THE NEW TERMS.

Otaki Mail, 24 February 1919, Page 2

THE NEW TERMS.

ERZBERGER’S EFFORTS. TO MODIFY”ARMISTICE. GERMANY MUST RETAIN HONOUR. London, February 18. According to a German wireless report, Herr Erzberger, in a speech at Weimar,- announced the result of the Treves armistice mission.. He described his futile efforts to secure an extension of timo and the elimination of conditions. He said. Marshal Foch promised to intervene for the protection of tho Germans in the East, and also declared positively that tho measures in Poland wcie without- political significance. Ho promised to submit a demand for the release of German prisoners to tho Supreme War Council.

Kerr Erzberger concluded: “I signed the agreement on the Government’s instructions, after handing bn a note of protest: Tho world knows that Germany does not wish for and cannot conduct a fresh war: but though it is pos-, sible to render us defenceless, we must not be without honour.” The House adjourned, the President declaring that the entire nation had a full apprehension of tho armistice agreement and its results.

GERMANY’S SHIPS. REFUSAL TO HAND OVER. FINANCIAL TREATY DEMANDED. London, February 18. • German wireless report announces that Germany refuses to transfer her merchant fleet until a financial treaty rs concluded in accordance with the understanding reached at Spa, where Germany pointed out that the shipping question wqs indissolubly bound up with finance. The message adds: “It is the solemn duty of the Government not. to place the merchantmen under foreign control until German’s food supply, which is the ruling consideration for surrender, is assured.”

WHO SHALL SIGN PEACE? THE BRITISH PLENIPOTENTIARIES. ‘ London, February 20 Replying in the House of Commons to a request for tho names of the plenipotentiaries actually empowered to agree on behalf of Groat Britain to the peace terms, Mr Bonar Law replied: “The Premier, myself, Mr Balfour, Mr Barnes, and one representative of the Dominions.” He also stated that the Government possessed a list of the chief culprits in connection with the.’lb treatment of British prisoners, but i. O r J phasised that action could only be taken in conjunction with the Allies.