THE GERMAN DISCORD AT VERSAILLES

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 195, 13 May 1919, Page 5

THE GERMAN DISCORD AT VERSAILLES

SCENE DESCRIBED WHAT WILL HAPPEN? GERMAN WAR MINISTER BUSY i By Tolegraph--Prcss Aesooiation-Copyrieht ' (Roc. May 13, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, May 8. With bitter memories of half a century ago, Versailles to-day witnessed the most memorable scene in its history, when tho ancient onemy stood at the bar of tho nations of tho world to receive the terms imposed on the shattered Germanic Empire. Tho weather was fine, and .-ie street leading to tho Grand Trianon was crowded with spectators anxious to see the delegations of the Allies. As the latter arrived and left tho Confcronco they received ovations along tho route- ■ The seeno had a simple sotting within the great (lining saloon of the hotel, with its green baize-covomi tables in tho form of a rectangle. At tho head sat AL. Clemonceau, with-1 ho American delegates on the right, and the British on the left, and tho rest grouped at tho sides. The cross-table at tho fool of the room was reserved for the Germans. Signor Orlando and Baron Sonnino were cordially greeted as thoy entered. Thero was a moment of thrilling silence when an officer announced, "Messieurs les Plenipotentiaries Allemanda" ("The German Plenipotentiaries"). All the delegates stood as Count Brockdorif Rantzau and his fellow-delegates entered, accompanied 'by three officers. With the exception of Horr Lansberg, a man of strong Prussian type, the enemy delegates were pale, and Count Rautzau looked particularly haggard. The moment they were seated, M. Clemenoeau rose, and, .addressing Hie Germans, said: "This is neither the time nor the yace for superfluous words. You have before you the Plenipotentiaries of all tho small and great Powers united to h'ght together in a. war cruelly foroed upon them. You have asked for peace, and we are ready to give, you the peace wo present to you for your consideration, and will do everything that civilised nations can do to aid your consideration. Wo must see tnat this second Treaty of Versailles, which has cost us so much, must secure lasting guarantee.?." He then outlined the procedure and stated that Gorman observations on the terms must be submitted in writing, to which the Supreme Council would reply. He added that observations need not "be kept until tho period of fifteen days had elapsed, but couild be 6ent to tho Council as they arose, and the Council would give an immediate answer. He then asked if the delegates had anything further to say.

Count Rantzau, in a clear voice, said: "We are hero to join in a sublime task— lo give the world a durable peade. The Germans'are under no misconception as to their defeat or their want of power. They had no power, and the German arms were broken. They realised the poivcr of hatred they now encountered and the vanquishers' demand for the punishment of. tho guilty. But to confess that we are entirely responsible for the war would be a lie." He admitted the former, attitudo of the' German Government in tho tragic twelve days of July. In the last fifty years, he said, Imperialism had been poisonous, and the policy of retaliation and expansion had contributed to the'illness of Europe which had showed its expres-sion'in-the world war.-

Count Rantzau added: "We are ready to'face any wrongs that have been done, and do not wish to belittle the responsibility of the men who made tho war, political economic, and military. We repeat the pledgo we made, at tho beginning of tho war in regard' to the-wrong dono to Belgium, but Germany, is not the only criminal, If you think of guilt and punishment, tho measure of guilt can only bo decided by a neutral commission, nntl we repeat our demand for such inquest in this .where wo stand not quite without protection. You have shown no fine art yourselves. You took 6ix weeks to fis tho armistice terms, and six months to present the peace terms. Hundreds of thousands of His have died of cold and hunger since November through the blockade. Think of that i when you think ■ of guilt and punish, ment. Sinco November you have inscribed a peaco of violence on your banner. In October we were prepared to accept peace on President Wilson's terms. Tho Allies agreed to this basis. In thin matter the conscience cf tho world is behind us. No nation oould violate it without punishment. Tho task of reparation could not lie undertaken without the adversaries' co-operation, and you cannot execute it without us." Reconstruction would probably proceed rapidly if< they had an understanding as to the best methods. Ho thought it would b? wrong to utilise the Gorman war prisoners, as that would engender hatred among pcoplo whose husbands and brothers wore kept at penal work. Both the victor and tho vanquished must take into account tho danger of Germany succumbing under the burdens, with its incalculable consequences. He saw hope in solidarity of the League of Nations only when its portals wero thrown «]>en to all .nations. Then those who died in tho war would not have died in vain. Ho concluded by urging such a peace as would not lead to fntuire resistance. The' tone of the speech throughout was cynical, at times arrogant, and even insolent. The manner of it left a wrathful feeling' among many of the listeners.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. two gelmnotes . "MORE THAN WE CAN BEAR." Paris, Hay 10. Count Brockdorff Rantzau. has presented two Notes to M. Clomenceau. The first states that the demands are such as no people- couW bear. Tho second states that although Germany, is required to sign a. treaty embodying tho League of Nations, it is not invited to join the League; aud asks in what circumstances Germany can bo invited to join. | t The Allies' reply to Count liantzaus Notes states that the terms are framed with the constant thought of the principles upon which the armistice and peace negotiations were proposed. Tho Allies cannot admit any discussion upon their right to insist upon the terms substantially as drafted, but they will consider' practical suggestions. The succnd Note is replied to by saying that the covenant of the/ League of Nations explicitly provides for the admission of the enemy Powers.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. GERMANS DEPRESSED. Paris, May 9. , The "Berliner Tageblatt's" correspondent at Versailles says the delegates wero greatly depressed over tho terms, which are accounted the death srntence of Germany. Both Socialist r.ml lionSocialist newspapers Ihink the terms should bo refused. — Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assu. > REPORTED INTENTION TO DEPART Paris, May 10. American correspondents in touch with the Germans say that the Germans have decided to leave for Weimar. . Count Kantznu has ordered all the Germans to be ready to depart in forty-eight hours, •owing 'to' Hic't-cverity jof the terms. I'aiitzaiii requested individual interviews with President Wilson, M. Clemsnceuu, and Mr. Lloyd George, but they all refused. The delegation takes a slund against every chapter of tho terms. I'V instance, if demands an army of at least half a million, and describes Ihe reparations as fabulously over-estimated. It refuses oven to consider such new frontiers na are proposed. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE GERHANSTATE OF HIND PRESENT AND FUTURE PROBLEMS. (Rec. May 12, S.LS p.m.) London. May C (delayed). The Cologne correspondent of the 'Daily Express" learns that Berlin business agents have their bags packed in readi-

ness for a return to England the moment peace is signed. . It is believed that tho Treaty will be signed if the delegates can save their face,? by appearing to negotiate instead of having to swallow the terms whole. The present German Gov. eminent is undoubtedly shaky, and if. it falls the reactionaries will endeavour to securo control of tho country. A period of anarchy will then bo inevitable, followed by a military coup d'etat, probably on monarchical lines, but without the Hohenzollerns. Prominent Germans declare that tho ex-Kaiser will never again bo tolerated, because ho failed.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. THE DEBT TO BELGIUM. (Rec. May 12, 5.5 p.m.) New York, May G (delayed). The New York "World's" Paris correspondent says that Germany will undertake to pay (ho Belgian debts to tho United States, and Belgium will receivn a total of six billion dollars Indemnity from Germany, of which five hundred millions will be received privately—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn OPINION ON RANTZAU'S BEHAVIOUR "A CRUDE DUD," SAYS THE AMERICAN DELEGATION.' (Rec. May 12, 8 p.m.) Paris, May 9. Mr. Keith Murdoch, referring to Count Rantzau's attitude, says: "We learned afterwards that the Germans used the studied pose of indifference from tho moment the French military car called at their hotels to bring them to the Conference Hall. Count Rantzau was smoking a cigarette when he reached the steps of tho hall. He turned towards the privilegeo. spectators, blew out a. cloud of smoke, dropped the cigarette disdainfully, turned his back, and walked in." Count Rantzau's speech, says Mr. Murdoch, continues to affect the situation. "I learn from the highest British source that tho Council is. united in its determination not to proceed with the negotiations in such a spirit, which is interpreted as a display of 'Dentschland Ul>er Allies' arrogance." When the British and American delegates expressed surprise at Count Rantzau's extraordinary attitude, M. Clemenceau replied: "Yes; you have never seen bullying Prussianism before, but we have lived under its shadows for fifty years, powerless and humiliated."—United Service. The American delegation describes .Rantzau's speech as "A.crude dud," sordid, typical of a German without tho' sporting instinct, and on a level with Germany's behaviour during the war.— 4us.-N.Z. Cable Assn. MR. MASSEY'S IIPRESSION OF THE "EVENT" (Rec, May" 12, 11 p.m.) Paris, May 9. "The display of the aggressive arrogance of Germany's military caste at Versailles should be regarded as a warning," says Mr. Massey. "Count Rantzau forgot the ordinary courtesies, and spoke defiantly and rudely, only using suavity' when referring to President Wilson and proletariats."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. A HASTY REPRINT Paris, May 9. The Peace Treaty, as first printed, omitted Itnly. On tho Italians announcing their return'to Versailles the Treaty was hastily reprinted.~lus.-N.Z. Cable'Assn. ' : I NOT TILL AUGUST PINAL SIGNING OP THE TREATY Ottawa, May G (delayed). The Canadian Government has received advieo from London that it is not expected that the Peace Treaty will be ratified nnd signed by the King "until August 1. -Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE ARMIES OF OCCUPATION. Paris, May 6 (delayed). The British and American armies of occupation are to remain in Gcraanv for a period of two vears—Aus.-N.Z. CaWi Assn. JAPAN AND SHANTUNG "MANCHESTER GUARDIAN'S" PROTEST. London, May G (delayed). Tho "Manchester Guardian" snys:"Tho Peaco Conference has given Japan virtual domination over the Shantung Province, enabling her to secure a strong hold on the commerce and politics of North China. Apparently the Western Powers havo not grasped the full significance of what they have surrendered. The importance of the Chinese market will assert itself, and then tho Western statesmen.will bitterly regret the injustice to China aud to themselves.--Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. ■ i BRITAIN AMST AFRICA A BELGIAN PROTEST. ' Paris, May 9. Belgium has protested against the British mandate in East Africa, on tho ground that Belgium, at great cost and sacrifice, contributed to tho conquest and administration of a largo portion of the territories.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. . THE PEACE LABOUR COMMITTEE KIRST MEETING'IN LONDON. London, May 6. (delayed). Tho Organising Committee of tho International Labour Conference, established by the Peace Conference, mot for the first time in London, seven representatives, of the six leading Entente Powers and Switzerland, boing present. It will collect and tabulate information to enable the Conference in Washington in October to discuss the agenda, including the questions of the eight-hour day, the forty-eight-hour week, unemployment, and women and child labour. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. SIR JOSEPH WAWINTERVIEWED VIEWS ON THE TREATY. Paris, May 8. Sir Joseph Waj'd, in tho course of an interview, sniil that Count Hrookdorff Rantzau spoke more as a victor than as one. vanquished, but obviously intended his speech for propaganda. There was- no likelihood that the Allies would bleed Germany. Sir Joseph Ward said the Treaty covered such gigantic- areas that its length was not surprising.' It was a great experiment, necessarily based on uncertainty, but if it prevented one great war it would confer inestimable benefit. The fact that Germany would bo compelled to give up her ill-gotten territories would be cordially approved in all civilised conntrie-j, and it would act as « limitation upon her tending from the direction of neaco. The world demanded tho punishment of the Kuiser. ' Joseph Wt-.rd said he believed,that tho reparation proposals would prove i; be effective, and held that the financial burdens should fall on tho ouomy, not on the 'Allies. If the Samoans ultimately desired to join New Zeaand, tho League of Nations would grant their wish—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE'ALLIES'DEFENSIVE ALLIANCE v WHY ITALY STOOD OUT. (Rec. May 12, 10.15 p.m.) j London, May 11.. | The Paris "Matin" explains Italy's absence from the defensive alliance between Britain, Franqe, and America, and says that Signor Orlando was present at all the conversations, but waited, for the French to speak, while lliu French waited for Signer Orlando to express his wish to join. The result is regrettable, as tho cause,? of tho misunderstanding were of the slightest—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. TREATY SAFEGUARDED. (Rec. May 111, 1.5 a.m.) Paris, May 7. The "Echo do Paris" says that Prance, Britain, and America have entered into an undertaking.affording additional guarantees for the security of Franco and safeguarding the Treaty.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

(The cable news in this Issue accredited | to the London "Times" has appeared In i that journal, but only whero expressly itated is ench news tho editorial opinion I ot tho "Tlmei.")