonds, writing from Paris, says :—President Wilson's decision t<i send for tho George Washington will precipitates a final' crosis with the Frcnch Government, which, while regretting the break which is apparently imminent, is resolved not to mako more surrenders on points essential tQ Prance's safety. "Mr. Lloyd George has abandoned President Wilson, and is prepared to stand by France. It is told authoritatively that President Wilson has'in his possession a sketch of a separate peaco treaty between the United States and Germany. President Wilson is now absolutely alone in Europe.' Ha is without support from the French public, and his popularity in England is declining."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. WILL REMAIN TILL TREATY IS SIGNED. Paris, April 16. .It is announced that President Wilson will remain till the German Treaty is settled.—Renter. 1 ANGLO-SAXON ALUANCB WITH FRANCE DEFENSIVE GROUP 'AGAINST' GERMAN' ATTACK. (Eec.' April 18, 5.5 p.m.) New York, April 16. It is reported that n tentative agreement has been reached between Great Britain and the United tSates to aid

France in the event of an attack by Ger-many.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

NEW ZEALAND DELEGATION THE PACIFIC ISLANDS NAURU AND OCEAN ISLANDS \ (From Mr, R. Riley, Official Journalist with the New Zealand Peace Delegation.) Paris, February 2(1. Almost all questions of British'territorial policy are considered by tlie British Delegation, which is pratlically the Imperial War Cabinet, at the Peace-Con-ference. and on several occasions the New Zealand delegates liavo taken part in the "conversations' of the Delegation respectins; the disposal of enemy territory. It is also tho practice of British deleKates lo submit to the Imperial Delegation memoranda on subjects requiring special consideration. The policy of Australia with regard lo J:he Pacific Islands was a. case in point, a memorandum to the Delegation from Mr. W. M. Iluglics calling for ail explanation by air. Massey in respect of the policy of New Zenland..with regard to-tho disposal l of. pho'sphntb islands in the South Pacific. ' Mr. Hughes dealt with the extent 'of control of former German territory, which Australia regarded as absolutely necessary to the Commonwealth's security, and emphasised the necessity for Australia obtaining unfettered control of German New Guinea and the whole of the Bismarck Archipelago, as an integral part of Australia. It was essen.tial to liavo full power to control immigration into these territories, and also full power to control 'trade with them. Tho territories to -which these considerations applied were not only Kaiser Wilhelm's Laud; but also tlie Bismarck's, Rook Island, New Britain. New Ireland, New ; .Hanover, and the Admiralty Islands. Australia was. of course, ready and willing to give tiio desired guarantees covering the proper treatment of tho natives. Special reference was made to the small isolated island of Nauru, whose nearest neighbours, it was explained, were Ocean Island. about a hundred miles away,' and the Gilbert-Group, both British. Nauru was wholly, within tlie:British area of influence, and lay some.SOO miles from the Bismarck Archipelago, and more than three times that distance from New Zealand. Though Nauru had been under German dominion, the practical ownership was British, as a .British company, the Pacific Phosphate Company, had acuuired in about 1902 from a German company, with the consent of the Imperial German authorities, the right to take and -. export fertiliser froni' the island! Australia would -be satisfied with any form of mandate-.satisfactory to the British Government,. Mr. Massey's Memorandum. 11l a memorandum to the' British Delegation, Mr. Massey stated that with tUe greater part of Mr. Hughes's (statement he entirely agreed. He thought,.; however, that one paragraph dealing with a matter of importance to" New Zealand required further explanation. This was the reference to tho island of Nauru. Mr. Massey explained further that New Zealand, liko Australia, • wits already a very largo producer of-exports such- as wool, meat, and dairy produce—all of which drew from the soil certain constituents that required lo ;bo repla'cod if fertility wero to bo maintained. For tliis purpose a good supply of phosphates at a.reasonable price was absolutely esscn-. tial. ■ There were at Nauru and Ocean island—two islands about 100 miles,apart -large quantities of phosphate which should bo made available for New Zealand and Australian producers. Mr. -Mas-' soy pointed out that Auckland mid Sydney —the two main ports to which the fertilising substance ' from these „ inlands would almost certainly be shipped—wero about equi-distant from Nauru and Ocean Island. Tho necessity for an adequate supply of phosphate for New Zealand was so great that during the war supplies wore occasionally obtained from Red .Sea ports. The Prime Minister expressed his" confidence that matters in respect of these islands would bo arranged satisfactorily to both New Zealand and Australia, and also that tho British Government and tho British Umpire Delegation would do what was right and proper in the circumstances. It may lie mentioned that in addition to conducting New Zealand's ease in respect of the. disposal of Samoa, and consulting tho high authorities, in reference to tho projected mandate for the adminis--1 ration of Samoa under New Zealand laws, with the necessary-guarantees givenregarding the treatment of the natives in relation to tho arms, slave and lijuftr traffic, Mr. Massey lias had numerous, conferences with the British Colonial and Foreign Offices on questions concerning other islands in tho South Pacific, It is only permissible to state at present that mailers aro progressing satisfactorily,.although there are many complications to bo either avoided altogether or overcome bv diplomatic means.