PEACE TREATY

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 130, 26 February 1920, Page 5

PEACE TREATY

PROVISION FOR TRIAL OF WAR CRIMINALS

NO ALTERATION MADE

LEIPZIG SUGGESTED AS VENUE OF COURT (By Telegraph-Press Association-Copyright London, February 23. In the Houso of Commons, Mr. Bonar Law, in replying to Sir W. E. HumeWilliams, said that no alteration had been mado in tho provision in the Penco Treaty for the trial of the war criminals. He confirmed the announcement that the Allies had decided to postpone temporarily tho immediate execution of the provisions. He assured the Houso *hnt tho Allies intended to nialco certain that all evidence brought for tho prosecution was properly put before tho Court, and added that Leipzig had been suggested as the venue, of the Court—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter.

fArfcicle 228 of tho Peace Treaty stipulates: The German Government recognises the right of the Allied and Associated Powers to bring before military tribunals persons accused of having committed acts in violation of the laws and customs of war. Such .persons shall, if found guilty, be sentenced to punish-, monts laid down by law. This provision will apply notwithstanding any proceedinas or prosecution before a tribunal in Germany or in the territory of her Allies. The German Government shall hand over to the Allies and Associated Powers, or to such one of them as shall 6o reauest. all persons accused of having committed an act in violation of the laws and customs of war, who are specified either by namo or by tho rank, office, or employment which they held under the German authorities.] ! TRIAL BEING EXPEDITED. (Rec. February 25, 7.25 p.m.) Berlin, February 21.' Herr Schiffer is expediting tho trial of war criminals, which ho says is not due tn the Allies' dictation, but because Germany's sense of honour demands that tho guilty be punished. The evidence- of witnesses outside Germany will bo taken abroad. Alleged criminals not surrendering will be arrested—Aus.-N.Z. Cablq Assn. THE SENATeIdTHE TREATY LODGE SEEKING FINAL DECISION. Washington, February 2G. Senator Lodge has notified the Senate of his intention to call np the Treaty for final decision. Tile debate is expected to begin on February 2G—Aus.-N.Z, Cable Assn. REDUCTION OFciitMANARMY "TREATS ARRANGEMENTS GENERALLY ADHERED TO." (Rec. February 25, .7.25 p.m.) London, February 25. In tho House of Commons, replying to questions. Mr. Winston Churchill (Secretary of State for War) expressed tho opinion that the Treaty arrangements regarding the reduction of the German Army were being generally adhered to, but the whole subject had to be watched daily bv the Inter-Allied Commission, headed by Marshal Foch. He was confident tho Commission would safeguard the full execution of the Treaty. There had been hitherto no recalcitrancy on the part of the German Government, which was carrvme out to the best of its ability a great many clauses which must bo most obnoxious to it.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. REPARATION COMMISSION POINCARE'S APPOINTMENT AS CHAIRMAN. (Rec. February .25, 7.25 p.m.)

Paris, February 21. M. Poincare's appointment as chairman of t'no Reparations Commission has gratified public opinion, owing to his determination to 6ee the Treaty carried out.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

MOSLEM YIEWS ON THE CALIPHATE DEPUTATION TO SUPREME COUNCIL. London, February 24. A deputation of Moslems from India has readied Venice, and is journeying to London to lav the. Moslem views ou tho Caliphate before tho Supreme Council. Tho delegates claim to represent seventy millions of Indian Mussulmans. They etronßlv urge that the Turks should bo allowed to retain Constantinople, otherwise tliev forecast grave trouble in India. —"The Times."