The Armistice.

Taihape Daily Times, 12 February 1919, Page 5

The Armistice.

GERMAN TRICKERY. WILSON’S EXTRAORDINARY ATTITUDE. LONDON, February 9 President Wilson persists in his extraordinary attitude towards the new .armistice terms, asserting that it was the Allies’ own fault if they failed to include sterner terms regarding the demobilisation of the German forces in the original armistice Therefore it is unfair now to introduce new terms. President Wilson suggests that the Germans be asked by negotiation to demobilise their forces in return for raw material. Naturally this vexes the French, -who compare the attitude of Germany with the peremptory demand which the Council made to Poland to cease fighting the Germans and disband the Polish forces. Observers watch interestedly, mixed with anxiety, the apparent drift of the Council towards the tense moment, which seems inevitable, when the Allied dislike of President Wilson’s policy, -will compel them to tell him they cannot longer deal with sophistries, amid such grim realities. President. Wilson has frequently expressed horror at Germany’s acts, but no doubt he is trying to move steadily towards the logical phase of his policy —namely, the reinstatement of Germany amongst the friendly Powders. This Europe will not stand.

PARIS, February IG

It is suggested that " new armistice conditions should include handing over the whole of the German artillery, and the compulsory reduction of the army to twenty-five divisions with machine guns, for policing Germany internally, and the occupation of the Ruhr district, including Essen; also that the Allies should rc-insist on the original conditions regarding the handing oyer of transport.

GERMANY PLAYING A CHAR ACTERISTIC GAME

LONDON, February 10

The Supreme War Council is still discussing the armistice terms. It is believed the British view is that it is now most important to remove militarism from Europe. Therefore it is essential that Germany should forthwith abandon conscription. It is hoped to secure in the renewal of the armistice something like the condition of affairs that will appear in the peace treaty, otherwise it will be impossible to carry out demobilisaton in Jthe Allied countries. It is recognised, however, that it is not legally sound to introduce the peace terms into the armistice. The American attitude is that the armistice terms should, not be extended. In this view is an apparent disregard of the fact that Germany has not obeyed the original terms, for which some sort of penalty should be enforced in the shape of drastic demands There are two ways of dealing with the matter —one, prescribing peace by force, the second prescribing how much warmaterial Germany should hand over. In regard to the latter, there is considerable doubt as to the exact quantity she possesses. The British point is to allow a reasonably sized army for Germany, and the destruction of all material beyond what is necessary for its equipment. NO FURTHER OCCUPATION. OF GERMAN TERRITORY. PARIS, February 10. Mr. Stephen Pichon, interviewed, stated that the War Council had not yet decided to occupy further German territory owing to non-compliance \Vith the armistice demands. He did not think there was any necessity to alter the demobilisation plans.