PEACE TREATY

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10279, 14 May 1919, Page 5

PEACE TREATY

NOTES FROM GERMAN DELEGATES ON QUESTIONS OF LABOUR AND WAR PRISONERS. By Telegraph-Press Association-Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received May 13, 9 p.m.) PARIS, May 11. Two further Notes have been received from the German delegates. One refers to the Labour Convention, and says the latter does not go far enough. The Note suggests more advanced proposals, and that a joint conference be held at Versailles to consider German counter-proposals. The other Note asks that German prisoners be repatriated immediately Peace is signed, and that they ba provided with adequate tood and clothes. The Notes are to be considered by the Council of Dour tomorrow. press criticism enforcement" of treaty. TOO MANY "BUTS." (Received May 13, 10 p.m.) * LONDON, May 8. The "Daily Mail," commenting on, the Peace Treaty, says: "Much depends on the full wording. There are Soo many 'its' and 'buts ' of which the Hnns are sure to make the fullest. w». There is a danger of the the Rhine reKion ceasing before Ger many completes payment Paper pro .hibrfion-ls not sufficient bu- the 'League of Nations, and above all the Close nnion of Britain, France and America, will be the real security for enforcing the Treaty."

WHAT SECURITY AFTER EVACUATION OF RHINEP

(Received May 13.10 P-m.) r LONDON, May 8. The "Daily Chronicle" says: The drastic arrangements for .disarmm* Germany give a fair chance ior a general voluntary disarmament, but it " problematical what security would remain after the evacuation of the Rhine. '

MILITARISM AN ENEMY EVERYWHERE.

(Received Mnv 13. 10 J m.) v LONDON, May 9. The "Dallv News" regards, the Treaty as the severest sentence ever imposed on a great nation. it « rightly so." says the hut instico and expediency demand that Oermanv should not be denied Jhe means of recovering her ""-"■£«* and legitimate prosperity. We cannot contemplate without alarm a ruined Germany. Nobody can <*omplain at the destruction of Prussianisra, but it should not be limited to Germany. Militarism is an enemy everywhere.

GERMAN ATTITUDE STAGEMANAGED.

(Received May :P.m.) ... • LONDON, May 8. Several newspapers point out that behind the German protestations and threats that they will not sign the Treaty there is much evidence that tno whole German attitude has been stagemanaged. ATTITUDE OF PROTEST. THROUGHOUT~THE WHOLE OF GERMANY. DESPERATB~STEPS MAY BE TAKEN. LONDON, May 12. Berlin reports state that the whole of Germany stands in an attitude of protest, and feeling hns reached such an intense pitch that there is prospect of desperate steps being taken, lno authorities, alive to the danger, have strengthened the Berlin garrison by 50,000 men, and are making an ettonto quell the "hotheads" who are urging the people to arm themselves; and resist foreign rule. The publication of Prince Lichnowsky's denunciation of the Peace Treaty on the eve of the Weimar meeting at which the terms will be examined, strengthened the hands of the extremists. Prince Lichnowsky says: 'We cannot, in any circumstances,- accept the proposals or allow ourselves to he stampeded by threats. The Peace terms mean permanent political and economic destruction. Ido not see any prospect of reaching an acceptable basis, and I regard tho breaking up of the Versailles.' Conference as the right tactics. "Our opponents need ponce as much as we do,- and certainly public opinion in enemy countries will spring round if tho negotiations fail, and there will be an early resumption of the Conference on a more advantageous basis. The Peace Treaty is a mockery of President Wilson's principles. The rupture of the negotiations cannot our food conditions much worse. BERLIN, May 12. Prince Lichnowsky emphatically declares that Germany should not sign the Peace Treaty unless with a view to an early war of revenge. Germans should also appeal to public opinion in the Allied countries .to overthrow the Governments and secure more moderate terms.

"WEAPONLESS. BUT STILL AT WAR."

MERE SIGNATURES WILL >NO'J. BRING PEACE.

LONDON, May VI. Herr Stampfer, editor of "V°rwaerts," has returned fro^„ Ver to Berlin. He says: ."We «0«K" peaco. but we found war. It is a frightful fact that though we aro weaponless we are still at war. Real peace can only he attained by negotiation, and our opponents will not negotiate. It is lunacy to believe that the putting of six German names to a piece of paper will bring peace. It will meroly he a new stage in th« world struggle." He urges the Government to refuse to sign, which will result in a ohort struggle that will bring destruc tion or salvation. "When we declare that wb will not sign we roust Btick to it. The enemy will only become alarmed by brutality when he is forced to develop it. We mustrforco him to occupy all Germany and make her a colony of the League. We can tost the enemy's units." GERMANY WILL SIGN. TREAT*. TO AVERT POLITTCAL CHAOS. LONDON. May -12. The Berlin correspondent of the "Daily News" states that in spite or

the storm of protests, it is definitely settled that Germany will sign the Treaty. • Herr ocheidemann told the Peace Committee that refusal to do so would mean political chaos. Iho correspondent says that the Weimar Assembly will undoubtedly confirm the Government's action. The counterproposals will not attempt the amendment of the Treaty, but will present an independent scheme. Acceptance of the terms will not involve acquie»eence »» them. next move of fjermansj. confidentllTawaited by ALLIES. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. The Allies are confidently waiting for the next move of the Germans. The rumour that they intended to withdraw from Versailles' is discredited. Tho clearance of the St. Gevmam Chateau and Museum has begun >n preparation for the meeting with the Austrians, who are expected on Sunday or Monday. Tho Serbians are now-prepared to accept a compromise regarding Fiume, but are still disputing over the Dalmatian Islands.'

DISSATISFACTION IN BRUSSELS.

AN IMPOSING DEMONSTRATION OF PROTEST.

BRUSSELS. May 12. A huge and imposing demonstration ■was made on Sunday in protest against the Peace terms failing to secure solid frontiers, independence, and restoration, and denying Belgian aspirations on the Scheldt and in respect to colonies. LABOUR BY WAR PRISONERS. Australian and N.Z. Cabin Associntlon. PARIS, May 12. The Allied Council decided to refer a German Note regarding labour by prisoners of war to Allied experts.

DISAPPOINTMENT OF GERMAN WORKERS.

Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received May 13, 7.45 p.m.) LONDON, May 12. In connection with the Peaoe Treaty, the workers are noticeably disappointed at the incompetence of the internation al proletariat,to prevent, Germany's destruction.

ITALY'S DEMANDS

EFFORTS TO REACH SETTLEMENT. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, May 12. The Paris correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph" says he is able to confirm the statement that Signor Orlando only returned on receipt of a message from Mr Lloyd George and M. Clemenceau, pledging the fulfilment of the Pact of London, upon which Italy could take her stand if President Wilson waa obdurate. Signor Orlando hopes that the abandonment of certain clauses in the Pact, interfering with the principle of nationality will result in President Wilson making some concessions regarding Fiume. PARIS, May 13.

. The Peace Delegation renewed .their attempts to reach a settlement 'of the Italian question. Colonel House (United States) is conferring with Baron Sonnino. AUSTRIAN TREATY "PRACTICALLY COMPLETE. PARIS, May 12. The Austrian Treaty is practically complete.' Italy will obtain the boundaries provided in the Treaty of London. THE IMPASSE CONTINUES. GREEK INTERESTS INVOLVED. (Received May 13, 7.5 p.m.) PARIS, May 12. The Italian impasse oontinues. Although the'Austrian delegates arrive on Wednesday, the question was not considered on Sunday. .If Italy stands by the Pact of London Greek interests will become involved. It is reported that M. Venizelos is uneasy. , KOREA BEEKB INDEPENDENCE Australian, and N.Z. Cabin Association. PARIS, May 12. A Korean petition, demanding independence, has been received.