NEW CRISIS AT VERSAILLES

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 219, 10 June 1919, Page 5

NEW CRISIS AT VERSAILLES

RUMOURED DISSENSIONS MOST CRITICAL PHASE REACHED THE CONCESSIONS TO GERMANY (By Telegraph-Pross A6sooiation-Copyright London, June 0. Official.—The British Ministers are strongly opposed to tho overseas Dominions' plenipotentiaries leaving Paris before tho Allied tonus for Gormauy aro settled ono way or tho other Thoso who best understand tho position consider that the period througli which tho Conference is at present passing is undoubtedly most serious. Since the signing of tho armistice tho Germans have made a keen effort to gain big concessions, and tho Allied Powers realise tho need for all the plenipotentiaries to stand by ready to consider the possible proposals. It is feared ; that the Treaty will not be signed as soon as was expected tt fortnight ago. Tho oversea delegates are keenly disappointed over the delay, as most of them had made arrangements for fneir final departure. Sir Robert Borden had to return to Canada owing to the gravity of tho Labour trouble, but the other two Canadian Ministers (Sir George Poster and the Hon, C. J, Doherty) have remained in Paris to sign tho Treaty, both being well qualified to deal with the last phase of the settlement as regards Germany.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. (Rec. June 9, 11,45 p.m.) ■ Paris, June 4. The Council of Pour is dealing with the reserved portion of the Austrian Treaty. It is understood that China will sign the German Treaty, with reservations respecting Shantung. An uneasy feeling .prevails that the Conference has reached the inost critical pliaso of its eareor. Persistent rumours of dissensions over concessions to Germany are not without'foundation It is believed that some favour a. plebiscite in Silesia, as they consider that the principle of self-determination should be maintained.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

THE EASY TERMS PARTY'. AGITATION IN ENGLAND. (Reo. June 9, 8.30 p.m.) London, May 30 (delayed). Earl Beauchamp, Dr. Clifford, Sir Carl Meyer, Mr. Sydney Webb, Mr, C. P. Scott and a dozen others have memorialised Mi; Lloyd George and President Wilson in favour of an impartial And sympathetic consideration of the German appetite for a modification of the Treaty, 1 .with a desire to meet them wherever possible." They add: "That peace willingly signed will bo of infinitely greater value than one forced" by threats of famine, and a far better foundation for the now world order to which ive are looking forward."—Aus.-N.Z, Cable A6sn.

THE FORMAL. SIGNING REHEARSING THE STAGE EFFECTS. (Reo. June 9, 7.30 p.m.) a ■ . „. Pa il s (, Ma J' 30 (delayed). Owing to Sir. William Orpen's representations numerous alterations have been made in the arrangement for the signing of the Peace Treaty in the Hall of Mirrors. It was first proposed that the terms should bo handed round for signature. It was then suggested that signing should bo at a small table facing tho windows, so that tho rest of tho gathering could only see the delegates' backs. Upon Sir William Orpen's suggestion tho Treaty will be signed at a table behind that at which the plenipotentionaries sit.

Representatives of tho, various nations will walk up to tho. platform, . turn round-facing tho light, with their backs to the mirrors, and then sign tho docu-ment.—Aus.-New Zealand Cable Assn.

Kir William Orpen is an eminent British painter, who has already depicted on canvas and presented to the nation several fine battle scenes from the Western front.]

RAMSAY MACDONALD AGAIN MISCHIEVOUS CAMPAIGN AGAINST PEACE TERMS. . - . (Ree. June 9, 11.45 p.m.) London, Juno 9. An Italian Socialist circular says that M. Longue't and Mr. Ramsay Maodonald, on behalf of' the French and British Socialists, have accepted a proposal for a twenty-four hours' strike in France, England, and Italy in sympathy with the Soviet Governments as a protest against tho Versailles peace tonus. According to the German newspapers tho international workers' leagues aro organising a European strike of threo days'.iu co-oporation with the German demand l'or a just peace—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

AUSTRIA'S PLEA A JUST AND DEMOCRATIC PEACE. Paris, Juno 2. A similar • procedure was observed when M. Clemenceau handed thol'eaco terms to the Austrian delegates as at the delivery of tho German terms. M, Clemenceau's speech was brief. Hcjr Reuner, in replying, claimed that all tho territories of Austria-Hungary were equally responsible in bearing tho dreadful inheritance of the war. What ho termed "the horrible crime of 1914" wae xcommitted by the Hapsburgs and Hohenzollerns, and not by the people. Nevertheless, tho present Government recognised that it must liquidato tho costs, and was ready to assume its liabilities in common with all States of tho Austrian Empire. He trusted the world's conscience would not deny the Austrians self-determination, nor bring about ceonomio ruin.

During the last six months, said Herr Rennep, the people had suffered worse deprivations than during .he war. Mr. Hoov-. er's relief only saved downright starvation. During this terriblo period tho peoplo had shown discipline and patient endurance. They recognised that their fate was in tho hands of tho Allies, and ho asked for a just and democratic peace. The.y would accept whatever terms tho Allies imposed, but they asked for a peace to ensure them a national, political, and economic existence. Their foremost aim would be to play a part in the League of- Nations' noblo task in the cause of universal peace.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.

BLACK FLAG HOISTED IN VIENNA THREE DAYS' MOURNING ORDERED (Rec. June 9, 11.-15 p.m.) Paris, Juno. 4. The black flag was-hoisted on the public buildings nt Vienna for three days. National mourning was ordered. The newspapers declaro that the. terms woro unacceptable.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.

THE FIUME SETTLEMENT

Paris, June 8. Tho Fiumc problem has been settled in general conformity with Colonol Houso's plan. Finmo and extensive territory around it will becomo a freo city, under tho League of Nations. Zara and "tho strategic islands aro to bo given to Itnly; and SoLenico and Dalmatia will bo given to the Jugo-Slavs.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.