THE PEACE CONFERENCE.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 23 January 1919, Page 2

THE PEACE CONFERENCE.

The momentuous conference which is to settle the political and economic future of Europe is now facing its supremely difficult task. Up to now it has been engaged chiefly with pre-^ liminaries, and the nature imjk some of these indicate the con^^ plexity of the issues which must arise as the discussions proceed. The voting power of the vario us participating States would of itself seem to present- an almost insoluble problem. There could,^ in fact, be no equitable allocation :i of votes between France and Siam, Italy and Costa Rica, the British Isles and Nicaragua,, but it will no doubt be found that the division of vgting strength among Allies is regarded as of less consequence than unanimity of 4 decision.

On some outstanding questions complete agreement will be easily reached, but on others conflicting interests are certain to emerge. Indelicate handling of the claims of Italy and the aspirations of the Jugoslavs could conceivably lead to a new war or sow seeds which might bring to Southern Europe another early harvest of death and destruction. On this phase\_of the settlement this week's news r is brighter than any we have had for a long time, it being reported that Italy has definitely accepted Anglo-American ideas of a democratic peace. It would be unduly optimistic to assume that this is the last we are to hear of rivalry between Italy and the Jugoslavs, but we can at least believe that the will of the Conference to reach a fair solution and its ability to compose differences will, in the end, overcome all obstacles.

So far as actual business is concerned the Congress ' has begun well by selecting M. Ciemenceau (Premier of France) for the presidency. Personally he is exceptionally qualified for the duty by his strength 7of character and his intimate knowledge of European politics, and nationally all the Allies will gladly accord the leading place to France, which suffered so long, which fought so heroically, and which stands to gain so much by the permanent settlement of all the troubles of Europe.