THE PEACE CONFERENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 February 1919, Page 2

THE PEACE CONFERENCE.

rAUSTKALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION'] BIG TALK. „ ! STOCKHOLM, Feb. 12. M. Lituovieff, who is the virtual dictator in Petrograd, addressing the Petrograd Soviet on Jan. 28th, stigmatised the Peace Conference at Paris as a gathering of bankers, bourgeoisie, and bandits. He declared that the Prinkipo proposal was a ruse of the Allies to weaken the Soviet resistance to the Bolshevists. They would send representatives to Prinkipo only in order to force tlio Allies to unmask, but would not discontinue their offensive operations. THE ALLIES DEMANDS.

PARIS, February 13

The Australian Press representative states yesterday was one of the most fruitful, since the Conference opened. He believed that when the terms wer disclosed, they will he found not merely to insist- on complete fulfilment of previous demands, but will impose otheis which the Allied commanders consider essential for the national safety. If the Germans declare they must refer the terms they will do so explicitly knowing there can be no negotiations but that Germany as a defeated nation must accept. If she takes the latter course she will find the Allies prepared to give some help in her economic reconstruction and some relaxation of the blockade.

COMING TOGETHER. PARIS, Feb. 13

The American Peace Delegates do not oppose a reduction of the German Army, hut think a definite figure should be set. There is a: growing belief that certain differences of opinion between the Allies will he satisfactorily settled, laying the foundation for lifting the German blockade, and restoring the world to normal conditions. It is likely the Americans will abandon their proposals to continue the Peace Conference outside France on account of the tendency to delay the peace agreement. . .. It is understood the new armistice terms will he a great step forward, and clear the ground for a general and stable peace. As the drafting of the terms is a heavy task, they will not be ready before the end the of .next week, therforc the present armistice will bo renewed on Monday without a definite period.

FRANCE AND THE FRONTIER PRAIS, Feb. 13. Marshal Focli recently propounded a scheme to secure France against sudden German aggression. He desires that the Rhine ■ should become Germany's military frontier. France has no desire to control the territory lying betwene the Rhine and the political frontier beyond securing that it contains no forts, munition works, or military establishments, also that conscription should not he applied within the area. France’s insistent desire for complete security is also found in her latest endeavour to secure an amendment of the League of Nations draft. It is this which is believed to have caused the delay in the presentation of the scheme to the plenary conference. France wants some sort of international organisation, with full power to call out a great international force t-o check and punish any sudden aggression, but the inelastic constitution of the United States has cruise delay. The Americans could not give an off hand approval, though they are willing to bring the facts immediately before the Congress in the event of aggression, and ask Congress to decide whether armed forces of the Republic should hi l employed. The Drafting Committee is endeavouring to devise a clause covering the French desires and American reservations.

MR WILSON DEPARTS. BREST, Feb 15. President Wilson has departed on route to the United States. Ho announced that he would return at an early date. Tlie President said lie had been received and treated as a friend in •France. FRENCH DEMANDS. PARIS, Feb. 13. It is stated that France will demand at the Peae Conference the possession of the Saar Coal Basin and also the Rhineland. She will not ask for any further annexations of German territory. Although there are a million Germans in the Saar River Basin the French Government is positing out that tho great majority of them are German colonists and they were sent there by the German Government to oust the French.

WHAT GERMANY WANTS. BERNE, Ifcb. 13. Advices from Weimar, where the German Assembly is sitting, state that in tho Assembly, Chancellor Scheidiemann, in declaring the Government’s policy, said: that their task in the immediate future would be summed up under the following essential heads : Firstly: The maintenance of the unity of the State, liy means, of a strong Central authority. Secondly: The immediate conclusion of peace. Thirdly: Adherence to President Wilson’s programme.

Fourthly: The rejection of any peace of violence. Fifthly: The restoration of Germany’s colonies and territories.

Sixthly: The immediate repatriation of the German prisoners of war. Seventhly: Germany’s admission into tho League of Nations with equal rights to other powers. Eightly: General and reciprocal disarmament.

Ninthly: The constitution t>fi, general Arbitration Courts. Tenthly: The abolition of secret diplomacy.

WHAT GERMANY MAY J)0. BERLIN, Feb. 13. In an interview, Herr Schneidmaun. the newly elected German Chancellor said: The Entnte may conclude peace according to their interests, hut there is a- limit for Germany, and if it is passed she may break off relations. We would not take up arms again, but we would leave the consequences of our action for those who imagine they are able to bear them.

INDKMNITY WANTED. LONDON, Feb. 13. Mr Bonnr Law. announces the Government has definitely instructed its delegates to the indemnity Commission to claim war costs and damages. GERMAN PEACE DELEGATES. LONDON, Fob. 15. Herr Ebert states the .delegates to the. Peace Conference include David, Rantznu and Schueking. The expect to take a lively part, and not submit tamely to dictation. Their programme includes an international agreement protecting workmen, and compulsory arbitration between peoples whereby direct negotiation fails.