THE PEACE CONFERENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 March 1919, Page 3

THE PEACE CONFERENCE.

•AUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION] LLOYD GEORGE WANTED. PARIS, March 18. Mr. Wilson, M. Clemenceau., and M. Orlando, in a letter to Hon. Lloyd George, asked him to postone his return to Britain for a' fortnight in view of the early peace settlement, at which Lloyd George’s presence was absolutely essential. The signatories realise the urgency of the Premier’s presence in England, but contend a world settlement at this stage, is all important. Hon. Lloyd George has decided to submit the letter to Cabinet.

WILL REMAIN IN PARIS. (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) PARIS, March 19. Probably Hon. Lloyd George will remain as requested.

NEUTRAL’S ATTITUDE

PARIS, March 18

Holland, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden have asked the sub-Committee of the Peace Conference to grant neutrals larger representation on the League of Nations; otherwise they are willing to accept the plan.

BRITAIN’S DEMAND ON GERMANY

LONDON, March 18,

Answering a question in the Commons, Hon. Bonar Law said the Committee on wealth of Germany, of which Mr Hughes of Australia is Chairman, had reported confidentially to Cabinet. The report was not intended for publication. Britain intended to ask Germany to pay the full bill, and if unable to do so at present, a payment will be demanded on account.

NEARING THE END.

(Received This Day at 8.30 a..n.) N PARIS, March 18. Lord Robert Cecil states the inclusion of the League of Nations will not delay the Peace Treaty, which he expects to be signed in a fortnight.

RHINE NAVIGATION. (Received this day at 9.25 a.m.) PARIS, March 18

Switzerland was granted her Rhine navigation demands, upon insistence by Admiral Benson, who objected to the American occupation of Germany continuing indefinitely. The military 'terms of peace will be modified by the elimination of the clause providing for control of Germany’s armament for an indefinite period. Americans are anxious to return home as early as possible.

MANDATORY PROPOSALS. {Received This Day at 8.45 a.m.) PARIS, March IS

Probably the British proposals to form a special Mandates Commission will be adopted, the five Great Powers to have two representatives each, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Belgium and Portugal one each, whenever their interests are concerned. At least sixteen mandates will be given and in the event of the i inhabitants seeking absorption by the mandatory, the latter guarantees the territory acquired will not be fortified.

THE WATERWAYS. PARTS, March IS

The Waterways Commission recommends the internationalisation by France, Britain, Italy, Holland, Belgium, and Switzerland, in addition to the German States along the Rhine.

LORD CECIL’S STATEMENT. (Received This Dav at 10.35. a.m.) PARIS, March 18.

Lord Cecil in a statement to the press said the British Delegation have agreed that the League Covenant should he embodied in the Peace preliminaries.

Replying to criticism regarding the extent of Britain representatives on the League, Lord Cecil said the dominions properly desired representation, to bring matters forward in thenown interests, rather than have the British Government voice them.

MR HUGHES AND JAPAN. (Received This Day at 10.35. a.m.) NEW YORK, March 19.

The “Sun’s” Paris correspondent interviewed Mr Hughes, who stated that Australia cannot agree to the incorpora tion of principles of equality races in the League of Nations Covenant. Australia does not agree to the adoption of the principle of equality races in any other form by the Peace Conference. If there is a conflict of interests we will not deviate an inch from our expressed position on the Japanese question.

LLOYD GEORGE AT PARIS. (Received this dav at 12.25 p.m) LONDON, March 19

Hon Lloyd George has decided to remain in Paris until the Peace Treaty is completed.