GERMAN ANGER

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10286, 22 May 1919, Page 5

GERMAN ANGER

SCHEIDEMANN’S LABOURED RHETORIC

IN DENUNCIATION OF PEACE

CONDITIONS.

By Telegraph—Prow Association— Copyright Reuter's Tolsffram. (Received May 21, 9.5 p.tn.) .LONDON, May 21. According to Berlin advices Hen Scheidemann, speaking at a meeting of the National Assembly in Berlin to discuss Peace terms, dramatically declared: “This is the turning point in the life of the German people. We must stand together. We have no duty other than to keep the nation alive. Germany pursues no nationalistic dreams. There is no question ot piestigo or thirst for power. Lite—bale hie—is what we must save for Geimany to-day, when everyone reels a throttling hand at his throat. Herr Scheidemann spoke or Geimau disappointment at President V\ dson s attitude, and complained . at great length of the Peace conditions, which he declared, were such that no honest roan could sign, as they meant the strangling of Germany. He declared that the Vienna Government was standing with the Germans in paving the way to negotiations, not only tor themselves, but for the society of naHe’rr Scheidemann concluded: “The dignity of humanity is placed in yom hands. To preserve it wa* shall make more counter-proposals to the treaty, which the Government views as unacceptable. The voices of Italy, Blltain aild Franco are now heard protesting.” ' , , . , Th© ttlio© sneech was characterised fay laboured rhetoric, and was obviously addressed to the gallery. It was punctuated throughout with applause, and when the President declared the Treaty unacceptable the House rose to its feet and confirmed his words by tromendous applause, in which tho galleries participated. RESPONSIBILITY FOR WAR. ALLIED REPLY TO GERMAN REPRESENTATIONS. Australian and N.Z. Gable Association (Received May 21, 9.5 p.m.) V PARIS, May 20. A German Note, while admitting liability to make reparation in accordanc© with President Wilson’s ?\ote or JS’ovembor sth, disclaims liability for indemnity of Allied war losses. The Allied reply adheres to the claim, pointing out that President Wilson’s Note included reparation for damage arising from Germany’s aggression on land, air and sea. NO NEGOTIATIONS WITH WILSON.' STATEMENTS BY RANTZAU. ~BERLIN, May IS. Count Rantzau declares that nothing is further from his thoughts than an attempt at personal negotiations with President Wilson. BELGIUM AND ELAST AFRICAN MANDATE. _ (Received May 21, 5.5 p.m.) PARIS, May 13. The Belgians strongly protest against tho suggestion for the solution of the German East Africa question by which Belgium will receive a mandate over the portion occupied by Belgium arms, and point out that the solution contravenes the principle of placing large and small nations on an equal footing.

AUSTRIAN PEACE TERMS

SOME DIFFICULT PROBLEMS,

(Received May 21, 5.5 p.m.) PARIS,’May 13 (delayed). The Council of Four, in framing the Austrian terms, will probably have to endeavour to offer lenient conditions with a view to effecting the detachment of Austria and Germany. The financial situation in AustriaHungary in regard to the war debt is a difficult problem. The monarchy is so carved up into new States that repudiation must inevitably occur. It is certain the newly-created States will not be likely to shoulder any portion of the Austrian debt contracted during the war, though they may not bo unwilling to bear a just uortion of the debts contracted before the war. Any financial indemnity from what is left of the Austrian Empire seems out of the question, but she will have to comply with naval, military and air terms, which are similar to those imposed on Germany.