AT THE WORLD’S BAR

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10278, 13 May 1919, Page 5

AT THE WORLD’S BAR

GERMANS AT VERSAILLES

DELIVERY OF PEACE TERMS,

CLEMENCEAFS SPEECH

By Telegraph— Press Association— Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. PARIS, May 8.

With bitter memories of half a century ago, Versailles to-day witnessed the most memorable scene in its history, when the ancient enemy stood at the Bar of the nations of the world to receive tho terms imposed on the shattered Germanic Empire. The weather was fine, and the street leading to the Trainon Hotel was crowded with spectators, anxious to see the delegations of tho Allies. As tho latter arrived and left the Conference, they received ovations along the route. The scene had a simple setting withrin the great dining saloon of the hotel, with its green baize-coloured tables in the form oi a rectangle. At the head sat M. Clemenceau, with the American delegates on the right and the British on the left, and tue rest grouped at tho sides. Tho cross-table at the foot of the room was reserved for the Germans. Signor Orlando and Baron Sonnmo were cordially greeted as they entered. There was a moment of thrilling silence when an officer announced: “Messieurs les Pleuipoteniaires Alleraands/' (The German Plenipotentiaries.) . All the delegates stood as Count Brockdorif Kantzau and his fellowdelegates entered, accompanied by three officers. With the exception ot Herr Lausberg, a man of strong Prussian typo, the enemy delegates were pale, and Count Kantzau looked particularly haggard. Tile moment they were seated, M. Clemenceau rose, and, addressing the Gormans, said: “This is neithei the time nor the place for superfluous words. You have before you tne Plenipotentiaries of all tho small and great Cowers united to fight together in a war cruelly forced upon them. You nave asked for peace, and we are ready to give you the peace we present, to you for your consideration, and will do everything that civilised nations can do to aid your consideration. We must see that this second Treaty of Versailles, which has cost us so much, must secure lasting guarantees.” He then outlined the procedure and stated that German observations on the terms must be submitted in writing, to which the Supreme Council would reply. He added, that observations need not bo.kept until the period of fifteen days had elapsed, but could be sent to the Council as they nose, and the Council would give an immediate answer. He then asked if Ihe delegates had anything further to say. Count Rantzan, in a clear voice, said: “We are here to join in a sublime task—to give the world a • durable peace. The Germans are under no misconception as to their, defeat, or their want of power.' They had no power, and the German arms had broken when they realised the power of hatred they now encountered; and the vanquishers’ demand for the punishment of the guilty. But to confess that we are entirely responsible for the war would be a lie.” He admitted the former attitude of the German Government in the tragic twelve days of July. In the last fifty years, he said, imperialism had been poisonous, and the policy of retaliation and expansion had contributed to the illness of Europe which had showed its expression in the world war.

EANTZAU’S REMARKABLE SPEECH. “CYNICAL, ARROGANT, AND INSOLENT.” deceived May 12, 7.5 p.m.) PARIS, May 8. “We are ready,” he said, “to face any wrongs done, and do not wish to belittle the responsibility of the men- who made the war, political, economic, and military. We repeat the pledge made at the beginning of the war with regard to wrong done to Belgium, but Germany is not the only criminal. If you think of guilt and punishment, the measure of guilt can only be decided by a neutral commission, and we repeat our demand for such an inquest. In this Conference where iwe stand we are not quite without protection. You have shown no fine art yourselves. You took six weeks to fix tho Armistice terms, and six months to present the Peace terms. Hundreds of thousands have died of cold and hunger since November- through the blockade. Think of that when you think of guilt and punishment. Since November you have inscribed a peace of violence on your banner. In October we were prepared to accept peace on President Wilson’s terms. Tho Allies agreed to this basis. In this matter the conscience of the world is behind us. No nation could violate it without punishment. Tho task of reparation could not bo undertaken without our adversaries’ co-operation, and you cannot execute it without ns.”

.Reconstruction would possibly proceed rapidly if they had an understanding as to the best methods. Ho thought it wrong to utilise German war prisoners', as it would engender hatred among the people whose husbands and brothers were kept at penal work- Both victor and vanquished must take into account the danger of Germany succumbing under the burden with its incalculable consequences. He saw a hope in the solidarity of the League, of Nations only when its portals were thrown open to all nations. Then those who died in the war would not have died in vain. Count Bantzau concluded by urging such a peace as would not lead to future resistance.

The tone of the speech throughout was cynical, and at times arrogant and even insolent. The manner of it left a wrathful feeling among many listeners. “DEUTSCHLAND USER ALLES” ARROGANCE. United Service Telegram. {Received May 12, 8 p.m.) PARIS, May 9. Mr Keith Murdoch says:—Count Rantzau’s speech continues to affect tho situation. . I learn from the highest British source that the Council is united in its determination not to proceed with negotiations in such a spirit, which is interpreted as a display of

“Deutschland Über Alles” arrogance. When the British and American delegates expressed surprise at Rantzau’s extraordinary attitude, M. Clemeucoau replied: “Yes, you have never seen bullying Prussianism before, but wo have lived under its shadow's for

fifty years powerless and humiliated.” FURTHER INTERVIEW WITH MR MASSEY. LOOPHOLES OF ESCAPE FOR GERMANY. United Service Telcgrtim. (Received May 12, 8 p.m.) LONDON, May 8. Mr W. F. Massey, interviewed, said there were many flaws and defects in the Treaty, and too many risky experiments, giving Germany loopholes to evade their responsibilities. The reparation clauses were disappointing. They seemed to have been loosened at tho last moment. The net around the Kaiser had wide meshes. Evidently the legal view of the sanctity of the heads of States had prevailed. Tho display of aggressive arrogance of Germany’s military caste yesterday at Versailles should bo regarded as a warning. Count Rantzan forgot the ordinary courtesies, and spoke defiantly and rudely, only usings suavity when referring to President Wilson and the proletariats.

“MORE AS VICTOR THAN VANQUISHED.” STATEMENT BY SIR JOSEPH WARD.

PARIS, May ».

Sir Joseph Ward, in the course of an interview, said that Count Brockdortt Rantzau spoke more as a victor than as one vanquished, but obviously intended his Kpeecu for propaganda. Then* was no likelihood that the Allies would bleed Germany. A STUDIED POSE OF INDIFFERENCE. PARIS, May 7. Mr Keith Murdoch, referring to Count Rantzau’s attitude, says: “We learned' afterwards that the Germans used the studied pose of indifference from the moment the' French military car called at their hotels to bring them to the Conference Hall. Count Rantzau was smoking a cigarette When he reached the steps of the hall. He turned towards the privileged spectators, blew out a cloud of smoko, dropped the cigarette disdainfully, turned his back, and walked in.” RANTZAU’S NOTES.' ALLIES’ REPLY THERETO. Australian and N.Z. Coble Association. PARIS, May 10. Count Brockdorif Rantzan has presented two Notes to M. Clemenceau. The first states that tho demands are such as no people could bear. Tho second states that although Germany is required to sign a Treaty embodying the League of Nations, it is not invited to join the League; and asks in what circumstances Germany ■ can be invited to join.

The Allies’ reply to Count Rantzau s Notes states that the terms are framed with the constant thought of the principles upon which the Armistice and Peace negotiations were proposed. The Allies cannot admit any discussion upon thoir right to insist upon the terms substantially as drafted, but they will consider practical suggestions. The second Note is replied to by saying that the Covenant of the League of Nations explicitly provides for the admission of the enemy Powers.

“WITHOUT SPORTING INSTINCT.”

PARIS, May 9.. The American delegation describes Rantzau’s speech as “A crude dud,” sordid, typical of- a German without the sporting instinct; and on a level with Gennany’s behaviour during the war.

GERMAN DELEGATES TO RETURN TO WEIMAR.

OBJECTION TO EVERY CHAPTER OF TERMS.

PARIS, May 10. American correspondents in touch with the Germans say that the Germans have decided to leave for Weimar.

Count Rantzau has ordered all the Germans to bo ready to depart in for-ty-eight hours owing to the severity of the terms. Rantzau requested individual interviews with President Wilson, M. Clemenceau, and Mr Lloyd George, but they all refused. The delegation fakes a stand against every chapter of the terms. For instance, it demands an army of half a million, and describes the reparations as fabulously over-esti-mated. It reluses even to consider such new frontiers ns are proposed.

SIR JOSEPH WARD ON THE

TREATY,

PARIS, May 8.

Sir Joseph Ward, in an interview, said tho Treaty covered such gigantic areas that its length was not surprising. It was a great experiment, necessarily based on uncertainty, but it it prevented one great war it would confer inestimable benefits. The fact that Germany would he compelled to give up her ill-gotten territory would be coi'dially approved in all civilised countries, and it would act as a limitation upon her tending in tho direction of peace. The world demanded the punishment of the Kaiser. Sir Joseph Ward said he believed that the repatriation proposals would prove to be effective, and held that the financial burdens should fall on tho enemy, not on tho Allies. If the Samoans ultimately desired to join Now Zealand, the League of Nations would grant their wish.

A natra.lt an ana N.2. Cable Association. GERMAN PRESS THINK TERMS SHOULD BE REFUSED.

PARIS, May 9. The “Berliner Tagohlatt’a” correspondent at Versailles says the delegates were greatly depressed over tho terms, which are accounted the death sentence of Germany. Both Socialist and non-Socialist newspapers think tho terms should be refused.

DELAY IN RATIFICATION. OTTAWA. May 8 The Canadian Government has received advice from London that it is not expected that tne Pence Treaty will bo ratified and signed by the King until August Ist. U.S.A. AND BRITISH ARMIES TO REMAIN TWO YEARS IN GERMANY.

PARIS, May 6. Tho British and American armies of occupation are to remain in Germany for a period of two years.

ITALY' TO BE INCLUDED IN TREATY. Australian and N.Z. The Treaty was finally printed omitimfnetaifalian representatives will attend at Versailles to-mprrow, and the Treaty has been hastily reprinted. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received May 12, 10.10 p.m.) LONDON, May 11. The Paris “Matin” explains Italy’s absence from the defensive alliance between Britain, France and America, and says Signor Orlando was present at all the conversations but waited for the French to speak, while the french waited for Signor Orlando to express Ills wish to join. Tho result is regrettable, as the causes of misunderstanding are of the slightest.

EAST AFRICAN DISPOSAL

A PROTEST BY BELGIUM

PARIS, May 9

Belgium has protested against the British mandate in East Africa, on tho ground" that Belgium, at great cost and sacrifice, contributed to tho conquest and administration of a large portion of the territories.

BERLIN BUSINESS AGENTS READY TO DEPART.

BELIEVED TREATY WILL BE SIGNED.

Australian and N.Z. Cable Association,

(Received May 12, 8 p.m.) LONDON, May 7

The “Daily Express” Cologne correspondent learns that Berlin business agents have'their bags packed in readiness to return to England tho moment Peace is signed. It is beligved the. Treaty will bo signed if "The delegates can save their faces by appearing to negotiate instead of having to swallow the terms whole. The present German Government is undoubtedly shaky, and if it falls'.reactionaries will endeavour to secure control of the country. A period of anarchy will then be' inevitable, followed by a military coup d’etat, probably on monarchical lines, but without the Hohenzollerns. Prominent Germans declare that the ex-Kaiser will never again be tolerated, because he failed. INJUSTICE TO CHINA “MANCHESTER GUARDIAN’S” CRITICISM. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, May 6 (delayed). The “Manchester Guardian” says; “Tho Peace Conference has given Japan virtual domination over the Shantung Province, enabling her to secure a strong hold on the commerce and politics of North China. Apparently the Western Powers have not grasped the full significance of what .they have surrendered. ’ The Importance of the Chinese market will assert itself, and then the Western statesmen will bitterly regret the injustice to China and to themselves.” ~

HUNGARIAN BOLSHEVIK REPORT order Restored in army zone. Australian and N.Z; . Cable *'Association. LONDON, May 8. A Hungarian Bolshevik official message states that order has been restored within the army and throughout' the army zone. It admits withdrawals for the purpose of reorganisa-. tion.