GETTING TO WORK.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 February 1919, Page 2

GETTING TO WORK.

ON CONSTITUTION QUESTIONS

GREAT SECRECY OBSERVED

lAUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION!

PARIS, Feb. 8

Mr Fraser states with the absence of two important figures, the Conference apparently enters on a quiet period, so far as publicity is concerned. Nevertheless, the remaining members of the Council are fully occupied examining the intricate territorial claims raised during the past fortnight, which the full Council will adjudicate on resuming. The various Committees also have heavy work to' get through, specially those in repatriation and enemy crimes. The latter has a: herculean task in the capacity of a grand jury. They have an immense amount of evidence to sift, establishing prime facie eases against the instigator, and criminal acts against the usages of war. Not the least difficult task is that of securing direct evidence against those in high places in enemy countries, fiom the great mass of evidence of all sorts accumulated during the war. The issues before the Repatriation Committee are better defined, because something like a reasonably accurate statement of the losses of the various countries devastated by the war is available. It is probable the Commission’s initial difficulty lies in the definition of the word “reparation” whether it is to count not merely • material damage through invasion and acts by sea and air, hut financial burden cast on countries sending armies abroad to fight on the battlefields of Europe. The strictest secrecy is maintained over the Commission's work. This has " been satisfied by the last league “Daily Mail” incident. It had an effect' on members of the Conference who previously showed signs of garrulity. The League of Nations of Commissions is scarcely less secretive. It had several well known schemes under consideration. It may be said that the plan which it develops will not belong to any nations. The scheme has been compost'd of the best features of all the various forecasts published as to the work. For instance we are told that the rules of warfare have been decided, which includes the abolition of poison gas, and tint bombardment of unfortified cities. It probably will be Tuesday before the draft is ready for submission to the preliminary session. Meanwhile certain clauses have been delegated to sub-Committees for classification.