WAR CRIMINALS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 107, 30 January 1920, Page 7

WAR CRIMINALS

GERMANS ASK ALLIES TO FORGO DEMAND SUGGESTED TRIAL BY GERMAN TRIBUNAL f. (By Telegraph-Press Association-Copyright Paris, January 28. A German Note has been received, again requesting the Allies to forgo their demand for tho surrender of war criminals, on tho ground that the surrender of many of the officials would produce internal, economic, and political difficulties. Germany is prepared herself, tho Note says, to try tho guilty persons, and suggests that the Allies should appoint a tier-man tribunal for the purpose. It is understood that the Allied reply will reject tho Note, pointing out that the surrender is laid down in the Peace Treaty, and must be implicitly complied with—Aus.-Jx.Z. Cable Assn. DEMAND FOR EX-KAISER ANOTHER REQUEST TO BE MADE TO HOLLAND. London, January 28. The "Daily Express" says the 'Allies' next move will bo' to request Holland to stato whether she is prepared to guarantee that tho Kaiser will be kept in Holland, so as to prevent his return to Germany, and an attempt to restore hi? fortunes—Aus.-N.K. Cable Assn. COMMENT IN FRENCH AND GERMAN PRESS.

(Rec. January 29, 8 p.m.) London, January 24. The Allies do not intend placidly to accent Holland's refusal, which synchronises with the announcement of the Ger-man-Dutch trade agreement, under which, in return for a loan of seventeen millions sterling, Holland receives valuable coal concessions and long-dated contracts, for purchase of produce. Although the Allies under no circumstances will use threats or unfriendly nressuro on Holland, they will emphasise their arguments before taking tho last resort of trying the Kaiser in his absence. An appeal to the League, of Nations is suggested.

French opinion is , resentful. The "Petit Journal" sarcastically refers to the-coincidence of the trade agreement, and savs:—"lt is truly singular to see tho Dutch Government welcoming and protecting the blood-thirsty madman who violated every rulo ofj'the' naguo Convention. The Allies considered plncinc tho Kaiser at tho head of the list presented to the German Government. This would bo possible if Holland argued that 'tho extradition treaties only authorised the removal of criminals to tho country of origin, but tho Dutch Note evades tho issue, and merely invokes the.right of asylum." Tho "Echo do Paris" suggests that the Allies should renuest Holland to undertake the per'manent internment of the ex-Kaiser and Crown Prince. Other journals advocate' the-.uso of economic pressure agaihst Holland.

(Roc. January 2,9, S p.m.) London, January 28. The Berlin Press is jubilant, fulsomcly complimenting Holland. Even the 'Torwaerts" writes:—"This smal land upright 'democratic country courageously refuses to how to tho victor. Will the* Entente rulers use - their overwhelming forces to eomnel Holland to dishonour.herself 1" —"Tim Times."