THE PEACE CONFERENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 January 1919, Page 2

THE PEACE CONFERENCE.

TAUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION] THE BRITISH PROPOSAL. LONDON, Jan 22.

It is understod Mr Lloyd George did not propose than Lenin and Trotsky should sit at the Peace Conference, but that all sections of Russian opinion should be invited to Paris to express their views.

The “Daily Chronicle’s’’ diplomatic correspondent states that it' is believed that the policy of intervention in Russia is gaining ground. Lenin and: Trotsky are anxious for peace, in order to gain a breathing space in which to complete their plans for world conquest for the Bolshevists, on the principle of benevolent penetration. A FRENCH COMPLAINT. PARIS, Jan. 22. The “Paris Journal” makes a complaint that British action in Constantinople forestalls the Peace Conference. It says' Constantinople is General Dcsperey’s headquarters and Admiral Calthorpe’s step appears to be a questionable anticipation of events. France seriously objects to an international regime in Turkey. The Conference should not find itself confronted by the fault of an accomplice. The “Echo de Paris” says while Turkish interests in Britain and France arc identical, the fact reinains that Turkey has been regarded as a sort of French colony.

ONLY COURSE OPEN

LONDON; January 25

Diplomatic correspondents declare that there practically was no other course open for the Peace Conference 'than to support President Wilson’s view that the Bolsheviks should be consulted.

They assert that conditions in Russia are appalling stating the nationalisation of women and other features o ! Bolsheviks rule pointed to organised depravity. The Princes Island in the Sea of Marmora has been chosen with a view of prevent the Bolsheviks from coming for fear that otherwise they would have an opportunity for spreading their propaganda.

BOLSHEVIK DELEGATES. LONDON, January 25

Mr Murdoch states: Regarding the Russian position, it is clear that the Bolsheviks will send delegates to the Sea of Marmora Conference. The Con ference has decided to hold any party blameworthy which makes the Marrnor i Conference abortive.

The Allies are prepared to recognise Bolshevists. This is on consideration that they "prove a “stable Government and cease terrorising. The Bolshevists have already offered to repay' loans. The Allies may seek the election of constituent assembly. Anyway he adds, a conciliatory spirit will' mark the Marmora conference.

WAR SACRIFICES SUGGESTED LONDON, January 25.

The “Morning Post’s’’ Paris correspondent says that there is a strong feeling in many quarters that it would have been better to regulate the ad mis sions of the nations representatives to the Conference according to actual sac) i res. There arc already some complaints at the excessive number of the British dominions representation from quarter not bowed down by a heavy death roll. The number of Australian Canadian and New Zealand graves in France and Flanders is sufficient to rest the right of these dominions to sit with England and France.

SIR JOSEPH WARD. PARIS, January 21 Sir Joseph Ward will attend to-mor-row's sitting of the Peace Conference as a British representative. SOCIALISTS AND PEACE. BERNE, Jan. 25. .Mr Arthur Henderson stated that Mr Lloyd George had informed him that the Peace Conference would. receive a delegation from the International Socialist Conference. ALLIED INTIMATION. ■LONDON, January 24. The Allies have agreed to send a general wireless throughout- the world stating that any parties using armed force to gain territory whose possession is subject to the Peace Conference’s dec ; - sion are gravely prejudicing then .claims.. DISTRIBUTION OF INDEMNITY PARIS, Jan. 23. .Mr Eraser states America favours securing the greatest indemnity possible, but prefers its distribution among the nations ,rather than to apportion it- to meet the individual losses.

“MORNING POST’S” OPINION. LONDON, Jan. 23 The “Morning Post” says:—There is the danger that the Conference won’t settle down to proper business before the glow of victory has departed. Moreover, the early departure of President Wilson is not calculated to speed up business, because he has not had enough time during his stay to solve most important problems. Probably only the previous resolutions as to the League of Nations will be passed meanwhile.

ATLANTIC CABLES. LONDON, Jan. 24. Mr A. Fisher and Sir T. Mekenzie had an interview with Rl. lion. A. Illingworth, Postmaster-General, pointing out the udgeney of restoring the so-called “Imperial cable” across the Atlantic, which has been interrupted for some months, as being necessary to facilitate the speedy despatch of Australian and New Zealand soldiers’ messages for securing remittances. They said the delay on the Pacific route was almost entirely due to Atlantic cable congestion.

The “Imperial” cable belonged.to Germany, and a British cruiser cut it near Fayal, in the Azores within four hours of the declaration of war. Later on the cable was mended, and connected with Nova Scotia and the British Isles. Franco took over the other German Atlantic cable, but thus far she has not attempted to use it. Business men in France and England demand that the two cables shall be letaiued permanently, eliminating all German control, from Atlantic ca bles •

The matter has been referred to the Peace Conference.