PEACE CONFERENCE.

Taihape Daily Times, 29 January 1919, Page 5

PEACE CONFERENCE.

UNRELIABLE RUSSIANS. „ BOLSHEVIK RELUCTANCE. PARIS, January 27.7 Mr. A. J. Fraser, Australian and New ZeaifSd Press Association correspondent, says that the fact that M. Eric icavfeiiua himself, while being an advocate of military intervention in Russia, declared that the Russians could not be trusted to fight the Bolsheviks, even with the support of Allied troops, had an effect on the Russian decision. Moreover, the Dominion representatives emphatically declined to send any -fof their troops to Russia, It is reported that the Bolsheviks somewhat reluctantly consented to send delegates to the Sea of Marmora, RECOGNITION OF BOLSHEVIKS. HAVING A BAD EFFECT. Received 9.10 a.m. LONDON, Januar> 27. The “Morning Post’s” Archangel correspondent says the Governor-Gen-eral has rightly forbidden the publication of the text of Mr. Wilson’s proposal of a conference with the Bolsheviks, adopted by the Paris Conference, owing to the fear of its effects on the Russian population. Russian military elements oppose the proposal, describing it as an abandonment of ■Lisaa to the Bolsheviks by Mr. WilThey threaten to rejoin the Siberian army if the Allies leave Archangel. The position of the Bolsheviks is strengthened by the Conference invitation’, which encourages them to believe the Allies are yielding. Strong Bolshevik attacks occurred 275 miles south-eastward of Archangel, on a front mainly held by Americans. Eighteen hundred shells have fallen on our lines with a result yet unknown f THE CONFERENCE AND RUSSIA. ' LONDON, January 26. Tchitcher, in the Russian People’s Commission, wirelessed to the newspaper “Le Populairo, ” begging exact information as to the reference to the improbable story of the intention- to get the powers to confer with the Russian Government. He says a meeting on a' solitary island will make true publicity, impossible,. but a territorial arrangement might be tjtraght about if the conference with e Russian Government were conducted by arbitration through a third Power. It was impossible to stop the fighting.

INTERNATIONALISATION. *

OF RIVERS-AND RAILWACS,

PARIS, January 27,

Mr. A. J. Fraser, Australian and New Zealand Press Association correspondent, says that possibly the Rhine, Danube, Vistula, Scheldt, Struma, Congo, and Amazon will all come under the control of the League of Nations, likewise the Berlin to Bagdad, Cape to Cairo, and Siberian railways, as well as the shorter lines serving the Balkan countries. Possibly the Dardanelles and Mesopotamia will also ho subject to international control.

BRITAIN SUPPORTS JAPAN'S

CLAIMS,

A SECRET TREATY,

Received 9.45 a.m

PARIS, January 28,

It is understood Britain supports Japan’s claims to the Marshall and Caroline Islands, and Japan supports Australia’s claims to the other islands.

WASHINGTON, January 28.

The disclosure of a Japanese and firitish secret treaty, alloting the Marhalls and Carolines to thfe Japanese, surprised American opinion. It is understood Mr, Wilson intends to make counter proposals for the internationalisation of the Pacific Islands,

DIPLOMATIC TRIUMPH FOR LENIN.

Received 9.15 a.m.

LONDON, January 27,

The Morning Post’s special Paris correspondent states practically the whole of France regards the invitation to the Bolsheviks 2s a diplomatic triumph for Lenin, who will demand the resumption of diplomatic relations with the Mliesf particularly London, and thus enable Litvinoff to resume his activities in South Wales and Clyde.

AUSTRALIANS WON THEIR ** RIGHTS.

TO PACIFIC ISLANDS,

Received 10.25 a.m

LONDON, January 27.

Mfe Hughes’ speech, stating the Australians had won their rights respecting the Pacific Islands, is attracting widespread attention.

NO CONFERENCE WANTED. WITH BOLSHEVIKS Received 9. 15 a.m. PARIS, January 27.

It is known here that the Omsk and Archangel Governments decline" any conference with the Bolsheviks.

FRENCH APPRECIATION OF DOMINION’S EFFORTS

Received 9,15 a.m.

LONDON, January 27

The Daily Telegraph’s Paris correspondent, apropos of the Australians and New Zealanders claim in the Pacific, says the French Government has full admiration for the Dominions’ exertions during the war, and is anxious to show its appreciation thereof. M. Clcmeneeau is on the most cordial terms with the Dominions’ Ministers, and is tall smiles to them.

LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

AN IMPORTANT CONCESSION,

NEW YORK, January 26

The Paris correspondent states that the British conceded a most important point in America’s plan for a League of Nations, namely, the constitution of a central administrative body, sitting continuously, and composed of one representative from each great Power and a limited number of representatives- nominated by groups of smaller nations. The French only are still undecided concerning the acceptance of certain minor phases of the plan.

MONTENEGRIN KING’S VIEWS,

PARIS, January 26

The United Press interviewed Tving Nicholas of Montenegro, at Paris. He said: “Smaller nations should enjoy the same rights of self-determination as larger nations. Serbia is attempting to forcibly..;annex Montenegro. I am anxious to see Montenegro’s future assured under President Wilson’s principles, even if it results in my abdication. I urged the Montenegrins not to oppose the Serbians, and so avoid * further shedding of blood.”' The United Press interviewed Mr. Henderson at Berne. He declared that the International Congress of Labour hopes the peace delegates will endorse the following programme: . League of Nations, including Germany; international labour charter, securing compulsory military service; general disarmament and the prohibition of the manufacture of war materials, except by international control; exclusively moral intervention in Russian affairs.