THE PEACE CONFERENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 March 1919, Page 2

THE PEACE CONFERENCE.

(AUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION] THE PRELIMINARY TREATY. | PARIS, March 20. , The revising body of the Leagdb is dealing with various amendments. It is hopeful that the new draft of the ( Covenant and the text of the prelim-1 inary peace treaty will be ready for the Germans by Match 29th. j CONTROL OF KIEL CANAL. \ PARIS, March 22. J President Wilson favouds the Kiel Canal being placed on the same footing as the Suez Canal, and it is believed that Messrs Lloyd George and Balfour support him in this view. SWITZERLAND’S NEUTRALITY PARIS, March 22. In connection with the League of Nations Covenant, Switzerland asks that her neutrality be safeguarded, regardless of any future war. This de- ] mand is made on the ground of her 1 geographical position. The demand will probably be conceded. ALLIES OCCUPYING HUNGARY COPENHAGEN, March 23. Count Karolyi the Premier of Hungary, lias issued a proclamation stating that his resignation has been tendered. He resigns as a protest against the Peace Conference action deciding to occupy almost the whole of Hungary and doubtless use it as a base for operations against the Russian Soviet Army. CHORUS OF CRITICISM. (Received this day at 9.25 a.m.) LONDON, March 14. There is a growing chorus of criticism at the so-called dilatoriness of the Peace Conference. Many newspapers complain of the days lost. It is asserted the revolution in Hungary proves the need of expediting peace.

THE PRELIMINARY TREATY. FURTHER PARTICULARS. (Received Thi= Dm? at 9.50. a.m.) LONDON, March 18. The ’’Manchester Guardian” says the consensus of opinion in British official quarters is that there will be three pieliminary treaties, the first dealing with naval and military matters, the second with territorial and the third' with repatriation and indemnities. The first will soon be ready for signature. The third is proving the most difficult, and probably will not be completed before June, when the first meeting of delegates of the Plenary Conference, will be held, _ probably at Brussels. It is expected the blockade of Germany will be finally lifted in June. Allied statesmen depart from Paris after the preliminary treaties are signed, leaving diplomatic officials to work out the details of the final peace, which will be completed towards the end of the year.