THE PEACE CONFERENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 February 1919, Page 3

THE PEACE CONFERENCE.

! * AUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION german shuffling. I FRENCH FEARS. ! (Received This Day at noon.) LONDON, Feb. 10. i A reliable French statement regarding , the armistice position says the Srench military authorities regard it as serious l : that the German plenipotentarie's reI cently ignored. General Foch’s invita- ! tion to a meeting. Focli was compelled J to use threats. I The attitude of the German plenipoj tentaries during the last fortnight has | changed-. They formerly argued that it would bo in the Entente interests to enable Germany to remain a stable element of the European equilibrium. They now say that Germany will not accept terms implying a defeat, declaring 1 only Germany’s economic and domestic situation and failure to hear the Al-; .lies compelled her to cease lighting. The best reason exists for believing that Germany has concentrated eighteen divisions on the East front, keep-

iiig the others under arms on tho pretext of economic pressure. It is bejieyc.cl in the same quarter thaf, Germany has sufficient inateria) to arm three millions. The Allied military authorities consider the time has arrived to reduce Germany to sue!) a condition that she ivon't be able to resist the Allies' terms of peace whereas Germany aims at maintaining sufficient military strength tp enable her to resist unfavourable terms. Tlie French nation tyill support the Government in preventing Germany escaping the consequences of defeat. The French nation in this respect lias refused a compromise. The 'view 0? a competent British authority was obtained on t}ie fprego T ing French view. He confirmed it by adding that General Foch has made a somewhat serious aeefaration to tho Supreme Council. Fbch feels that the Germans are beginning to forgot they arc beaten. Jij addition to the winy in surrendering materia), Germany lias discontinued demobilising' whereas by de ; mobilising fast the Allies must facp the possibility of Geummy possessing more troops than themselves. The Supreme War Council has taken up the question of demobilisation. I'eeTinieal advisers favour the taking if additional measures to ensure being ihlo to dictate terms of peace