THE PEACEE CONFERENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 January 1919, Page 2

THE PEACEE CONFERENCE.

french AND BOLSHEVIKS

MUCH HOSTILITY SHOWN

TAUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION’] PARIS. January 2.3.

It is understood that Mr Lloyd George wanted tho Russian eonver 1tions to occur at Paris. M. Clemenceau and M. Pichon abnered to their refusal to moot the Bolsheviks. President Wilson suggested that a middle course be adopted and this was done. Some French newspapers accept ihe f.- p.+lru of their demands that the 80l sheviks he prevented from spreading their propaganda. This view has influenced M. Clemenceau and M. Pichon. “Le Journal” considers the solution has very painfully impressed Frame. It considers Mr Lloyd George has ie;vlly inspired President Wilson’s suggestion, which may hide brutal facts under fine humanitarian phrases; bn* Franco sees in it a step whereby a policy which is vital to French interests has been abandoned. “La Figaro” says the solution is a perilous attempt to reconcile Bolshev'ks and anti-Bolsheviks and carries Wilson idea to extremes. “La Victorie” says we have invped the Lenin-Trotsky gang- to meet ns in order to please President Wilson. It is believed the British delogites have agreed to submit the German c lonics and other disputed territory to tho League of Nations. The United States will submit a p’an in connection with the League of Nations comprehending the total abandonment of tlio use of submarines as instruments of war and tile destruction of the existing submarines in tlie possession of all nations joining the League of Nations. v

RECOGNITION OF BOLSHEVIKS PARIS, January 25.

The Americans are confident that President Wilson's plan to meet Russians in the Sea. of Marmora is the wisest course and it probably will lead to the retrieving of an enormous debt du e by Russia under the old regime to people in Allied countries. Prince Lvoff, on the other hand, regards the recognition of the Bolsheviks as disastrous for him and Sazanoff. He declares the Omsk and Archangel Governments also, will never confer wuh the Bolsheviks.

. Ti,n best informed opinion in Paris is satisfied that the Bolshevik party is

growing stronger in Russia. It is drawing in many moderates and now holds out the probability of evolution of something like a stable Government. Princes Island has been chosen tecause it affords good accommodation. It is the main .holiday resort of the weal thy Turks. Poland will be represented by a delegation'at the Marmora Conference. The Poles have also received the assurance of full Allied support in the event of a Bolshevik attack on Poland.

NEW- .‘ZEALAND CASES. PARIS, January 25 Mr Murdoch says: Mr Lloyd George agrees with the opinion that to give separate representation to tho Dominions at tho Conference table inevitably involves their separate representation on the League of Nations. This principle has not yet been accepte 1 by the Imperial Cabinet, but Mr Llo.v 1 George’s support and Mr Hughes representation, backed by Sir R. Borden, General Botlia and Mr Massey seems to put the question beyond doubt. Tjie Cabinet to-day discussed New Zea land’s position.

Everybody -was sympathetic and it was unanimously resolved that Sir Joseph Ward should attend on Saturday as a British delegate ,though the other Dominions must in future take their turn thereon.

Mr Lloyd George explained the difficulties in securing any further Dominions representatives, but thought it possible to again press for a fifteenth delegate. He paid a tribute to New ■Zealand’s spencßd fight. He pointed out, however that Canada had eight millions of a population and Australia five millions whereas New Zealand has only one. Then New Zealand will have a full share in the Imperial Cabinet discussions and decisions which guided his policy . Furthermore. New Zealand was in a different position »»*on? Serbia, or even Roumania, for New Zealand’s case for Samoa would i.c hacked by the full delegation of a great empire • Mr Murdoch adds: The New Zealanders seem satisfied. Mr Massey thinks the work is ample for two ministers while' Sir Joseph Ward appears ready to remajn and throw himself into the work, especially the conimit.ee, work. Mr Massey joins the commission on the internationalising of waterways and ports. He maintains that the Pea -e Conference is greatly improving. One thing decided is that nontrils w ill not he invited to join the League, of Nations until its constitution las been determined.

THE COLONIAL QUESTION. PARIS, January 25. Mr Fraser states there is a possibility of the Colonial question coming nofore the Supreme War Council forthwith. There was a long debate on New Zealand representation. It is understood the British delegates consequently agreed that Sir Joseph Ward should have plea on their panel. Mr Hughes denies the statement pub lislied in London that he advocated the allocation of the islands north of the. Equator to Japan. That ivas a matter for the Conference’s decision. Heheld strongly for the allocation of islands south of the equator. They should go to Australia. On the latter point as to AustrJalM getting their colonies, it is beliotcd President Wilson is not entirely n ■cord with the colonial aspirations.

LARGE ARMIES NEEDED. LONDON, Jan. 26. The Conference lias decided that Britain and the United States Shall maintain largo armies in France for many months yet. Demobilisation will be ail international affair. The supremo command is to bo maintained till peato is signed.

CONFERENCE RESOLUTIONS.

TRIAL OF WAR GUILTY

PARIS, January 25.

Mr Fraser reports that the Plenary Conference met on Saturday afternoon Mr Hughes, Sir J. Cook, and .Mr Massey attended. Sir J. G. Ward occupied a sot on the British panel. There 'was submitted the series of

resolutions affirming the desirableness of establishing a. League of Nations Its object were 6ct out thus: Firstly—To promote international cooperation; to ensure the fulfilment of accepted obligations; and to provide a safeguard against war. Secondly that the League shall be an integral part of the General Peace Treaty, and shall be open to every < ivi—lised nation, which can bo relied on to promote its objects. Tliirdy—That the League shall meet and shall have a permanent organisation, and a Secretariat to carry on the business between the Conferences. Resolutions were also submitted creating a Commission to report on the responsibility of the authors of the war breaches of the law and customs of war, committed by the Central Powers and their Allies on land, an# sea and in the air; also to decide the degree of responsibility for these offences attaching to particular members of th* General Staffs, and nidividu -its, however highly placed. The Commission is aso to decide on the constitution and procedure of a tribunal appropriate to tho trial of these offences and any cognate matters. A second Commission will be appointed to inquire into international labour questions and to consider the means to secure common action regarding employment and to recommend a permanent agency to coiitinu© tho inquiry under the League of Nations. A third Commission wilT bo set up to report upon the international 10gime in ports, waterways and railways.

THE PLENARY CONFERENCE. LONDON, January 25. The Powers were in full agreement on the questions submitted to the Pleasitting of the Conference. They ai'e adopting the general practice that the powers which bore the brunt of tlu fighting should formulate an agreement upon a scheme anfl thus givo smaller nations the fullest time to debate in Conference. Therefore Mr Lloyd George spoke very briefly in submitting the League of Nations.

Such matters as the League and Labour Legislation will bo subsequent ly submtited to neutral nations. British proposals were drafted for a League by Lord Cecil ana Lord Ph'lain ore. It earned the highest commendation by President Wilson. Considerable progress has been mads on the question of. indemnities. It is understood President Wilsov. has agreed to the principle, but apart from tlie question of full-* costs. A reparation Commission has been asked’ for by Mr Hughes, which will deal with metlfods of payment of indemnity

There are now various commissions created and colonial delegates’ tint© i? filly occupied. Apart from duties on certain commissions, there is much concerning them to deal with ait other commissions by which ihey need to be consulted. WELCOMED IN AMERICA. NEW YORK, January 26. , The “New York Times’’ Washington correspondent says: Official circles Senators, and Congressmen generally warmly applaud the Peace Delegat is decision regarding a Conference with the Bolsheviks to deal with the Russian situation. Only a few Senators and Congressmen are opposed to any form of recognition of the Bolshevik Government. FRENCH PAPER’S VIEW. LONDON, January 20. Mr Fraser, the Austraian. pressman, writing from Paris says: “The Echo de Paris” comments that tlie Pacific Islands question 4 should not he diffic lit to reach a decision on. Australia and New Zealand spent millions of francs for the common cause. Th e paper fails to understand tho mentality of those who would prevent immediate acceptance of the colonial view, and declares Mr Lloyd George has long shared these views. Mr Hughes , and Mr Mass;y, made a just claim. The writer object to the League of Nations undertaking administration in the Pacific, as international administration always proved a failure.