SUPREME WAR COUNCIL

Hokitika Guardian, 11 February 1919, Page 2

SUPREME WAR COUNCIL

WHO IS TO RULE

VICTORS OR VANQUISHED

! AUSTRALIAN <6 N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION]

LONDON, Feb. 8,

Great interest centres in meetings the Supremo War Council. The renewal of the armistice is the chief question.

It is increasingly felt that Germany’s growing spirit of defiance calls for strong action. By a coincidence, the meeting of the War Council and the inauguration of the German National Assebmly at Weimar were simultaneous. Indeed the latter was a scene much more like a victorious than a' defeated combatant. Flags, bands and guns were used for decorating the surroundings and although Herr Ebert’s opening speech admitted that Germany had lost the war, he also called on the nations of the world to see justice done, and not allow the economic destruction of Germany .That, to some extent, is Germany’s case, but it explains little of Germany’s recent attitude of ignorance and ill will in arms against Poland. She categorically refused to obey the Allies request to cease hostilities. She did not fulfil the armistice conditions in important particulars, such as the handing over of merchant-ships, while all over the country the combatative spirit is manifesting itself, and German territorial claims are being advanced, when the demobilisation of the Allied Armies is being hastened. It is to tliis bravado that the War Council now addresses itself. The French, in particular, are urging the Peace Conference to devote less consideration to territorial problems, and more spirited action towards Germany.

SUPREME ECONOMIC COUNCIL. PARIS, Feb. 9.

It is officially announced that in the Supreme War Council, President Wilson moved:—That under present conditions, many questions not primarily of a military character, arising daily and which are bound to become of increasing importance as time passes, should be dealt with on behalf of America and the Allies by civilian representatives of their Governments experienced in such questions as finance, food, blockade, shipping, raw materials; and to accomplish this there shall be constituted at Paris a Supreme Economic Council to deal with them during the period of the armistice. The Council shall absorb or replace such other existing Allied bodies and their powers as may be determined. The Economic Council shall consist of not more than five representatives each to each interested Government.”

President Wilson also moved: “That there be added to the present Internatoinal Permanent Armistice Commission two Civilian Representatives of each Government, who will consult the Allies High Command but w r ho mayreport direct to the Economic Council. ,

The Allied Council lias approved ot Prseident Wilson’s Economic Council.

THE SUPREME WAR COUNCIL, (Received This Day at 8.30 a.iu.) PARIS, Feb. 10.

President Wilson’s motion in the Supreme War Council was carried without discussion.

There being a unanimous desire to co-ordinate all efforts in the economic sphere, the new representation on the Armistice Commission at Spa will in no way interfere with the High C-om-mand; but will work with the Supreme Council of Supply. It is believed the latter will be absorbed by the Economic Council.