PEACE CONFERENCE.

Taihape Daily Times, 18 February 1919, Page 5

PEACE CONFERENCE.

THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT,

Received 11.5 a.m

PARIS, February 16 President Wilson, in submitting the draft said the great thing about the League scheme was that for first time in history it gave the hitherto down trodden elements of civilisation a chance. Lord Robert Cecil emphasised the fact that the scheme would preserve the Peace of the world with the least possible interference with national sovereignty. No nation could go to war till all means for settlement of disputes had been fully tried; no nation could seek to disturb territorial settlements arivcd iat in peace; ' it will do more than forbid war; it will instiute international co-opera-tion in place of international competition.

Mr. Barnes (Labour) expressed great satisfaction rvith the scheme in that it substitutes altruistic principles in settlement of international troubles. He eulogised armament reduction and international labour organisation from which he prophesied great things. He regretted the absence of provision for international force.

M. Venizelos supported and several rtefercucds weife made | ;during the

debate to mandatories,

President Wilson, when reading ftefc the draft, pointedly paused on tnc section, saying, this was carefully discussed by , representatives of the Powers, and their conclusions are embodied in an article later on.

Hedjaz delegates emphasised the importance to them of the mandatory provision, 'cltiiming I Jthe right to select their own mandatory. Sir Joseph Ward iand Mr. Cook were present.

MR. MASSEY’S OPINIONS.

BRITISH 'NAVY INDISPENSABLE

Received 11.40.

PARIS, February 17,

Mr Massey, interviewed, said he was confident members of the Conference were anxious for the success of the League. It would not be any scheme that would absolutely prevent war, but undoubtedly its operation would wars less frequent because it gave time for exhaustive consideration of disputes. It could not he denied that the League must have force if its authority was to be exercised; it was still necessary to keep up certain military and naval strength. He could see no other way to enforce discipline on unruly, unscrupulous |nations. The finance scheme called for serious consideration; the question of disarmament required careful investigation, as without the British navy Germany would have dominated the world. That navy was still the most important influence for the world’s peace, therefore we must be careful how we allow it to be interfered with. Germany’s atrocities must be punished, and fullest compensation secured for injuries inflicted, otherwise we might expect similar things in future. He heartily wished tnc League success. FRIENDLY RECEPTION IN LONDON, LONDO, February 15 The League of Nations scheme had a most friendly reception in the London Press. It is regarded almost without exception as marking a new era of thought It is considered President Wilson’s special triumph, but much of the credit is given to General Smuts. LAID BEFORE PLENARY SESSION, PRESIDENT WILSON’S NOTABLE UTTERANCE. PARIS February 15. The (draft 'of the -Coveaant was laid before the third plenary Session It was not attended by special surroundings There was a small assemblage of the public at the Quai cUOrsay. Lord Milner was present. M. Clemenceau with characteristic brevity, called on President - Wilson, who immediately read the draft, occupying thirty minutes. President Wilson, in a subsequent l speech, made an impressive statement of the ideals of the fourteen nations whose representatives ihad unanimously approved of the draft. Other speakers were Signor Orlando, M. B’ourgeois, M. Yenizelos, Mr, Ilarnes and Arabian, Chinese and Japanese delegates. All the speeches wire brief and simple expressions OP faith in the scheme, with occasional hintjjjgat the possibility of amending details when fully under examination. President Wilson described the simplicity and elasticity of the constitution. Ho dwelt upon the I importance of the Labour provisions >

to the labouring people of the world who would come into the foreground of life. He added that although armed force was in the background, it was in the background.

HUGHES ASKS A QUESTION

LONDON, February 16

The Morning Post’s PArts' correspondent, describing Mr Hughes’ intervention at the plenary session, says: His question, “When would time be given for discussion?” caused intense excitement. Members rose to leave after M. Clemenceau assured Mr Hughes that he could rely on the bureau of the Five Powers, but Mr. Hughes interjected; “Wait till 1 get that interpreted.” President Wilson departed during the interpretation. M. Clemenceau looked at Mr Hughes with a not unfriendly eye. WILSON INSULTS HUGHES PARIS, February 16. Mr Murdoch, describing the scene in the Conference in which Mr. Hughes interjected demanding to know when the League of Nations scheme would be discused, says M. Clemenceau replied that the French Council would consider any memoranda lodged by the small nations. The Conference commenced to disperse, when Mr “Hughes demanded an interpretation of M. Clcmenceau’s remark, upon which President Wilson turned his back and walked away, obviously intending to insult Mr. Hughes.