THE PEACE PEEL

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 183, 29 April 1919, Page 5

THE PEACE PEEL

CRITICAL DIFFICULTY WITH ITALY

SIGNOR ORLANDO HINTS AT RESISTANCE WAR CRIMES REPORT fly Telegraph-Press Association-Copyriijlit Rome, April 25. Patriotic demonstrations continue, and six thousand towns havo sent messages to Signor Orlando supporting his demands. There was a general holiday, in Rome on Saturday, on the occasion of Signor Orlando's arrival. The city had already been decorated with flags, and the walls covered with posters. Signor Bissolati, tho Socialist leader, declares that ho is strenuously supporting Signor Orlaudo.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

SIGNOR ORLANDO AT GENOA ENTHUSIASTIC SCENES. London, April 27. Signor Orlando had an enthusiastic reception at Genoa Ho said ho had endeavoured to reflect the opinions of forty millions of people. It had been urged in some quarters that Italy's economic interests were in jeopardy, but his reply was that Italy's dignity stood higher than all else. In saying that he knew that Italy was with him. (Cheers, and cries of "You have done well.") "I understand, then," he exclaimed, "that henceforth the people of Italy will show a. united front to the whole world. People of your calibro can .never die." (Renewed cheers.) Replying to a similar demonstration in Rome, Signor Orlando said ho never doubted their support, but urged that without excitement they should look with confidence to the future, as he did. Ono thousand of the population of Fiume escorted the National Council on a visit to General Grazioli to express tho city's determination to bo annexed to Italy. 'Die name of Wilson Street in Genoa lias been changed to Fiuma Street.—Aus.N.Z. Cablo Assn. SIGNOR ORLANDO'S PLANS. Paris, April 2G. It is expected that Signor Orlando will mako a temperate speech in the Italian Parliament, witli tho object of oalmlng the popular effervescence. It is possible Signor Orlando will return before negotiations with the Germans begin Baron Sonnmo has left for Rome.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

TENSE MOMENTS AHEAD CLEMENCEAU SENDS A TELEGRAM. (Reo. April 29, 1 a.m.) Paris, April 27. Tho Peace Conference has somo tense moments ahead of it this weok with tho Italian and Japanese difficulties unsettled and the German delegates on tho threshold. Tho only Italian remaining behind is Signor Crespi, tho Food Minister. . .

Signor Orlando's perfervid reception in Rome- is more than likely to strengthen his attitude than incline him to compromise. His speech, pointing out that after four years of war the Italians might have to face others, that Italy today is readier than she was in 1915, is not reassuring. , The Italians deny that President Wilson could have been actuated by the report that Italy contemplated annexation. They admit that for many months various patriotic associations have placarded Homo demanding annexation. President Wilson could have seen these on Lis visit there. 31. Clemenceau has telegraphed hignor Lnraatti: "The hour of the signature ol peace is not the hour to disown our reciprocal engagements. France's policy is not that of a scrap of paper." -,

OPINIONS ON THE SITUATION OUTLOOK CONSIDERED MORE HOPEFUL. London, April 20. Latest reports from Paris state that the situation is easier and rather more hopeful. It is generally anticipated that the departure of the Italians is not final, nor was it intended to be so, and that a solution of the difficulty may be leached on the basis of concessions in exchange for Fiuiue. There is no indication of President Wilson relnxi ing his attitude. It was not true that Mr. Lloyd George and M. Clemenceau approved -of President Wilson's manifesto. They handed to Signor Orlando subsequent statements explaining the British and French views in regard to Finnic, leaving the question of their publication to Signor Orlando's discretion.

Tho Paris correspondent of the "Daily Express" states that Signor Orlando is dominated by the Imperialist, Baron Sonnino. The British delegation admits that Italy's attitude latterly has been very difficult, largely as the result of Italy's internal politics. The Government's position is precarious, and the only chance of its survival is in tho satisfaction of the demands of the Imperialistic elements. The Italian enonomic situation is serious, and if external aid, which is mainly Amercan, is withdrawn, revolution is almost inevitable. On the other hand economic dependence suggests a' means of reconciling Italian opinion to the disappointment concerning territorial claims.

Tho Paris correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph" says it i 3 expected that Signor Orlando, "after securing Parliamentary endorsement of his attitude will challenge President Wilson to do likewise. President Wilson will scarcely be able u.i refuse, in which case his manifesto is likely to prove a boomerang, altering tho character of the American delegation and profoundly changing the Conference is-sues.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. WAS THE PRESIDENT TRICKED? AMERICAN OPINION IN PARIS. Paris, .April 26. President Wilson's entourage suggest that President Wilson was tricked intothe premature publication of hi's manifesto by false information that the Italian Government had placarded Rome proclaiming Italy's annexation of Fiume. -Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. Washington, April 2G. Mr. F. D. Lane. Secretary of the Interior, says it would be unjust to Jugoslavia to give Fiume to Italy, in view of the necessity for an adequate sea outlet for the Croatian hinterland. Italian claims are based on Italian desirea, the granting of which would result in perpetual friction.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn (Rec. April 28, 5.35 p.m.) New York, April 27. Inloicst in the Fiumo situation is unabated. The Republican newspapers seize tiia opportunity to utilise Italian feeling ngfciusl President Wilson as arguments against tho President's polity. The Now York "Sun" characterises Italy',': proposed appeal over President Wilson's head to the American Congress poetic justice, and adds: "The people of Italy arc- disillusioned regarding this world rebuilder."—Aus.-i\.Z Cable Assn. The New York "Times" declares that Signor Oriandn's attitude is inconsistent villi his previous advocacy of Halo-Slav solitarily.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. MOTION l.\ FRENCH CHAM HER. Paris, April 23 The Chamber of Deputies received, with tremendous applause, n motion to send Italy an assurance of friendship — Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

GERMAN PRESS BUSY MAKING THK MOST OF THE CONTIiETEMPS. Amsterdam, April 2C. Tho German newspapers make the most of the Paris contretemps. Some of them j.iv that Italy finds she made a mistake in deserting the Roman Alliance, while

others claim that Italy is being victimised for the bonefit of the Fourteen Points, while Franco and Britain get a long share regardless of them. Some papers hopo that Germany will benefit by tho decision of the Entente; and others that tlio decisions already reached will bo revised according to tho Fourteen Points. Some of the Press comments are exceedbitter. They accuse tho Allies, especially England, of securing their own interests in Asia, the Pacific, and Africa regardless of tho Fourteen Points, while insisting on their observance in Italy's cas£.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. PEACE PROSPECTS IMPROVED. Berlin, April 27 Political circles profess to believe that the prospects of peace have improved. Herr Fergrenbach, President of tho National Convention, states that Germany will not sign the Peace Treaty unless all prisoners uro freed, tho blockade raised, and tho Saar Valley and Danzig remain German. The general belief is that tho Italian situation will not delav the discussion which commences on Thursday. The delegation of 190, which will include fifteen editors of leading papers, leaves on Monday in two special trains, and will arrive on Wednesday—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

WAR CRIMES COMMISSION WILL THE KAISER BE TRIED? (Rec. April 29, 0.30 a.m.) London, April 28. Tho Crimes Commission's report en tho responsibility of the authors of tho war shows that the American aad Japanese delegates dissented from the other delegates. The Americans disapprove of tho trial of tho ex-Kaiser by an international tribunal on moral charges. They disagreo with tho whole of tho methods by which, tho commission proposes to punish those guilty of plotting for tho war. They also protest against the commission including in the scopo of itsinthe customs of war and laws of humanity, The majority report recommends tho trial of all responsible for breaches of tho customs f war and laws of humanity, but those 'whose acts caused the war and tho broaches of neutrality, notably tho ex-Kaiser, should not bo tried, but should be formally condemned by tho Conference. It is pointed out that tho sole duty of the Conference is to find a. truo bill. Unanimity is not essential to tho subsequent proceedings. The report recommends two kinds of procedure—one enabling any belligerent to try in, it's own Courts any accused person in its custody. This would enable tho English Court to try the submarine commanders. Tho other procedure applies to highlyplaced personages, and proposes the establishment of an International Court.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

FOCH TAKES ASTRONGUNE THE LEFT BANK OF THE RHINE Paris, April 26. Marshal Fooli has appeared before the French Cabinet, and strongly urged the holding of the loft bank of the Ehino till Franco is fully indemnified. Mr. Keith Murdoch writes:—"The attitude of Marshal Foch and the French Generals, backed by important British and American militarists, towards the Council's decisions, particularly the genI eral treatment of the Germans and the occupation of tlio Ehineland, has led .to serious developments. Marshal Foch has several times threatened to resign, and lias expressed emphatic views as to the necessity for future military security. "Statesmen regard some of Marshal Fouk's utterances as a breach of military etiquette They claim that Marshal Foch was appointed at a groat sacri-l-fice of national pride for the sake of. unity, and that ho is now using his position to disturb the Allied unity. Moreover, though the servant of all, he lias used his commanding rolo to advocate a single Ally's interest. During an interview with M. Clemenceau on Saturday, Marshal Foch resigned, but M Clemenceau refused to accept it. The plain fact is that the Allies cannot afford to allow Marshal Foeh to resign, owing to the grave moral effect it would have."—Ans.N.Z. Cable Assn.

A SHARP NOTE TO GERMANY

(Bee. April 29, 1 a.m.) Paris, April 27! News from Germany shows that the newspapers still talk glibly'of their delegates negotiating peace. It is understood that a sharp Note has been sent to the German Government which should dispel such fond hopes. Germany is informed that tho terms, with the exception of how the indemnity is to be paid, do rot admit of any discussion—Aus.-N.Z. Cnole Assn.

JAPAN'S DEMANDS Paris, April 26. The "Matin" states that if the League of Nations does not include racial equality, Japan will withdraw from the League—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. (Rec. April 29, 1.20 a.m.) New York, April 27. The Chicago "Tribune's" Paris correspondent reports that present indications are that Britain will not support Japan's olaims against China. Britain did not support Japan's rejuejt for tho endorsement of the equality of races, claiming that Australia's and Canada's positions did not permit of such an endorsement. There is talk of Japan withdrawing from the Peace Conference if she is not granted Shantung, but best-informed circles point out that the remaining members of the Conference continue at work framing tho Peace Treaty. No matter who withdraws.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Aesn. A PRQTEStIrQM MEXICO (Bee. April 28, 11.10 p.m.) New York, April 27. The Washington correspondent of the New York "Times" states that the Mexican Government has informed the French Government that Mexico cannot repogniso the financial clause in the armistice under which Germany promised the Allies that she will not dispose of any property held in foreign countries. Mexico contends that this promise is contrary to tho Mexican Constitution and tho terms of tho German-Mexican ' treaty—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.