Peace Conference.

Taihape Daily Times, 16 January 1919, Page 5

Peace Conference.

BRITAIN AND BOLSHEVIKS.

STRONG COMMENT IN FRANCE.

PARIS, January 14

The “Humanitc’s” unauthorised announcement that divergencies exist between France and Britain regarding the admission of oßlshevik delegates to the Peace Conference has aroused intense interest and much comment. Opinion in France is strongly opposed to admitting the Bolsheviks.

NOT FOR PUBLICATION.

A DIPLOMATIC DOCUMENT,

LONDON, January~l4

The “Daily Chronicle’s” Paris correspondent states that there is much astonishment that the “Humanite,” despite strict censorship, is able to publish the text oi a diplomatic document showing that the British Government suggested to the Allies that all the Governments of Russia, including the Bolshevist, the various anti-Bol-shevist Governments, and all other Governments constituted by different Russian nationalities, be invited to stop hostilities, and arrange peace among themselves and send delegates to the Paris Peace Conference. M. Pichons’ reply was: “We cannot have any association with the representatives of blood-stained tyranny.”

NOT SENT TO AMERICANS,

WASHINGTON, January 14

The Department of State explained that a copy of the British memorandum on the question of Russia’s representation was not forwarded to the American representatives in Paris, as it was expected that similar proposals would be presented by the French authorities.

THE OPENING DAYS. LONDON, January 14. The French Government takes the view that the inter-Allied Conference should handle all large - Turnons without waiting for the full dress Peace Conference —for example, freedom of the seas, reduction of armaments, national seif-determination, anti also economic subjects like repatriation, trade, navigation, and transport. Sunday’s session of the War Council began at 2.30. The armistice discussion occupied three hours. Discussion of the Conference preliminaries lasted an hour. The Council will resume on Monday afternoon. Latest reports indicate that there was no difficulty in reaching h decision respecting the Russian Bolsheviks. A semi-official exchange revealed general agreement with M. Pic iron's standpoint. Among to-day’s topics will be the status of the British Dominions. It is not expected that any objection will bo taken to the British Government’s view thereanent. The censorship question also arises. SHADOW CREEPING OVER THE CONFERENCE.

HOW TO COMBAT BOLSHEVISM PARIS, January 14.

Mr. Murdoch, dealing with matters for discussion at the Peace Conference, says; Uppermost of the urgent prob lems is the situation in Russia and Poland. Its effect on Germany is clear; indeed, Bolshevism is casting a shadow which creeps over the whole Conference. Trotsky’s army is variously estimated at from 500,G0C to 800.000,and is marching westward. Though authorities differ regarding its size, none question its object, which aims at establishing Bolshevism in Germany and then creeping further on. The Conference will tackle tins question immediately, after the formal procedure is settled, as the most vital primary subject. Meanwhile, it can ho said that Britain never proposed recognition of Lenin’s Govcrment, but was, and is, still in favour of finding out what Lenin and other Russian Governments have to say about the future, and what they propose.

JAPAN TO BE ADMITTED LONDON, aJnuary 14. Mr. Murdoch writes: It has been finally decided to admit Japan to tbc Conference with full power. She will have five delegates with similar standing to her Western allies. LEAGUE OF NATIONS. REGARDED AS ESTABLISHED FACT. NEW' YORK, January 14. The United Press Paris correspondent states: The League of Nations can now bo considered as a virtually established fact, as M. Clemenccau, Mr. Lloyd George, and Signor Orlando are pledged to support President Wilson’s basic ideas regarding tbo league. Italy, Prance, England, and the United States solidly support the League.

BRITISH OCCUPY DUSSELDORF. BOLSHEVIKS APPARENTLY OUSTED. COPENHAGEN, January 13. It is reported that British troops have occupied Dusseldorf, where the Bolsheviks had seized power. The Mayor and 150 citizens of the town fled to escape imprisonment. The Bolshevist dictator is named Ochel, who, in pre-war days, carried out a typical German matrimonial agency and fled to Holland to avoid military service. The Poppaea of the movement is a Russian woman named Fcuerstein, who is an intermediary for the distribution of Russian Bolshevist money used to promote anarchy. Ochel and Peuerstoiu opened prison? 2nd loosed 170 criminals, who occupied the public station. The Town Guard, numbering 1500, which came into existence In November, is entirely Bolshevist in sympathy.