OFFICIAL PEACE TERMS

Taihape Daily Times, 10 May 1919, Page 4

OFFICIAL PEACE TERMS

FORTS, WATERWAYS. AN D

RAILWAYS

Germany is required to grant freedom of transit and full national treatment to persons, goods, vessels, rolling stock, etc., coming or going to anyAllied or Associated State, and passing in transit through German territories. Goods in transit are to be free of Custom duties. Rates of transport are to be reasonable, and no charges or facilities 'ai/e to depend! directly or Indirectly on the flag of the vessel. Provisions are made against discrimina--1 Hon by control of trans-migrant traffic, and all kinds of indirect discrimination are prohibited. Internatonal transport is to be expedited, particularly for perishable goods. There is to be no discrimination in transport charges aiiu facilities, against, Allied ports. Free zones in German ports are to be maintained, and adequate EacUtlics arc to be provided for trade requirements, without distinction of nationality. Only certain limited charges are permissible in free ports. The Elbe, from the junction of the Vltava, fit Oldau, and the Vltava below Prague to the Older from its eonfluance with Oppa, the Nieman below Grodno, and the Danube below TJhn arc declared international, together with the portions of their affluents. Nations' property and flags of all States are to be treated on a footing of perfect equality with the subjects, etc., of riparian States, and various conditions are imposed to ensure facilities at reasonable charges and the maintenance of navigation under the supervision of the League of Nations, and of international commissions. These are to meet in the near future, and prepare projects for revision of the existing agreements, which are temporarily to remain in force.

Germany is to hand over, within three months from notification, a proportion of its river shipping, tugs, ( and material. In the case of the Danube, the former Commission is to resume its pre-war powers, but only Great Britain, France, Italy, and Eoumania are to be represented on it. From the point where the competence of the Commission ceases, an International Commission is to be appointed to administer the whole of the Upper Danube until a definite status is arrived at. Provision is also made for deep draught Rhine-Danube c,anal, should it be decided to construct it within 25 years.

The Rhine and Moselle form the subject of a special series of clauses. The Convention of 18(58 is in general to remain ni force, with important modifications. The expanded Central Commission is to sit at Strasburg, and France is to name the president. As Holland is a party to this Convention, the modifications are subject to her assent. Within three months Germany is to hand over to France a proportion of Rhino harbours, or shares in German navigation companies, a proportion of buildings, tugs, etc., owned by Germans in Rotterdam, and in harbour on August 1, 1914, or shares in such concerns may similarly be handed over. France is to have full rights all along her own frontier to use water from the

;.;;ine for canals, etc., and carry out works for deriving motive power, subject to certain payments and to the consent of the Commission. Germany is to undertake to make no canals on the right bank opposite the French frontier, and to grant France certain privileges on the right bank for the establishment of certain engineering works, subject to the payment of compensation. Switzerland is also entitled to demand similar rights for the upper part of the river.

If within twenty-five years Belgium decided to construct a Rkine-Meuse canal, the German Government is bound to construct such parts of it as fall within German territary, according to plans drawn up by the Belgian Government, the expenses to be divided among the various States. Germany is to make no objection to the Commission extending its jurisdiction, if desired, to the lower Moselle, and, with the consent of the (Luxemburg Government, to the Upper Rhine, with the consent of the Swiss Government, and to lateral canals and waterways, which may be constructed to improve navigation. The German Government is to lease to the Czecho-S'lovac Republic for ninety-nine years areas in the harbours of Hambourg and Stettin as free zones.

RECEPTION IN GERMANY. 0 a >. THE PEOPLE STUNNED a ::■ ~ o BY SEVERITY OF TERMS.

RAILWAYS. f The railway clauses iha goods consigned from or to Allie States to or from Germany, are ei titled generally to the most favou able conditions available. Certain ,rai way tariff questions are dealt witl When a new railway convention ha replaced 'the Berate Convention o 1890 it wiii be binding on Germany Meantime she is to follow the Bern Convention. Germany is to co operate in the establishment, of pg| senger and luggage service, with dirfc booking- between Allied States over he territory under favourable condi tions, as well as emigrant train ser vices Germany is to fit her rolling stock with apparatus allowing its be ing Incorporated in Allied goodj; trains, or vice versa, without inter fering with the brake system. Provis' ion is made for handing over installations of lines in transferred territory, and of an Equitable '•tfrnportiou 'of rolling stock for use therein. Commissions are to settle working lines linking up two parts of one country tc another. In the absence of particular] agreements, Germany is to allow such! lines to be built or improved as may be necessary to ensure good services, between one Allied State and another, if called upon to do so within twentyfive years, with the concurrence of the League of Nations, the Allied States concerned paying the cost. DENMARK'S BOUNDARIES. The frontier between Germany and Denmark is to. be fixed in accordance with the wishes of the population, a vote being taken in Northern Sehleswig, as a whole, and in portions of Central Sehleswig by communes, ten days from the conclusion of peace. German troops and authorities must evacuate th e region north of a line .running from the. mouth of the Schlei. south of Kappel, Sehleswig, and Friedrichstadt, along the Eider to the North Sea, south of Tonning, and the W<g:kinen's and Soldiers' Councils in Kie zone must be dissolved.

During the voting, the vote will be under the charge of an international commission of five members, of whom the Norwegian and Swedish Governments will be invited to choose two. Two commissions will temporarily have general powers of administration. After the result of the voting has been declared, the Danish Government may occupy those territories which have declared for Denmark, and Germany shall renounce her sovereign rights in these territories. -Ml the inhabitants will then acquire Danish nationality, with certain exceptions. Provisions are made for individual change of nationality ..nd.-r certain conditions. LIMITED FOECES. The military, naval, and ail- clauses of the Treaty are designed to renderpossible the initiation of a general limitation of armaments of all nations. Germany undertakes directly to observe the military, naval, and aitclauses which follow.

The military terms provide for tBo demobilisation of the German armies, and the imposition of other military restrictions. WTfhin two months of signing the Treaty —as a first step towards international disarmament —all compel sory military service is to be abolisfw' in German territory and. recruiting rcgu lations on a voluntary basis are to b* incorporated into the German military laws, providing for the enlistment o: non-commissioned officers and men fo. a period of nol less than twelve conse eutive years, and stipulating thai officers shall serve for 25 years, ano shall not be retired until they are 45 years of age. No reserve of officers with war service will be permitted The total number of German effective is fixed at 100,000. including not mot than 4000 officers, and it is provide that' there shall be no other militai officers raised outside this figure. Ar increase in the number of Customs, forestry officials, or police, or the mi tary training of these services specially prohibited. ALL MUNITIONS SCHEDULED The function of the <??-r-ST? :*..-mj to keep internal order ami t-o com the frontiers. The High Commanc to confine itself t<j administraduties, and will not. be allowed to tain a general staff. The civilian sonnel al the Ministry of War similar institutions is to be red" ' to one-tenth of. that in 1913. T/"£will Tje not ; more than seven infaand three cavalry and

more than two corps staff. Surplus war academies and schools for officers, cadets, etc., are to be suppressed, and the number of students admitted to the schools retained for th e recruitment of officers is to be limited to vacancies occurring in the establishments! provided.

The production of armaments, munitions, and war material in Germany is limited to .a schedule based on the amount considered necessary for an army on the scale decided",>n. No reserves may be formed, and all existing armaments, guns, and stores above the limits fixed must be handed over to the Allies for disposal. No poisonous gas or liquid fire shall be manufactured or Imported, nor any tanks nor armoured cars. The Germans are obliged to notify to the Allies for approval the names and situations of all factories manufacturing munitions, together with particulars of their output. The German Government arsenals are to be suppressed, and their personnel dismissed. Munitions for use in fortified works are to be- limited to 1500 rounds apiece for guns of 10.5 cm. calibre and under, and 500 rounds for guns of higher calibre. Germany is prohibited from manufacturing armaments or munitions for foreign countries, and from importing them from abroad. NO FORTS IN RHINE VALLEY. Germany must not maintain or Construct any fortifications situated in German territory less than 30 miles east of the Rhine, and In the above area no armed forces, either permanent or temporary, may be maintained. The status quo is to be reserved in respect of the fortifications on the original southern or eastern frontiers of the German Empire. No military manoeuvres may be held, nor any permanent works kept for the purpose of helping "mobilisation. The dismantling of fortifications must take place within three months.

The naval terms provide that within two months the German naval forces

in commission must not exceed six battleships of the Deutchland or Lothringen type, six light cruisers, 12 destroyers, and 12 torpedo "boats, or an equal number of ships constructed to replace them. No submarines are to be included, and all other warships are to be placed in reserve, or devoted to commercial purposes. Germany may keep in commission a fixed number of mine-sweeping vessels until the mines within certain specified areas in the North Sea and Baltic have been swept up. After the expiration of two months the total exclusive personnel of the navy must not exceed 15.000. including a miximum of 1,500 officers and warrant officers. All the German surface warships interned in Allied or neutral ports are to be finally surrendered. SURRENDER OP WARSHIPS. "Within two months certain additional warships enumerated in the Treaty, and now in Germarj p.-.rts. wjl] be surrendered at Allied ports. The German Government must undertake the tweaking up of all German sir-face warships under construction. Auxiliary cruisers, etc.. are to be disarmed and treated n<? merchant' ships. Within One month all German submarines, salvage vessels and docks for submarines capable of proceeding under their own power, or being towed, must have been handed over in Allied ports. The remainder and those under construction must be bro Ten up by Germany within three months. The material arising from the breaking up of the German warships may not be used except for industrial purposes, and may not be sold to foreign countries except Under specified conditions for replacement. Germany i ? forbidden to construct or aeauire any warships, and the construction or acquisition of any submarines whatever is prohibited. Vessels of war are to have only a fixed allowance of arms, munitions, and war material All excess is to be surrendered and no stocks or reserves are allowed.

The personnel of the German Navy must be recruited entirely by voluntary engagements for a minimum period of 25 consecutive years for officers and wararnt. officers, and 12 consecutive ygars for petty-officers, and men under various restrictions. NO BALTIC FORTS.

In order to ensure free passage into thei Baltic, Germany is not to erect any fortifications in certain specified areas, nor instal any guns commanding the maritime routes between th e North Sea and Baltic. Existing fortifications within those areas are to be demolished, and the guns removed. Other fortified works within 30 miles of the German coast, or on German islands, are to remain as being of a defensive nature, but no new fortifications may be constructed, and armaments may not be increased. The maximum stocks of ammunition allowed for such defences are 1,500 rounds per piece for 4.lin. guns and under 500 rounds per piece for guns exceeding that calibre German wireless stations at Nauen] Hanover, and Berlin are not. to be used for naval, military, or political messages without the assent of the Allied and Associated Governments during three months, but only for commercial purpose? under supervision. During the sabie' period Germany is " not to

build any high-power wireless stations. Germany is to be allowed to repair the German submarine cables which have been cut but are not being utilised by the Allied Powers, and also portions of the cable? which, after having been cut, have been removed, or are, at any rate, being utilised by any of the Allied and Associated Powers. In such eases the cables, or portions of cables, removed or utilised remain the property of the Allied and Associated Powers, and accordingly 14 cables or parts of cables are specified which are not be~reStorcd to Germany.

BELGIUM DISSATISFIED. AN INADEQUATE OFFER: BRUSSELS, May 8. Under King Albert's Presidency, Cabinet discussed Belgium's position respecting the peace terms. The Premier, interviewed, said that, the position was serious and painful. The offer made in Paris was completely at variance with earlier promises. He understood that the Belgian representatives consider the offer of £100,000,000 greatly inadequate. Members of Parliament, local councils, and public bodies urged the King and the Government not to sign the Treaty. President Wilson is unpopular, crowds at cinema shows shouting, "Down with Wilson," when photographs wore shown.

RACIAL EQUALITY. JAPANESE INDIGNATION AT E EJECTION. Received May 10, 9.0 a.m. LONDON May 9. The Daily Express'. Tbkio correspondent states there is indignation at the rejection of the racial equality amendment by the League of Nations. At a meeting of opposition members a popular politician said: "If we bad sided with Germany, Hughes, instead of insulting Japan, would now be studying the moon from a German internment camp." Another leading Japanese asked: "AYhy don't the Anglo-Saxons declare a white world, instead of merely a white Australia, and warn the rest of us off the earth?"

A LABOUR MANIFESTO

OPPOSITION TO SOME fONDT TIONS.

Received May 10, 9.0 a.m

LONDOT. May 8,

The British Labour Executive has issued a manifesto, which states some essentials of the Treaty are opposed to the declaration of President Wilson, the Inter-Allied Conference, and Berne Conference. The Treaty is defective from the standpoint of world peace, and bears evidence of a compromise influenced by capitalism and Imperialism. The Labour Party declines responsibility for the violation of principle, inasmuch as organised Labour was not represented at the Conference, and the general spirit of the document is contrary to working right and justice. ■ Labour, therefore, looks, to the people, and forces of organised democracy to safeguard and develop the idea of a peaceful community of all nations. Germany ought to make reparation but should be represented on the Separation Commission. The amount of compensation should have regard to her ability to meet the needs 0? her own population. The manifesto regrets that ,(thc Tpreatjy, while imposing on Germany drastic disarmament, does not provide for progressive limitation of armaments for the other signatories, and protests at an attempt at permanent separation of the Saar Valley from Germany. It hopes. France will agree to consult the people of Alsace and Lorraine, under the League of Nations, in accordance with the principles of sclr'-dctermination of the people. German-Austria should have free and unrestricted right to decide for themselves whether thov will become one Gorman Federal Scute or remcin independent.

THE GERMANS STUNNED. AMERICANS CAN GO TO HELL. BOURNE CLOSED. Received May 10, 9.15 a.m. LONDON, May 8. The Daily Chronicle's Berlin correspondent states that the peae e terms have stunned Berlin. Berlin business is at a standstill and the Bourse is closed for three days. Messages from Paris state that the delegates are despondent. Ludendorff refused to be interviewed by the Daily Chronicle, but sent a message: "If those are the peace terms, the Americans can go to hell." Cabinet meets to-day, and a pronouncement is expected to-morrow. The- Austrian peace terms provide for the wiping out of the navy. COPENHAGEN,' May 9. Giesscrt, interviewed, said: "Our only course is to arrange peace with Russia, and invite Russian troops into Germany. ( LONDON, May 9. A German correspondent at Ver- ]

sallies transmits opinions of the delegates. Gic-ssert says Germany can only sign a treaty which permits the rebuilding of her economic life. The occupation of important raw material producing districts is tantamount to a slow- and painful death. It would be better to return empty handed, than with a signed treaty containing terms we are compelled to leave unfulfilled. Germany will simply collapse under proposed indemnity.

Melchior said: We cannot consider a slavery binding German workers to the French Government.

Another delegate said: Since the Armistice, strikes, and revolution lost us more money than the whole war. we could have borne the indemnty if demanded in November. The heavy load is now* impossible. It is announced the delegates will make counter-proposals, which will be tli■■• utmost Germany can agree to. (' -rman newspapers protest the terms are impossible, especially the indemnity. They protest against, the veiled annexation of the Saar Valley and the loss of the colonies. Germany must reject the disposition of Dantzig.

j WILSON AND ITALIAN DEADLOCK

VARIOUS VERSIONS.

Received May 10, 10.55 a.m. PAEtS, May JO

There is a good deal of speculation as to what led Mr Wilson to act suddenly in reference to Fiume. One version is that he informed M. Clem< nceau and Mr Lloyd George on Sunday of the contents of his manifesto, but agreed, after consultation, to withhold it, and that later his colleagues announced a deadlock, and he then published the document. Another version is that Mr Wilson learned of some overt act contemplated by the Italians in reference to nature of the annexation of Fiume, and he acted on this. This attitude over Fiume raises the query of how he can reconcile it with his agreement to yield the Saar Valley to France. American circles report Mr Wilson will probably shortly state his reasons for this, which he is likely to defend, on the grounds that it was a necessary reparation to l France for enemy destruction of her coalmines.

NAURU ISLAND. CONDITIONS OF ADMINISTRATION Received May 10. 1.1.15 a.m. •LONDON, May •». Official. .Much interest has be>n taken by the Australians and NV>.v Zealanders iti the disposal of t'ia island Nauru, in the South Pacific wh'ich been finally dealt with by :he Council of Allied Powers in a 111 n 1 >r different from other former German col) i'.'S, the mandate having been ;;i.'»n to the British Empire.

Mr Massey contended fro.-i: the outset of the conferences on t ho subject that as a producing country requiring phosphates. New Zealand w.is vitally interested in the island's face, ;-nd suggested it should be held i;n I>r n form of mandate which would the interests of both Au3tri.ii and New Zealand. Objection to this was raised by the Australian deh\gat?s. Tin; Colonial Office thought the maalnte should go to the British Empir?, so that, all their interests might be onsidered, and to this Mr Massey was willing to consent. Australia again objected, urging that they had taken pussession. To this the reply was that pos sessions was meant for the Empire and not for any part of it. The official notice that Nauru be placed under mandate to the British Empire may be interpretated to mean that Britain. Australia, and. New Zealand will administer it under a Commission. In view of the fact that there is no more basic slag available in B'ritain for New Zealand farmers, it is essential that satisfactory arrangements should be made for a supply of phosphates.

CHINESE WILL NOT SIGN TREATY. 'Received 915 a.m. PARIS, May 9; The Chinese delegates have received instructions' not to sign the Peace Treaty. HOW THE AUSTRIANS TAKE IT. STORM OF INDIGNATION RAISED. , LONDON April 8. A Hungarian wireless message states the Roumanian armistice conditions have provoked a storm of indignation Newsapers declare the terms are arrogant, and are demanding the overthrow of the present form of Government. The only reply can be resistance ro the uttermost. TRANSMISSION TREATY. CARRIED OUT UNDER DIFFICULTIES. WELLINGTON, this flay. The Peace Treaty, Including substi-! futions, ran into L5.00S words. Excellent despatch was by lelegiaph I authorities in the Dominion, but (hero

was some hitch Itt the arrangements j outside, a* trais-.ii-3 noil vvas stopped altogether for hours at a lime, and delivery was stretched over sojne ■thirty-six hours. In addition sections! did not arrive in sequence, and gaps j were left which seriously interfered with prompt handing into the telegraph office. THE CONTROL OF SAMOA. NEW ZEALAND'S MANDATE. Received May 10, 11.35 a.m. LONDON, May 9. Official: The mandate for New Zealand's control of Samoa is as folloys: — Germany renounces all rights and title over the islands constituting German Samoa. The Allied Associated Powers intrust the government of the islands to His Britannic Majesty, to be exercised by the New Zealand Government, who have full legisgative, administrative and judical power over the islands as an integral part of the territory of New Zealand, and may apply New Zealand laws thereto, subject to such local modifications as circumstances may require. His Britannic Majesty, for the New Zealand Government, accepts the mandate upon the footing that (he trust is imposed and accepted for the well-being and development of the peoples of the islands, and vo that end undertakes that the slave trade and forced labour be prohibited; the traffic in arms and ammunition is to be eon* trolled in accordance with any generalconvention which may be entered into by the high contracting parties in this behalf. The sale of spirituous, liquors to natives shall be prohibited, and the military training of natives otherwise than for the purposes of internal police and local defence of the islands shall be prohibited. Furthermore, no mili-'t-ary or naval bases shall be established and no fortifications shall be erected in the islands either by the Government of New Zealand or by any Power or person. The value of property in the islands belonging to the German Government shall be assessed, and shall be recorded in the inter-Allied reparation Fund and regarded as allocated to the share of th e Government of New Zealand. The expenses of administration of the islands, if the revenue obtained from local sources are insufficient, will be defrayed by the Government of New Zealand. If at any time the native inhabitants of the Islands express a desire to bo united with New Zealand, and if fh e Council of the , League of Nations considers this do- ! sire to be conscious and well-founded, j and calculated to promote the natives' interest, the Allied Associated Powers agree that, effect shall be given to it by the Council of the League, and the islands shall therefrom be incorporated j in New Zealand for all purposes, and i administration under this convention l shall be regarded as at an end. Pro- i vided that all undertakings set out in article three, including prohibition against the establishment of military and naval bases or fortification shall be maintained, and sbail continue to. operate in the islands. After such in- ! corporation, the inhabitants of the I islands sba.ll be entitled to British dip- ' lomatic protection when in foreign I countries. The Government of New I Zealand will make an annual report containing full information with regard to the islands and measures taken to fulfill the trust and extend the wellbeing of the natives, copies of the re- i pert to be presented to the League, of Nations. i