THE PEACE TREATY.

Taihape Daily Times, 19 May 1919, Page 5

THE PEACE TREATY.

SPIRIT OF DEFIANCE IN RANTZAU'S REPLY. .

NEW YORK, May 16

Some of the newspapers commenting on Count Brockdorn>Rantzau(s speech at Versailles when the Peace terms were presented to the German dele- ! gates, declare that 'though it was sub- ? dued in tone it contained the spirit of defiance and impudence. It is pointed out that Germany's territorial losses in Europe by the terms .of the Treaty are less serious than they appear, because with the exception of the Saar Valley and the Briey region no important in- I dustrial sections have been taken from j the GeramnS'. ' |

The New York "Times" says that Brock'dorff-Rantzau gave the first sign that Germany realises to some degree her guilt and responsibility for the war. but the world will not be satisfied because he is Unwilling to admit that Germany is the only nation which plunged the world into war.

WILL GERMANY SIGN?

PAKIS, May 17.

The Journal des Debats states that a member of the German delegation, questioned as to whether the Treaty would be signed, replied that Rantzau could not believe his eyes when he read the text. He hesitated 24 hours whether to start for Germany. He was now studying the details. He intended to accept the basis of the Treaty.

GERMANY'S COUNTERPROPQCALS.

LONDON, May 17.

The Daily Chronicle's Berlin" correspondent gives an authoritative outline of Germany's counter-proposals. Germany, he says, will insist on President Wilson's fourteen points and subsequent speech to constitute a binding international: agreement. Germany's Eastern frontier should be settled in accordance with a plebiscite. It is a foregone conclusion that a plebiscite of Alsace-Lorraine would be overwhelmingly in favour of France, but historic votes should be taken. France is entitled to the Saar coal only. Germany is ready to pay the utmost reparation, but the financial proposal is impossible unless the army of occupation is withdrawn and economic stability re-established. The Treaty does not allow sufficient troops to maintain order. The number should be fixed by agreement. The army becomes practically non-existent. When circumstances permit, Germany offers to surrender the remnant of the fleet. She demands a return of a proportion of her merchantmen. The Allies' refusal to entertain these suggestions will force Germany to refuse to sign.

PARIS, May 17

The Treaty for presentation to Austria fixes the indemnity at 250 millions

The Austrian delegation's reception at the station on the outskirts of Saint Germain was in marked contrast with that given to Germans. Prefect Chaliel greeted them with courtesy in accordance with French tradition.

Hc-rr Eenner apologised for being unable to reply in Franch. He said: "We come among you -with pleasure. It is the first time I have been on French soil. I hope I will go away equally cheerful at heart." The entire party, which included Herr Hammarseh, his wife and daughter, Herr Klein and Herr Slatin, is evidently in good spirits. All arc handsomely quartered in the Henri Quartre and adjacent villas, with a beautiful outlook over the Seine Valley.

PRUSSIAN MINISTER'S OPINION".

\ TREATY OF VIOLENCE

Received May 19, 8.5 a.m. BERLIN, May 10

The Prussian Prime Minister states the Peace Treaty contains no trace of justice. It is a peace of violence, from which will result further bloodshed and tears - ■ if li

EXPEC- .U TO BE SIGNED IN JUNE.

Received 9.30 a.m.

PARIS, May 18

Count Brockdorft'-Rantzau has been granted a passport to visit Spa for the purpose of meeting German financial and other important, personages from Berlin, There is a strong impression in Paris that Rautzau has decided to sign the treaty and it is expected negotiations will be concluded between June sth and 10th. DUTCH VIEW OF TREATY. Received 5.5 a.m. AMSTERDAM. May 10. Dutch newspapers consider the Peace treaty one of unimagined severity, which Germany cannot accept. Thay predict ithe German delegation will withdraw from Versailles if the Allies reject the coiinter-proposais. j