"DEATH SENTENCE ON GERMANY."

Taihape Daily Times, 12 May 1919, Page 5

"DEATH SENTENCE ON GERMANY."

GERMAN GOVERNMENT IN ANGRY.

BERLIN, May 9

After Cabinet had discussed the Treaty for five hours, Herr Scheidemann addressed the Parliamentary Committees appointed to consider the Treaty. He said: The terms are the death sentence of Gorman}-. We must discuss this document of hatred and madness with political sobriety. The Government, had instructed the Paris delegation to submit a Note to the Allies, pointing out the difference between th e . treaty and President Wilson's fourteen points, also to submit counter-proposals and attempts to start an oral discussion.

Herr Fehlenbacher, speaking on behalf of the leaders of all parties, said Herr Schiedemann had rightly declared that the terms were unacceptable. Discussions with the Allies and the delegates at Paris would possibly result in a peace acceptable to the German people. The Government has decided on public mourning throughout the next week, owing to the Peace terms. Theatres will be closed.' The Government is undated wijth protests specially from Eastern German}-, demanding alterations in the terms of Germany's Note to the Allies. Th e protests further insist on the release of German prisoners. The idea of joining Russia and strengthening the Russo-German frontier, which is partially open, and allowing a great exchange of commodities, is proceeding.

PARIS, May 10.

The impression among British delegates is that the speech was insolent and calls for strong action©All are surprised at the tone of President Wilson. It is also said that the speech has proved the Germans to be the most tactless people on the face of the earth. They misunderstand human nature. Rantzau's speech was on a parity with their action throughout the war; they always did the wrong thing. ' LONDON, May 10.

It is a noteworthy fact that the Treaty was handed over on the anniversary of the sinking of the Lusitania. The Daily Mail describes Rantzau as an incarnation combining the defiant, sanctimonious, and truculent spirit of the junker. His speech showed that Germany is wholly unrepentant and blatantly unconscious of the horror in which she is hold among the civilised peoples.

ANOTHER GERMAN INSULT

PARIS, May 10.

When the Germans left the Conference room, they forgot, to take the Treaty, and sent their secretary back for it.

"IT IS A GOOD PEACE."

PARIS. May S.

M. Clemenceau , interviewed, said, "I think it is a good peace. France has derived immense benefits from association with England and America. The peace is more satisfactory because it means alliance with the two most powful nations in the world."

GERMAN INSOLENCE AND RUDENESS.

PARIS, May 0

The insolence and rudeness of the Germans are strongly condemned by the Allied delegates. Generally, Rantzau's speech is regarded as a studied insult. The- British delegates, including Mr Lloyd George, and Mr Bonar Law, admit that they were surprised. Anger flashed through them, and they now agree that M. Clemenceau was wise in refraining from ordering Rantzau to stand when speaking, as a physical reason prevented the German from standing. "If he felt unwell," said a leading delegate, "his words did not show it. Anyhow, he should have a-sked permission to remain seated.-"