MEETING WITH GERMAN DELEGATES

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 193, 10 May 1919, Page 7

MEETING WITH GERMAN DELEGATES

INSOLENT ATTITUDE OF

RANTZAU

LONG AND TRUCULENT SPEECH

Paris, May 8. The attitude of Count Brockdorlf Rant-r-au (German Foreign Minister and leader of the Peace Delegation) at Versailles is the subject of universal comment. Soma onlookers describe it as studied insolence, ami all sharply criticise the manner and tone'nf his speech, pointing out that it Was an attempt to pos-'e as if ho were on tonus of equality with the representatives of victorious Cowers rather than a delegate of a vanquished Power. Count Kant/.iiu put on largo horn-rimmed spectacles before reading his speech, which occupied lil'ly minutes in its deliverance. The speech must bo regarded as the expression of Germany s considered policy regarding the Conference. When he commenced to speak Count Uantzau wus obviously labouring under excitement, and was highly nervous. His manner was in remarkable contrast with

that, of M. Clemenceau/ who spoke with a brqviiy and decision that wero exactly indicate of tho attitude of tlio victorious Allies, though he was careful to point out that the Allies intended to treat the German delegates with nil (ho courtesy that civilised communities owed to eacli other. As. ST. Clemcnccau addressed the gath-' eying standing, everyone expected Count Kantaiu to follow his example, but ho remained seated throughout his speech and its interpretation. Tho speech,be : came moro truculent as it continued, particularly in tho passage denouncing the Allies' blockade, and accusing tho Allies of sharing the guilt of war,with Germany. A noteworthy parage in Itantzau's speech was his declaration that Ciermany's former rulers were responsible for the German share in Ihe war, .but that nil Kurope shared the responsibility. "We are asked," he said, "to confess that we aloae were guilty of the war. Such a confession in my month would bit a lie. b'or fifty years European Imperialism has poisoned the international atmosphere.''—A us.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. London, May 8. The "Daily Telegraph's" Paris 'correspondent states: "Count . Uantzau's speech was I'uug, arrogant, and. aggressive. It wan much longer and moro contentious and provocative than was

cxpected. The Count looked haggard, and his harangue cannot exactly 'be described as violent and defiant. Allowances must be made. As tho Germans left tho hall I was struck by their pale and ' pinched appearance."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable ' Assn. SPEECH CONSIDERED BY 'BIG THREE. (Rec. 'March 5, 9.5 p.m.) Paris, May 8. The Big Three met at Versailles after (he ceremony of, banding the Treaty to the Germans to consider Count Kantzau's truculent speech—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.