THE PEACE TREATY

Hokitika Guardian, 16 May 1919, Page 2

THE PEACE TREATY

rAUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION WILL ENDORSE* THE TREATY. WASHINGTON, May 14. Opinion is veering in the direction that the United States will endorse the Treaty with Germany as the other nations are doing so as to reap an immediate benefit from trade relations, while the United States if it refuses will he

left behind. Whether the Senate ratifies the Treaty or not Congress will be able by the passage of a joint resolution to declare tho war with Germany ended, leaving the Treaty issues for settlement later. President Wilson’s congressional message cabled to the President of the Senate says he will be unable to return in time. GERMAN PROTESTS. PARIS, May 14. German notes protesting at the economic clauses state they will mean ruin to Germany; also objecting to the transfer of the Saar Valley to France, and Mahnedy to Belgium. These have been referred to the special Allied Committee. RANTZAU’S NOTES. PARIS, May 15. Count Rantzau, head of the German Peace Delegates has presented three Notes to the Allies. He repudiates Germany’s responsibilty to repay for the'Allied war losses. He disputes Germany’s guilt for the wav. . « Count Rantzau admits the responsibility for compensation for certain damage done in the war zone, but opposes the Saar proposals. He recognises France’s right to compensation for the destruction of the French coal mines. He asks for oral negotiations. He makes a minute examination of the cconomc effects of the Treaty and protests particularly against the territorial clauses. MARSHAL FOCH READY. PARIS, May 15. . Marshal Foch has returned to his headquarters where active preparations arc in progress for any contingencies. THE GERMAN ATTITUDE. (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, May 15.

The “Daily Chronicle’s” Berlin correspondent reports the whole press are enthusiastic over the National Assembly s practical unanimity. There * no doubt ! the withdrawal of German troops from Russia bad an important bearing on the situation. Count Rantzau formerly opposed the evacuation but changed liis attitude after seeing the terms. The withdrawal means practically peace with Russia, which will enable Lenin to con- ; centrrote against Roumania and Hungary and liberate Hindeuburg’s eighty thousand troops and has enormously strengthened the German determination to resist the peace terms. Protests ar 0 I pouring in from all parts and the workers are rallying under the cry of slavery. The Government’s position is greatly strengthened.

READY WITH THE SCREW. (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) PARIS, May 15. It is announced that arrangements have been completed for a renewal of a close blockade, in the event if Germany refusing to sign. Meanwhile temporary relaxations have been made.