ENEMY WAR CRIMINALS.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 February 1920, Page 2

ENEMY WAR CRIMINALS.

DIVERGENT OPINION

(By Electric Telegraph—Couyi ight.< LONDON, February 4. There is a. wide divergence of Allied opinion regarding the demands for the German war criminals. Japan refused to identify herself with any attempt to obtain the extraditions, and America refuses to participate, until the Senate has ratified the Peace Treaty. Italy forwarded only 29 names and even these were sent luke-warmly and hesitatingly. Belgium supplied 304 names, Poland 57, Roumaiita 45, Servia 4. The balance includes France 335, Bri. tain 87 mostly submariners.

BITTER GERMAN FELLING. BERLIN, February 5. • The reception of the “Black List” produced a crescent of protests wailings and threats. The general opinion is that the Government will go to pieces if it agrees to the Allies demand, and it is difficult to see where the new government would come from. A conservative'Government would mean defiance and the reopening of the war with a working class revolt in the country, whilst an extreme left Government would mean a Soviet regime and civil war. The “Vorwaerfcs” declares an overwhelming majority oppose the handing over. The “Tagehlatt” holds that the surrender of Prince Rupprecht of Bavaria is impossible. 'He is the idol of southern Germany and his name is in many men’s mouths as the future monarch of Germany. The ■‘tßeiijdh’d” ooiaiespondent says voluntary surrenders are most unlikely. Herr Noske in a violent interview with the “Daily Mail” correspondent declared the Allies vengeance out did Shylock’s. 'He would not order the soldiers to arrest -those wanted, because. .the trains oouveyong them to the frontier could never get there.

FRENCH DEMANDS. -.. PARIS, February 5. . Leading journal's demand stern measures to enforce the demands, including a prolongation of- th e occupation of the Rhineland, the reimposition of the blockade and stoppage of the repatriation of prisoners. A strong militarist tone in Paris.. M[.* Millerand informed the deputies that nothing vfould be allowed to interfere with the prosecution the Allies deiqapds. ' The latest from Berlin states Herr Noske in a proclamation, appeals to the people to preserve their dignity and not molest tbo Allies missions.

A GERMAN APOLOGY. (Received This Day at 8 a m.) PARIS, Feb. 0

The German Government has apologised for Von Leisner’s attitude, which was opposed to.his instruetons. Von Leisner had resigned and his action would be subject to official enquiry.

HOWLING WITH RAGE, (Iteeeived this day at 8 a.m.) BERLIN, Feb. 0

The newspapers greeted the publication of the. list of war criminals with a howl of rage. They demand the immediate convocation of the National Assembly, and call op Government to resist this last-, greatest indignity hpaped on stricken Germany.

The “Vorwaerts” compares the Entente’s note with tlie Austrian ultimatum, and says it was purposely worded so that compliance was impossible. Some complain that thp list was drawn up ig a frivolous manner, as it cop: tains the namo of dead including Haese. ler, Friez, Von Buelow, and Pen Ingerohl. ,

The Prussian Diet suspended its sitting as a formal token of members indignation at the Entente’s action. Herr Nosko as Minister of Defence, has issued an appeal to the public to remain dignified, and refrain from mo. testing foreign missions.

A SUGGESTION. (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) ' 'LONDON, Fob. 6. Sir Conan Doyle suggests a German judge should be added to the Allied tribunals trying the war criminals, find thus save Germany's facp an;] alleviate tlie present resentment;