OPINIONS OF GERMAN DELEGATES

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

OPINIONS OF GERMAN DELEGATES

London, May 9. Gorman correspondents at Versailles transmit the opinions of the delegates. Herr Giesbert says ho can only sign a treaty which permits of tho rebuilding of economic life. The occupation of important raw material-producing districts would lje tantamount to a slow and painful death, and it would be bettor to return ompty-hiinded than with a signed Treaty containing terms which Germany would l>6 compelled to leave unfulfilled. Germany would simply collapse under the proposod. indemnity. ■ Count Melchoir states: "We cannot consider a slavery that will bind German workers to the? French Government."

Another delegate said: "Since tho armistice, strikes and revolutions have lost us more money than the whole war We could have borne the indemnity if it had been demanded in November, although it would have been a heavy load, but it is now impossible." It is announced that the delegates will make counter-proposals', which are the utmost Germany can agreo to.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THREAT TO SEEK AID FROM RUSSIA Copenhagen, May 9. Herr Giesbert, interviewed, said: "Our only course, is to arrange a peace with Russia, and to invite Russian troops into Germany."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. NOTE FROM RANTZAU 'IMPOSSIBLE TO FULFIL THE TERMS." (Rec. May 12, 0.5 a.m.) London, May 10. Count Rantzau has presented a Note" to M. Clemenceau stating that.it is impossible'for Germany to fulfil i:he terms of peace.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. COUNT RANTZAU'S SPEECH A STUDIED INSULT. (Rec. May 11, 5.5 p.m.) . Paris, May 8. The insolence and rudeness of the Germans are strongly condemned by the Allied delegates generally. Count Rantzau's speech is regarded as a studied insult. The British delegates, including Mr. Lloyd Goorge and Mr. Bouar Law, admit that they are surprised. Anger flashed through them, but they now agree that M. Clemenceau was wise in refraining from ordering Count Rantzau to stand while speaking, as a physical reason prevented Iho German stnding. "If he felt unwell." eaid a leading delegate, "his words did not show it Anyhow, ho should havq asked permission to remain seated."—-United Service. "WHAT A STUPID SPEECH!" ' (Rec. May 11, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, May 8. "What a stupid speech!" remarked President Wilson, when Count Rantzau had finished, Mr. Lloyd George said tho speech represented German stupidity.—United Servico THE TRUCULF.NT SPIRIT OF THE . JUNKER. (Rec. May 11, 5.5 p.m.) London, May 8. Tho "Daily Mail" describes Count Rantzau ns an incarnation combining the defiant, sanctimonious, and truculent soirit of the Junker. The speech showed Germany to bo wholly unrepentant, and blatantly unconscious of the horror in which she is hold among civilised peoples.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn,,