PEACE REJOICINGS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 237, 1 July 1919, Page 7

PEACE REJOICINGS

SCENES IN PARIS AND

LONDON

GREAT OVATION TO MR. LLOYD

GEORGE

THE TASK AHEAD ty Telesraph—Press Association—CoDTTiEhl Paris, June 27. Mr, Murdoch writes; "Great preparations were made in readiness for tho signing of peace. . The troops, including magnificently-mounted cavalry, had a final rehearsal for what the French nation regarded- as the noblest and most hopeful moment in all history. Tho city was beautifully decorated, there beiug an outburst of ilbwers and flags. All public places were en fete, and tho roadway to Versailles was like a rainbow of coloured ribbons. M. Clemeneeau was everywhere overseeing the decorations. The selection of tho Gorman delegates failed to please the French newspapers, which ask: 'Who are these people? Obscurities, nonentities, chosen in order not to impress the people's imaginations!' Wiser heads pointed out that Germany could not get anyone else to come to .Versailles, and, anyhow, tho signatures were completely binding. Von Haniel plaintively announced lie could not bo a signatory because his wife had telegraphed that she and her friends would never speak to him again.- The rough cobbler, Giesberts, backed out of signing at tho last moment, while Lcinei't'a courage was unequal to ,his_ notorious love of fame. Mueller,'one of the signatories, came to Paris in July, 1914, to tell the French Socialists that the German Socialist Party would never vote the war credit. He was then a humble personage; now he is Foreign Minister. Bell, the other signatory, is an obscure member of the Erzberger party. He was Minister of Colonies in Sclieidemann's Cabinet, and is now Minister of Railways.

"Spocial trains brought the greatest figures in tho war to Versailles to witness the signing. Theso included Sjr Douglas Haig, Sir David Beatty, Sir Henry Wilson, and others, who steadfastly refused to meet the Germans until the' Treaty had been signed and countersigned. ■ "The train bringing tho German delegates was four hours late, and arrived early on tho morning of the signing. French Demobilisation. "The French War Ofiico has prepared for demobilisation as soon as ever tho Treaty is signed. Everyono oyer thirty years of ago will bo demobilised. Tho general feeling is that though Germany 6igns the Treaty acknowledging the crime of 1914, and promising repentance, reparation, and amendment, complete demobilisation is stilt, impossible. Marshal Foch declares that, though the 1 Treaty be signed, France must not relax for an instant her survoillance. The Americans proposo to send troops homo at the rate of ten thousand men daily, but the watch on tho Rhino will be maintained. "President Wilson leaves immediately to catch a steamer at Brest for America. Tho Dominions' representatives depart on Sunday. Somo of tho British delegates will remain, in order to concludo minor negotiations. Typical Instance of Hun Mentality. "There was ti typical instance of German mentality when von Haniel demanded a copy of tho Treaty which tho delegates were going to nigp, in order to compare tho text. M, Clemeneeau replied that ho would not supply tho text, but gave formal assurance that the Treaty was the' sanio in word and substance as that which tho Germans had accepted."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. "THE DEBT HAS BEEN REDEEMED." (Eec.. June 30, 11.5 p.m.) Paris, June 29. ' Mr. Murdoch, describing the signing ceremony, says: "Tho German delegates, on entering, looked 1 pale and despairing. Their only desire was io get cliroug.ii with this task. .^ on , Mueller is a square-headed, fair-haired, .youngish Prussian, tall and slim. Bell is more perky, but thin, with quizzical eyes, and little of character in expression.

"Having taken their seats Jl. Clemeneeau rose and said: 'Messieurs our Allies and llioir associates and the Germans have agreed upon the terms of peace.' Then he ripped out, characteristically: "file debt has been redeemed. The signatures will ho given now. They amount to a solemn undertaking to execute faithfully and loyally all the conditions. "The interpreter translated M. Clemeneeau sis saying: 'German ■ Republic, 'No/ cried the old man, the German Iteichl'" „ , ~t, Mr. Murdoch'adds: "It is not Prances belief that Germany's Republican trappings are honest." _ Then came the signing. _ The Germans were conducted to the middle of the room, they penned the fateful words, and walkeil quickly back to their seats.Aus.rN.Z. Cable Assn, f

THE ONE IMPRESSIVE MOMENT

List op the signatories. London, June 28,

There was only one really impressive moment at the signing of the Treaty. As soon as M. Clemeneeau opened the sitting Herr Mueller and Herr Bell, accompanied by three others, were seen approaching from an ante-clminber. With quiet dignity the five Germans walked to their seats, pausing and bowing right and left several times. Jl. Clemeneeau invited tho Germans to sign, and said he hoped that tho signatures would be a guarantee to solemnly undertake and faithfully'carry out the Treaty. A few moments' stillness followed M. Cleinenceau's brief words. Then the Germans rose quietly and approached the table. Heir Mueller, who looked excessively pale, signed, aud he was followed . ay Herr Bell. When the Germans resumed their seats President Wilson, accompanied by' Mi'Lansing, Colonel House, and Uenefal Bliss, signed. Then followed the British delegates—-Mr. Lloyd Geoigo, Jli. Bonar Law, Mr. Balfour, Lord Jlilner, and Mr. Barnes. "When tho British Ministers had signed, the Hon. (J.. J. Dohertv and the Hon. A. L. SeftpJi (Canada), Mr. AV. ■ Jl. Hughes and Sir Joseph Cook (Australia), Jlr. W. !'■ Massey (New Zea.aud), General Botlm and General Smuts (South Africa) and the Jlaharajah of Bikam-r formed the second group, immediately after the British Ministers: When they had retired M. Clemeneeau, Jl. Pichon, Jl. Kioto, M. Tardieu, and M. Carnbon signed for Eranco, then Baron Sonnino and Signor Crespi for Italy, Mnrquis Faionji, Baron Jlakino, Viscount Ghinda, and Count Matsui for Japan. Tho delegates representing tho small States signed in alphabetical order, and within fifty minutes the ceremony was over. Jl. Clemence.tu then declared that I he Treaty between the Allied and Asso. ciated Powers and Germany was now signed, and closed the sitting.—Aus.-N.h. Cable Assn. GENERAL PROTEST (Rec June 30, 7.30 p.m,) Paris, June 28. General Smuts signed tho Treaty under protest, because, he says, the Treaty does not achieve a real peace winch tho lidlions desire. • There are also, he fays, le'-ritorial matters which lie considers need revision. Punishments are foreshadowed which might bo allowed to pass into oblivion, ,and. indemnities are stipulated which can only be gravely _ injurious to an industrial revival in Luiope. —Renter. THE CHINESE - PROTEST (Roc. June 30, 8.35 p.m.) London, June 28. The Chinese delegation has issued n Note resetting its inability to sign tho Treaty. They regret taking this course, which appeals to mar (ho solidarity of tho Allies, but they have no other honourable course to pursue, the Conference having denied China justice, 'but she submits her case to the impartial judgment of the world.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn