PEACE CONFERENCE.

Taihape Daily Times, 27 January 1919, Page 5

PEACE CONFERENCE.

PEACE CONFERENCE.

HEW, ’ZEALAND’S POSITION.

•/ PABIS, January 24. ' Mr A. J. Fraser, the Australian Press representative, states that there is'weiy possibility of the colonial qif&tion coming coming before the Supreme War CouncU to-morrow. T%ere was a long debate on New Zealand representation. ItJ is understood that the British delegates agreed to Sir Joseph Ward having a place in their panel. Mr W. M. Hughes, denies a statement published in London that lie advocated allocation of the islands north of the Equator to Japan. That, Jze says, is a matter for the conference to decide. He held strongly for the allocation of the islands south of the Equator to Australia. On the latter point it is believed President Wilson is not entirely in accord with colonial aspirations. The Council of the Powers to-day completed' the appointment of various commissions. Mr Hughes pressed for a Separation Commission. It is understood that General Botha joins the Polish Commission, while Lord Bohert Cecil and Sir Bobert Borden will be the British delegates to the Sea of Marmora. The Dominion representatives have lengthily discussed separate recognition in the League of Nations without yet reaching settlement. The colonial Premiers explained ' the Dominions Interests in regard to territorial ad-

HBbtoents and the German colonies IcTuring the afternoon session of the "conference. KEEPING UP THE STRENGTH PARIS. January 24. The Supreme Council decided to appoint a committee to inquire as to the strength of the forces necessary to be maintained on the western front, during the period of the armistice. The Allies agreed to the general use of ■wireless telegraphy throughout . the world. It was agreed that any parties ■using armed forces- to gain territory whose- possession is the subject of the Peace Conference' decision will gravely prejudice their claim. ALLIED ATTITUDE TOWARDS RUSSIA. VARIED PRESS OPINIONS. Received 10.15 a.m. W LONDON, January 25. The "Evening Paris correspondent states there is an understanding at the conference that if the Bolsheviks take up a defiant attitude towards the Allies armed intervention will be considered. The Allies must give active, military aid to Poland if tfae Bolsheviks advance. Foch has gone TO Poland in order to prepare for any contingency. If the Russian difficulty is arranged the signing of peace should come in May. Although there is some scepticism newspapers are generally hopeful of good results from the conference as to the Russian decision.

On the other hand the "Morning Post" bitterly attacks the proposals. The "Daily Telegraph" says it is a very questionable step, and places the whole conference in the ambigious position of initiating overtures with the Bolsheviks. The proposal is hazardous, because it gives small chances o# usefulness, violates ethical standards, and because it seems to exonerate the guilty. The "Daily News" says the French doctrine that it is the duty of United Europe to stamp out Bolshevism is precisely the argument used by the opponents to the French resolution. If .force is used in Russia it will'mean the ruin of the hopes of a League of Nations. DOMINIONS' STATESMEN'S ,-L MOVEMENTS., - *s> Received 10.10 a.m.

PARIS, January 24.

Mr. Hughes has been appointed chairman of the commission on repatriation. Mr. Borden, who was asked to serve on thei commission, is proceeding to Prince’s Island, and Botha is a member of the commission to Poland, A WORLD-WIDE CONFERENCE. TO TERRITORY GRABBING NATIONS. Received 9.15 a.m. LONDON, Jnauary 25. A world-wide message sent out hy the Powers at the Conference intimated that the Conference is deeply disturbed to hear inetances of armed force being used in many parts '0 Europe and the East to gain possession of territory. The message states those using force will create a presumption that they doubt tlm 'justice and validity of their claims, and indicate distrust in the Conference. If they expect justice they must refrain from and place their claims in the Conference’s hands. >

GERMANY'S COLONIES. THE CASE FOR THE DOMINIONS. Received 9.15 a.m. PARIS, January 24. Mr. Murdoch, writes, that Messrs. Hughes, Massey and Smuts were called before the conference to state their case against the neutralisation of the islands south of the equator and Southwest .Africa. There is no question of any German colony being returned, but America wishes the neutralisation of all except South-west Africa. The Dominions urged annexation, and are assured of French and Italian support. Lloyd George epitomised the British views, mentioning strategical claims of Australia, New Zealand and East Africa, and urged that these young democratic nations be given the greatest possible secwrity consonant with Justice, which in these cases is unchallenged. Mr. Hughes was then called to dea; with the Pacific. With the aid of a map of the Pacific, he stated the Australians' case, enforcing the strategical aspect. He said the Powers holding one group should hold all. for each group as a stepping stone was strategically connected. He declared the neutralisation of New Guinea was the same .as the neutralisation of Australia, for any Great Power controlling New Guinea controlled Australia. Australia could not have any great Power threatening her commanding position in the Pacific. General Smuts followed with a good case for South-west Africa, not claiming East Africa. Mr. Massey dealt with Samoa, declaring New Zealand would nfcver give it up to Germany. He protested against any foreign Power being posted strategically on the flank, even as mandatory under a League of Nations, in the island won by New Zealand's efforts.

DOMINION REPRESENTATION. GENERAL SYMPATHY FOR NEW I ZEALAND. [ PARIS, January 23. t Mr. Murdoch says Mr. Lloyd George • agrees with the decision that to give ! separate representation to the Domi- • nions' at the conference table inevitably involves separate representation on the League of Nations. This principle has not yet been accepted by the Imperial Cabinet, but Mr. Lloyd George's support and Mr. Hughes' representations, backed by Messrs. Borden, Botha, and Massey, seems to put the question beyond doubt. Cabinet to-day discussed the N'-w Zealanders' position. Everybody was sympathetic and unanimous that Sir Joseph Ward should attend on Saturday as a delegate, though other Demi- ! nion representatives must in future take their turn thereon. Mr. Lloyd ; George exxplained the difficulties in securing any Dominion's representation, ' but thought it possible to again press for a 15th delegate. He paid a tribute to New Zealand's splendid fights, and pointed out that Canada bad eight ill}- ' lions population,- and Australia S-.-e millions. Moreover, New Zealand 1 would have a full share in the I rope- ' rial Cabinet discussions and in th-? decisions which guided his policy. Fur theimore, New Zealand was in i different position from Liberia, or even Boumania, for New Zealand's case for Samoa would be backed by the full delegation of the great Empire. Mr. Murdoch adds that the New Zealanden- seemed satisfied. Mr. Massey thinks the work is ample for two Ministers. Sir Joseph Ward appears ready to remain and throw his heart to the work, especially the committee wor-i. Mr. Massey jo-ins the Ch/!';rniPsion on internationalising the waterways and ports, f,nd mentions that the Peace Cnoference is greatly improving Cue thins that has been decided is tbat neutrals '-nalJ not be Invited to join the League of Nations. The united ec-'stitution is •'oteimined regarding the Russian position, and declare it is clear that the Bolsheviks will their delegate to the Sea of Marmora eonirrence. The conference decided to hold any party blamworthy which mskes the Marrnq.?. conference abortive. The Alljes 3r? prepared to recognise the Bolsheviks if they prove a stable Government and cease tor rorising. The have already i offered to repay loans to the Allies and may seek the election of a constituent assembly. Anyway, a conciliatory spirit will mark the Marmora proceedings. INDEMNITIES .GENERALLY

FAVOURED. PARIS, January 24. Mr Fraser states that at Britain’s, instance the Powers are discussing the abolition of conscription and disarmament. It is clear that the enemy must disarm first. It is possible that to-day’s meeting of the Supreme War Council will deal with, the subject The Powers are anxious to complete the actual peace treaty at the earliest moment, in order to "effect demobilisation, and without awaiting settlement of the League of Nations’ proposal or the Russian situation. In reference, to the punishment of the Jvaiser the American view is less em-

phatie than the Allies The Americans ’ view is that the Kaiser’s punishment after trial should he less than if he remains in exile unpunished. Further, his punishment would remove the fundamental causes of the war. America favours securing the greatest indemnity possible, but prefers its distribution among the nations rather than being apportioned to meet individual losses. The Powers are in full agreement on the questions to be submitted to to-morrow’s plenary conference. They are adopting the general practice that the Powers which bore the brunt of the fighting should formulate and agree upon a scheme and thus giv - - the smaller nations the fillest tine to debate it in confer i ce, and therefore it is likely Mr Lloyd 'J-eorgo’s speaking will be of the briefest in submitting the League of Nations. Such a matter as the League and Labour Legislation will be subseqi:. ntly submitted to neutral nations The British proposals drafted for the League by Lord Cecil and Lord Philimore have earned the highest commendation by President Wilson, and considerable, progress has been made in the question of indemnities. It is undertood that President Wilson has agreed to the principle, apart from full costs.

The reparation commission .asked for by Mr. Hughes will deal with the estate method of payment. There arc now various commissions created, and the Colonial delegates’ time is fully occupied. Apart from the duties on certain commissions, there is much concerning them to deal with at other commissions, by which they need to be consulted. The Americans are confident that President Wilson’s plan "to meet the 4 Russians in the Sea of Marmora is the wisest course, and it will probably lead to retrieving the enormous debt due to the Allies. Prince Lvoff, on the other hand regards the recognition of the Bolsheviks as disastrous. : He. and Sazanoff declare that the Omsk and Archangel Governments will never confer with the Bolsheviks. Best informed opinion in Paris is satisfied that the Bolsheviks’ 1 party is groiwng stronger, and drawing in many moderates witn the probability of the evolution of something like a stable Government. Princes Island has been chosen because it affords good accommodation. It is the main holiday resort of wealthy Turks. Poland will bo represented by a delegation. The Poles have also received assurance of full Allied support in the event of a Bolshevik attack on Poland.

A LLOYD GEORGE TRIUMPH. Received 9.30 a.m. LONDON, aJnuary 23. The "Daily Express'/' Paris correspondent says Mr. Wilson evidently drafted the conference resolution, but it really v/as a great personal triumph for Lloyd George*, inasmuch as it was the principal suggestion in December which M. Pichon categorically declined. The conference has taken the British view, namely, that although the Soviet is no sort of government the A\lies approve, nevertheless, after fifteen months, its existence must be admittod. :

THE APPEASEMENT OF JAPAN,

Received 10.45 a.m

MONTREAL, January 24,

Lloyd George had a private talk with the Japanese peace delegates. It is suggested he is anxious to appease Japan and accede to her demands in the Pacific. The Japanese are under the impression the United States favours Australia’s demands regarding the islands. Not only Lloyd George but other British statesmen appear dissatisfied with Mr. Hughes’ statement that Australia must have the islands.

THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS’

CAPITAL.

Received 10.10 a.ra

•PARIS, January 24. M - Venizelos > suggests Constantinople as a capital for the League of Nations, being the pivotal poinq in Europe, Asia and Africa, and commands the most important strait,

LABOURS’ CLAIMS*

Received 10.10 a.m

LONDON, January 24 The Morning Post's Paris" correspondent states the Conference considers the Labour problem's on the 25th The Dominions will be given the right to present their own cases, but it is mol-e likely the Dominions will agree to be represented by the British case, seeing the Dominion Ministers participated in drawing it up The Dominions have already made progress regarding the coloured labour question. The Conference is hot to .attempt to standardise the hours and wages of labour.