THE PEACE TREATY

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 194, 12 May 1919, Page 5

THE PEACE TREATY

CONSIDERED BY GERMAN

CABINET

" DOCUMENT OF HATRED AND

MADNESS"

ORAL DISCUSSION TO BE

ATTEMPTED

By Telegraph-Press ABSooiatlon-OoDyright (Ecc. May 11, 5.5 p.m.) Berlin, May. 9. After Cabinet had discussed the Treaty for live hours, Hen- Scheidemann addressed the Parliamentary committees appointed to consider the Treaty. Hβ eaid: "Tho terms are the death sentence of Germany. We must discuss this docu. ment of hatred and madness with political sobriety." The Government had instructed the Paris delegation to submit a Note to tho Allies pointing out the difference between the Treaty and President. Wilson's Fourteen Points; also to submit detailed counter-proposals and attempt to start an oral discussion. Herr Ifehrenbach. speaking on behalf of the leaders of all parties, said: "Herr Seheidemann has rightly declared Miat the terms are not acceptable. Discussions with the Allies and the delegation at Paris will possibly result in-a peace acceptable to the German people." The Government has decided on public mourning throughout the next wees owing to the peace terms. The theatres will l>e closed. The. Government has been inundated with protests, especially from Eastern Germany, demanding alterations in the terms. Germany's Note to the Allies further insists on the release ot German prisoner*. The? Mtfc 'it joining with Russia in strengthening the RussoGennnn frontier, which is partially open, end a great exchange of commodities, is growing. Herr Ebert has issued a proclamation violently denouncing the peace terms as utterly impracticable. "They are intended to destroy Germany and reduce her to slavery. They sow tho seed of future enmities, spelling the doom of any League professing to secure a world pc-nce." Hen- Ebert urges the public to support the Government, which by coun-ter-proposals is "determined to secure a victory of right. Germany's reply to the peace terms will be a demand for a peace of right, as the only basis for the lasting peace of the nations."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. • i London, May 9.

German newspnners protest that, the terms are impossible, especially in regard to indemnity. They also protest asainst the veiled annexation of the Saar Valley and tho loss of the colonies, and say that Germany must reject the proposal for the disposition of Danzig,—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.. STUNNING EFFECT ON BERLIN BUSINESS AT A STANDSTILL. London, liny 9. The Berlin correspondent of the "Daily v Chroniclo" etates that the peace terms stnnned Berlin. Business is at. a standstill, and the Bourse has been closed for three days. Messages from Paris say thnt the delegates are despondent. Von Ludendorff refused to grant an intervie'w to the "Daily Chronicle's" correspondent, but sent a message saying: "If these are the peace terms, America can go to hell." Cabinet is to meet to-day, and a pronouncement is expected to-morrow.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. CAMPAIGN OF PROTEST. (Rec. May 11, 5.5 p.m.) Coponhagen, May 10. The German newspapers state that Count Ranlzau's first note in his reply declared that .the peace terms did not accord with President Wilson's Fourteen Points, and added: "Tho delegates deeiro to negotiate with President Wilson direct." A campaign has been opened in Germany for denouncing the terms. Thousands of mass meetings have been arranged to protest—Aus.-N.Z. Cable'Assn. RANTZAU TO CONFER WITH GERMAN GOVERNMENT. . . . (Rcc. -3Jny 11, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, May 11. Count Rnntzau is contemplating an early return to Germany to confer with the Government.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.