PEACE CONFERENCE.

Taihape Daily Times, 30 January 1919, Page 5

PEACE CONFERENCE.

I THE LEAGUE MOTION. I ME WILSON’S UNCONVINCING L eloquence. U CONFEBENOE WRANGLE THE DELEGATES. f LONDON, January 28. An official New Zealand message states that the New Zealand delegates attended the second plenary session of the Peace Conference, Mr Massey representing New Zealand and Sir Joseph Ward attending as a member of the British delegation. It was a brilliant scene when Mr Wilson, in a tense silence of concentrated and universal expectancy, set in serious motion his idealistic movement towards the creation of a League of Nations to end war for ever. The President’s statement was charmingly eloquent 'T)ut disappointingly unconvincing. Full value was given to every word and also to every omission, for the great assembly obviously realised that the argument was more an idealistic product of study than a substantial machine for remedying permanently human frailities. His most impressive point was impressively made, this being a solemn warning that the dele- . gaates were not representatives of |6overnments, but representatives of Btoples who wore surfeited with war, bade the Conference make a peace.

|F* ‘Tie League,” lie said, “must be the unslumbering eye of the nations.” He moved for the adoption of the proposal and the immediate appointment of a committee to prepare details. Mr. Lloyd George, in seconding, said that his personal sight of thff widespread devastation in Franco, land the acres of graves, bad convince him that it was time that a ■aner plan than organised slavfagery Kvas adopted for the settlement of The motion was supported by Italy, China, Poland, Belgium and the smialler Powers. Mr Hughes drew an assurance from M. Clemenceau that the delegates would have an opportunity, to discuss the completed scheme. The Conference later generated into a wrangle over the representation of ' the small States on the special cjfri missions, sometimes three delegates simultaneously raising a barrage of argument. The final procedure surprised many of the delegates, M. Clemenceau briskly including several undiscussed subjects in the resolution, which was carried, .only a few of the delegates voting. 4 t THE GERMAN COLONIES. THE DOMINIONS’ CLAIMS STATED Received 8 a.m. PARIS, January 28. During the discussion on the German colonies at the Supreme Council Messrs. Hughes, Botha, and Massey the claims of their respective Dominions, namely, New Guinea ►for Australia, Samoa for New Zealand, land South-west Africa for the Union. The question of the future of Southwest Africa, Togoland, and the Cameroons was discussed. Mr. Wilson explained his personal theory regarding a settlement of colonial questions, according to which the League of Nations would entrust the administration of these territories to mandatory states.

BRITAIN’S FULL WEIGHT BEHIND DOMINIONS.

Kceeivod 9.25 'a.m. , PARIS, January 28. Mr Fraser, states Mr. Wilson’s pre- ' dilection for the internationalisation of German Colonies is based rather upon Japan’s progress across the Pacific than from a desire to thwart the British acquisition of the Islands. A feeling exists that Britain made a secret agreement with Japan 1916 whereby the latter was to have possession of tht Marshalls and Carolines, and iconfining Japan’s 'influence north of the cqiiator. The full weight of the British delegation is behind the overseas claims. The whole question' will be settled without any reference to the Plenary Conference. While Britain is agreed upon the overseas’ demands, she is willing to accept the principle of placing Togoland, East Africa, and the Cameroons under the control of mandjatory powers, though other nations, notify Portugal and France, .do not agree.

GERMANY’S POSSESSION. t' AN AGREEMENT REACHED. & Received 8.5 a.m. LONDON, January 28 . The Daily Telegraph’s Paris correspondent states an agreement has been reached in such eases as Alsace-Lor-raine, German South West Africa and w Guinea. When there is no ques-

tion of return or of internationalisation of land it is agreed that the mineral and other wealth contained therein will bo held as a set set off against the general claim of the Allies for annexing the State in particular.

CONTROL OF TURKEY. OFFERED TO AMERICA. Received 9.50 a.m. LONDON, January 28. It is understood the United States has been offered, the control of Turkey, but no decisions of any character are reachable as yet. FINAL DECISION OF CONFERENOE. AWAITED WITH INTENSE INTEREST. Received 9.5 a.m. LONDON, January 28.

The fate of the German colonies has become the leading topic. The final decision of the Conference is awaited with the greatest interest. Newspapers are giving considerable space to Australia’s and New Zealand’s case for retention. It is mentioned when Mr. Wilson enquired bow much importance Australia attached to keeping New Guinea Mr. Hughes was able forthwith to produce Mr. Watts’ telegram showing Australian opinion was thoroughly aroused, leaving no doubt that Australia viewed the prospect of the islands reverting to Germany in any shape or form with the,greatest misgiving and disappointment. Two reasons are given for Mr. Wilsons hesitation in adopting the Australian and New Zealand standpoint. He sees something inconsistent between allowing the Empire to retain German possessions and allowig the subject populations a voice in deciding their own destiny. LONDON, January 29. It is understood the Wilson plan contemplates the appointment of single Powers as mandatories under the Peace League to undertake the administration of the colonies, for which they will be responsible to the League The mandatory powers will not be allowed to exploit the colonies unless the League sanctions.