COUNTER-PROPOSALS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 200, 19 May 1919, Page 5

COUNTER-PROPOSALS

AUTHORITATIVE OUTLINE INSISTENCE ON FOURTEEN POINTS SOME GERMAN OPINIONS r (Rec. May 18, 5.5 p.m.) By TclflsraDh-Prcßß AEeociation-CopyrlEXit London, May 17. The "Daily Chronicle's" Berlin correspondent gives the following authoritative outline of Germany's cou.nter-proposals :— Germany insists that President Wilson's Fourteen Points and subsequent speech eliair constitute a binding international agreement. ■ Germany , * eastern frontier should be settled in accordance with a plebiscite. It is a foregone conclusion that a plebiscite; in Alsace-Lorraine would be overwhelmingly in favour of France, but an historic vote should be taken. France is entitled to (he Saar Valley coal only. Germany is ready to pay the utmost reparation, but tsny financial proposal will be impossible unless the army of occupation is withdrawn and the economic stability is re-es-tablished. The Treaty does not allow Germany, sufficient troops to maintain order; tho number should be fixed by agreement. The Army had 'become practically non-existent. TTnen cricumsfances permit Germany will offer the surrender of the remnant of tho fleet, but demands the return of a proportion of her merchantmen. The Allies' refusal to entertain these suggestions will force Germany to refuse to sjgn.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. RANTZAU WILL ACCEPT BASIS OF TREATY .(Roc. May 18, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, May 17. The "Journal des Debats" states that a member of the German delegation, questioned as to whether the Peace Treaty would be signed, replied: "Count Rantzau couldn't believe his eyes when he read the text. Ho hesitated for twenty-four hours whether to start back for Germany. He is now studying. thfc details, and intends to accept the basis of the treaty." —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. 'GERMAN AMENDMENT TO THE TREATY' London, May 16. It is understood that the Germans have already formulated several amendments to the* Peace terms, including Germany e right to enter the League of Nations, the ' abolition of the mandatory system, and a clause affirming the freedom of the seas. -Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

Paris, May 17.

I Paris, May 15. If three of the Allies and Germany ratify the Peace Treaty, an immediate resumption of trade with Germany will take place.—Ans.-N.Z. Cable Assn. M. CLEMENCEAU REPLIES TO COUNT RANTZAU • RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WAP,. (Bee. May 18, 11 p.m.) Paris, May 17. M. Oleinenceau's reply to Count Hantzau's Note on the Responsibility for the War issue points out that Germany did not protest against Mr. Lansing's Note of November 5, 1918, which formally made Germany responsible for aggressions. If. Clemenceau also replies in advance to any argument arising out of the change of Government in Germany. He points out. that Germany know how to make the. French Republic responsible for the French Empire's deeds, adding: "The chango of Government in Russia did not cause Germany to modify her behaviour towards the conquered coun-try."—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. lIINDENBURG RATTLESHIS SWORD "THE POWERFUL AVENGING FIST," Warsaw, May 9 (delayed). . Von Hiudenburg, in tlie course of a speech in Silesia, said "Germany is. only temporarily overthrown. It is madness to think that wo can be conquered. Our enemies' 'blood will flow freely if Germany is The time is near when the sacrilegious hands which have been raised against us will bo powerless, and the powerful avenging German fist will secure tho prosperity of -Iho Fatherland. Our greatest danger will be from an independent Poland, but with God's help we wiTl finish the Poles."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

LEADING GERMANS INTERVIEWED EEVENTLOW, HAEDEN, AND JCAUTSKY. London, May 9 (delayed). The "Daily Chronicle's" Berlin correspondent had an interview, with Count Roventlow, who said the Peace terms are quite unacceptable mid contain no trace of President Wilson's Fourteen Points. Tt would bo politically impossible, and generally unjust, to hand over tho Kaiser, who may have made a psychological mistake, but who did not cause the war out of ill-will. Tho Kaiser had always wished to preserve peace. . Germany, said Count Reventlow, was willing to accept the responsibility and the consequences of her refusal to sign the |Peaco terms. If tho Allies decided on the occupation of Germany, being without arms, food, or money, they could not resist. The annexation of tho German sources of iron and coal supplies increasing the burden on those lemalninß. Hcrr Miiximilicn Harden, in an interview, said he regrets that the German Republic has failed to convince the Allies tliat the German attitude has changed. This necessitated extensive Riinmntees to secure France. President Wilson's stand was recognisable as saving Danzig becoming Polish, and extricating the Saar from the annexsitionists. Herr Kautsky says: "Wo are forced to accept the terms; but wo cannot guarantee their fulfilment. That is impossible." —Aus.-N.Z. Uable Assn.

A "YES" OR "NO" PEACE. Copenhagen, May 9 (delayed). A German correspondent at Paris intervieweu Jlerr Landsberg, one of tho Pence Delegates, who said that when tho choice is only between "Yes" and "No , * it is the quintessence of a dictated peaco. Professor Shucking stated that the obvious intention of Franco is to humiliate Germany; and Horr Giesbert says that tlie terms mean that German workers shall do forced labour for international imperialism.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. "DEUTSCHLAND TIBER ALLES." Amsterdam, May 9 (delayed). The People's Party at Hamburg pftssed a resolution demanding Hie return of the German colonies. The gathering sang 'TSieutsehlnml über ■ Allcs." Tho "Hamburger Ni'.chrichten" states: "Our enemies want to destroy Germany, root and branch. It would bo unpardonable guilt if we signed such a treaty."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. INTRIGUE WITTT 'JAPAN SUGGESTED Amsterdam, May !1 (delayed). George, Bernard, in an article in the "Votisischo Ze'itu'n:," suggests tho reaching of on umloretanijinff with Japan and flie using of the racial wiuiility question as a levor.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. RANTZAU'S FIRST SPEECH NEW YORK PRESS COMMENT. New York, May 9. Some of the newspapers, commenting on Count BrockdorlY Riintznu's speech at Versailles when the peace terms were presented to the German delegates, declare that though it was subdued in tone, the speech contained the spirit of defiance and impudence. It is pointed out , that

Germany's territorial losses in Europe by tho terms of tho treaty aro less sc-ri-ous than they appear, because, with tho exception of the Snar Valley and tho Briey region, no important industrial sections aro taken from the Germans.

The New York "Times" says that Count JJrockdorlt' ftantziui gavo the first sign that Germany realises to some degree her guilt and responsibility for the war; but the world will not ibo satisfied because he is unwilling to admit that Germany was tho only nation which plunged the world into war.—Aus.-N.Z. Gablo Men. THE AUSTRIAN INDEMNITY (Rec. May IS, 11 p.m.) Paris, May 17. The Treaty for presentation to Austria fixes the indemnity at ,£250,000,000.—Au5.N.Z. Cable Assn. FRANCE'S RECEPTION TO THE AUSTRIANS * A PLEASANT INTERLUDE.' (Rec. May 19, 1 a.m.) Paris, May 14. The Austrian delegation's reception at a station on the outskirts of Saint Germain was in marked contrast with that given the Germans. Tho Prefect (M. Chattel), greeted them, witli courtesy in accordance with French tradition. Herr Renner (Austria) apologised that lie was unable to reply in French. He said: "We come you. with pleasure. It is the first time I have been on French 6oil, and I hope I will so away equally cheerful at heart." The entire party, which included Herr Laminarsoh, his wife and daughter, Herr Klein, and Herr Slatin, were evidently in good spirits. All are handsomely quartered in the Henri Quatre and, adjacent villas, with a beautiful outlook over .the Seine Yalley.-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Aesn.

Paris, May 17.

THE FATE OF TURKEY DELEGATES FROM ,THE PORTE JSN ROUTE. Paris, May 15. Tho Turkish delegates- to receive the Treaty are expected on Monday—Aus.N.Z. Cable Aesn. GREEK HANDATeIn SMYRNA TROOPS LANDED. London, May 16. Greok forces have been landed at Smyrna. Greece ha.? been granted a mandato to administer the city.—Aus.-N.Z, Cable Assn. '■ . > • THEFIWMBROGLIO PROPOSAL FOR SETTLEMENT. Paris, May 15. It is proposed that Italy and Jugoslavia, with the'assistance of the United States, shall settle the Fiume question. The Council of Four is considering the practicability of the suggestion.—Aue.. N.Z. Cable Assn. A CLAIM ABANDONED. (Rec. May 18, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, May 17. Italy has relinquished her olaims to the Dodecanee Islands.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ' .

THE EAST AFRICAN MANDATE ITALIAN ALLEGATION. Rome, May 15. The "Idea Nazionale" states that during the absence of the Italian delegates. the Conference withdrew the rnandato for the oontrol of German Ea6t Africa, which had been promised to Italy, and substituted a Briti3h mandate.-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. QUESTION TO BE REOPENED. (Rec. May 19, 11.45 p.m.) Paris, May 10 (delayed). As the result of the representations by M'. Hymans, the Belgian Foreign Minister, to Mr, Lloyd George and PresidentWilson, the question of a mandate for German East Africa will be reopened after a consultation with Lord Milner, whom Mr. Lloyd George has summoned to Paris.-A.Tie; N.Z. Cable A6sn. GERMAN INTERNEDSifPS FOR AMERICA QUESTION IN HOUSE OP COMMONS. London, May 9 (delayed). Members of the House of Oommons will press the Government to disclose whether it has consented to America receiving 87 interned German ehips by way of compensation for the .£20,000,000 of debt owed iby Germany. It ie considered in shipping circles that the steamers, which include many passenger liners, are worth more. The Government's reply will be that America is not demanding indemni-ties.—Am-N.Z. Cablo Assn.

ANGLO-AMERICAN RELATIONS CLOUDED, ffiec. May 18, 5.6 p.m.) Paris, May 17. It has been decided i.hat 600,000 tone of German shipping which had been seized in American harbours shall remain American property. America will pay tho value of the ships into the reparation pool. The result htis cast a temporary cloud over Anglo-American relations. The British claiined that the ton-for-ton, class-for-class formula should Kovern the decision, particularly as the vessels were driven to shelter in America bv Kie British Fleet. It is pointed out that America will get 238.488 tone more than she lost, whereas' the British lost 7,638,020 tons during the war time, and hold only 480,000 tons of tlie enemy's tonnage.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ; APPEAL TO AMERICANS' SENSE OF JUSTICE. ' (Rao. May , lff, 1.10 a.m.) London, May 17. The "Pall Mall Gazette" says:—"Surely the American senso of justice and chivalry will not sanction nn arrangemont by which America will receive German ships amounting to twice tho American tonnago sunk. Britain owned threefourths of the total vessels sunk, and it would be a strango perversion of fuirnesl if British shipping should be clipped for many years while America, receives nn endowment increasing her tonnage above the pre-war level."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ■ . AN ABYSSINIAN MISSION '(Rec. May 18, 11.45 p.m.) Paris, May 17. An Abyssinian Mission has arrived lo ask for a French protectorate over Ethiopia. ,