THE RETURN FROM PARIS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 238, 2 July 1919, Page 7

THE RETURN FROM PARIS

GREAT WELCOME TO MR. LLOYD GEORGE ENTHUSIASM IN HOUSE OF COMMONS SPEECH BY THE PRIME MINISTER By'Tclosraph—Press AssueiaUon-Copyrljhl (Rec. July 1, 9.5 p.m.) London, June 30. Mr. Lloyd George and ill-. Boiwv Lav; were accorded a great ovation on appearing in the House of Commons, members singing "God Save the King," and cheering heartily. Mr. Lloyd George will explain tlio Peace Treaty on Thursday, and introduce tho Ratification Bill. Hundreds of congratulatory messages reached him from all parts, including lord mayors, mayors, and public bodies. Whilo ilr. Lloyd George was proceeding from Downing Street iu his car to Parliament he was surrounded by a vast cheering crowd. Cheers resounded inside the House for several minutes, the occupants of the public galleries joining in, and singing "God Save tho King." Sir Georgo Maclean welcomed tho Premier on liis return, after as arduous and responsible duties as ever were undertaken by any British Minister.

Mr. Lloyd Georgo agreed that it had been an anxious time, owing to the gigantic interests involved, and lest any failing on his part should prejudice ttie country. The Treaty was tho most comprehensive and most far-reaching document ever concluded as regards the number of signatories and the future of the territories affected. Great and promising experiments were embodied in the Treaty, and calculated to alter the whole character of the world's affairs and give a now turn .to tho destinies of mankind. —Auß.-N.sj. Cable Assn.

TRIBUTE TO MR. MASSEY HIGH SERVICE FOR STATE AMD EMPIRE ' London, June 30. Official.—Referring to Mr. Massey's departure, the "Daily Mail" editorially says:—"Mr. W. P. Massey, Prime Minister of New Zealand, leaves Paris today _on h:« return to that fair, far Dominion. Ho departs with a creditable record of service for'the State and the Empire, as a member of the Imperial War Ca'binet, and as the New Zealand plenipotentiary at the Pcace Conference. Those who are acquainted with Mr. Massey's work in Paris will readily agree that few statesmen lia.vc rendered'better service to the Empire. His tenacity of purpose and sound common-sense have often maintained British interests when it would have been easier to have weakened on a principle and accepted less valuable results. That remarkable document, tho report of tne Commission on Responsibilities for AVar Crimes, bears the impress of his stern sense of justice and unswerving attachment to (he cause of the Empire. It is in 110 small measure due lo his statesmanlike acumen that Samoa will never again bo controlled by a foreign Power; and he has secured for New Zealand a share ■of the valuable phosphate island of Nauru, in the South Pacific. New Zealand and the Empire may be well satisfied with hvs work at the Peace Conference, and wo wish him God-speed."— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

AUSTRALIA AND THE TREATY

MR. HUGHES INTERVIEWED (Rec. July 1, 5.5 p.m.) London, Juno 30. Mr. W. M. Hughes (Federal Prime Minister), interviewed by the Australian Press Association, said that all men were asking themselves: Is this pence worthy of the great objects for which, tlio Allies fought, worthy of the great sacrifices made? Som» critics, notably General Smuts, condemn the Treaty as unjust to Germany. "I believe," 'said Mr. Hughes, "it Js unjust to the Allies, if to anvone. Does the Treaty safeguard the world against future German aggression? Germany's Na\y is destroyed; her mighty legions scattered, her generals in exile or disgrace, her great War Lord himself a fugitive, but 1 do not believo that Prussian militarism is dead. The best assurance for the world's peaco is not tho Versailles Treaty, but the alliance of Britain, America, iind France, under which the two former aro to bo pledged to assist Prance if Germany at-/ tacks her. I Relieve that Germany, despite her change in Government, is siill the same as the Germany of 1911. The financial clauses of tho Treaty are unsatisfactory. If asked whether Australia's share, of Germany's reparation would he substantial, I can only say 1 devoutly hope so. The solution regarding _ tho German possessions in the Pacific will enable Australia to ensure national safety, protect her economic interests, and maintain intact her policy of a White Australia."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE SOUTH AFRICAN DELEGATES. (Bee. July 1, 9.5 p.m.) London, Juno 30. General Botha will return to South Africa on Wednesday, and General Smuts at the end of July.—Aufi.-N.Z. Ca'blo Assn. • THE TREATTRATIFICATION . POSSIBLE OBSTACLES HINTED AT. New York, Jumo 30. Mr. Cyril Brown, tho. New York "World's" Berlin correspondent, says that a prominent leader of the Centre Party told a correspondent at Weimar that he knew positively that Japan would not ratify tho Peaco Treaty, Thus, if Hie United States Senate does not ratify the Treaty, it will not he binding, becmi.se tho Treaty only goes into effect when it is ratified by three Great Powers.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.