TEUTON HEROICS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 203, 22 May 1919, Page 5

TEUTON HEROICS

PEACE TERMS DISCUSSED IN

BERLIN

SPEECH BY HERR SCHEIDEMANN ■ I TERMS UNACCEPTABLE By Telegraph-Press Association-CoDyrleht Paris, May 20. The Allied reply to the German representations on the subject is a refusal to admit that the German people can disclaim responsibility for the actions of the former German Government. — Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. (Roe. May 20, 8.20 p.m.) London, May 18. According to advices from Berlin, Herr Scheidemann, speaking at a meeting of tho National Assembly in Berlin, licld to discuss the peace terms, dramatically declared: "This is the turning point in the, life of the German people. Wo must stand together. We have no duty other than to keep tho nation alive. Germany will pursue no nationalistic dreams. There is no question of prestige or thirst for power. Life—bare life—is what wo must save for Germany to-day when everyone feels tho throttling hand at his throat." Herr Scheidemann spoke of German disappointment at President Wilson's attitude, and complained at great length of tho peace conditions, which, lie declared, wore such that no honest man could sign them, as they meant tho strangling of Germany. He declared that the Vienna Government was standing in with tho Germans ill paving the way to negotiations, not only for themselves, but for tho society of nations. Herr Scheidemann concluded: "The dignity of humanity has been placed in your hands. Preserve it. We shall malto more counter-proposals to this Treaty, which tho Government views as itnaccoptr able. Tho voices of Italy, Britain, and France are now heard protesting." Tho whole speech was characterised by laboured rhetoric, and obviously addressed to the gallery. It was punctuated throughout with applause, and when tlm President declared that the Treaty was unacceptable, the House rose to its feet and confirmed his words bv -tremendous applause, in which tlie galleries partici-pated.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. R-ANTZAU. DENIES INTRIGUE. ' Berlin, May 13'. Count Rantzau declares that nothing is further from his, thoughts than an attempt at poi'sonal negotiations with President; Wilson.—Aus.-N.Z Cable Assn. REPARATION LIABILITY GERMAN NOTE AND ALLIED REPLY. (Hoc. May 21, 8.20 p.m.) , Paris. May 20. The German Note, while admitting the liability to make reparation in accordance with President Wilson's Note of November 5, disclaims liability to indemnify tho Allied war losses.

The Allied reply adheres to the claim, •pointing out that President Wilson's Note included reparation for damago arising out of Germany's aggression oil land and sea, and in the air.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.