THE PEACE CONFERENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 December 1918, Page 2

THE PEACE CONFERENCE.

["AUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION.J A COMPROMISE. NEW YORK, December 25. Mr David Lawrence, tlie “New York. Evening Post’s Paris correspondent who had been notaby close to President Willson cables: “My prediction is that the American Peace Delegation, will he inclined to look with disfaioui at any proposal for the distribution of th e surrendered German Fleet after amanner which will increase Britain naval strength to a disproportionate extent. It may be suggested, however, as a compromise that tlic German Fleetshall be dismantled and not sunk. FRANCE’S ATTITUDE. NEW YORK, December 24. The “New York Times” Paris correspoujd'ent isates lie lias interviewed, certain French statesmen regarding the problems of peace, and that in referring to wliat would bo done with the Gel man colonies, the statesmen said the French considered tho matter was exclusively, a British affair. France was prepared to agree unquestionably in any conclusion that Britain reached. He pointed out that the restoration or any of the colonies was not likely, outlie grounds the wishes of the British colonies. BRITAIN’S DECISION. LONDON December 25. The “Daily Express” states: The British War Cabinet has discussed Hie peace terms . It is understood that they arc unanimous on insisting at he conference that her colonies shall iot he returned to Germany. SPAIN AND C°vu’ER.ENCE. PARIS, Dec. 24. It is reported that the Spanish Premier will attend the Peace Conference, and that lie will urge the return by Britain of Gibraltar to Spain Spam is said to be willing to concede tlie port of Ceuta, on tlie Moroccan side of tne Straits, to Britain, in exchange as being of equal value strategically. THE DELEGATIONS. THE PROBABLE MEMBERS. NEW YORK. Dec. 20. The “New York Times” Paris correspondent states: Each power will have five delegates at the Peace, Conference. America’s delegates are already known. . , , The personnel of the other 1 owers delegations remains still uiidortermmeci. For France, M. Clemenceau, M. Pielion and Marshal Focli arc certain to bo included. M. Bourget is almost certain to be included, because of his authority on the international ai bitration law. . , M.M. Tardieu and Briand were also mentioned as French delegates. For Italy, Signori Orlando, Sonuino, and Diaz are regarded as certainties. Signori Giolitti and Marconi are mentioned as possible choices. • For Belgium M.M. Hynimans, \audorveld are certain and it is also certain that a member of the Catholic Belgian Party will he included. Roum a ilia’s chief representative will be M. Bratino, the new Premier. The spokesman for the Czechoslovak State will be M. Thebenes, who j will be accompanied bv M. Masyrik. i The other British delegates beside Messrs Lloyd George and Balfour are not yet decided on, but will be by the ■ elections. ; WILSON’S HOPEFUL STATEMENT.! NEW YORK, Dec. 26. I President Wilson, speaking on ’Xmas Eve at Cliaumont, where he was mot bv General Pershing, said that he had not found any difference of principle or of fundamental purposo among the Allied leaders with whom he was cooperating for the settlement of tho peace problems. “Tho world now knows,” he said, “that the nations that have fought are prepared to make peace upon tho basis of justice and righteousness. Any peace made must lie a people’s peace.” J