THE PEACE TREATY.

Taihape Daily Times, 9 June 1919, Page 5

THE PEACE TREATY.

‘T-H=E. COUNTER PROPOSALS j GERMAN FAILURETO RECOG- ‘ msn DEFEIT. PARIS, May 21 (Delayed); The English and French translation of the German counter—Dl‘oDoSals Were so indifferently prepared by the Germans that it was necessary 'SO do 319 work again,_ causing delay. The nature wgthe }\ropOSalS show that they come from anything but a vanquished nation_ It is openly said that it may re‘quire something in the nature of a military demonstration to bring the Germans to their senses. Arrangements have been practically completely as to the method to be adopted in signing the treaty. It was first contemplated to pass the document round -the Conference table for signature, but has now been decided that the treaty will be placed on a small table on a dies in the Salle des Glaces. Each member will walk -to the table and sign the treaty.

OVERSEAS STATESMEN V ‘Q PRESSEDTO STAY. ‘ TREATY MAY NOT BESIGNED ‘ AS SOON AS EXPECTED. LONDON, J'une 6. Oflicial——The British Ministers are strongly opposed to the overseas Dominions’ plenipotentiaries leaving “Paris before the Allied terms for Germany are settled one way or the other. Those who best understood the {position consider the period through which the conference at present is passing is undoubtedly the most serioussince the signingof the armistice The Germans have made a keen effort to gain big concessions, and the ‘Allied Powers realise the need for all the plenipotentaries to standby ready to consider ‘allpossible lproposals, It is feared the treaty will not be signed as soon'as was expectedwa -fortnight ago. The Overseas‘ delegates are keen--Ely disappointed over the delay, as most of them had made arrangements for their final departure. Mr Borden said he. will return to Canada owing to the gravity of the Labour trouble. but two Ministers, Messrs. Foster, and Doherty, remain in Paris to sign the Treaty, both being Well qualified to deal with the iast phase of the settlement as regards Germany. ADRIATIC PROBLEM SETTLED. fl Received 8.55 a.m, §_ PARIS, June 8_ ‘ The Fiume problem has been settled A in conformity with Colonel House’s -plan. Fiume, with extensive jteritory around, becomes a free city ‘under the League of Nations. Zara and strategic Islands have been given to Italy, and Sebcnico and Dalmatia going to the Jugo-Slavs.

RANTZAU’S DETERMINATION “THE HOUR IS GRAVE FOR OUR DEAR GERMANY.” 3' PARIS, June 5. Additional members of the German Eelegation have quitted Versailles {Rantzau, farewelling them, thanked }‘them for their patriotic collaboration, and added: The hour is grave for our dear Germany. We have still to live through terrible hours. A-ssure those ‘in Berlin that I shall never sign the Peace preliminaries unless they are seriouslé modified. Others may sign, bu-t not me.” GERMANY’S COUNTERPROPOSALS. “ NEW YORK, June 6_ Scheidemann, interviewed, stated: [We offer the following counter—pro-..-_posals to the Peace Treaty, viz., Germany to be immediately admitted to _-the League of Nations. Germany agrees to restore destroyed French «territory and pay full reparation‘ for the ruined French coal mines. Germany also agrees in respect to Bel-gium-’s claims. She accepts limitaEtion of the army to 100,000 and is ready to completely disarm on land and sea. provided the other nations agree to act likeWise_ PARIS, June 7. The Council of Four considered the German counter—proposals, and is aiming at an early reply . QUESTION IN THE COMMONS. ' . LONDON, June 6. In the" House of Comomns, on a motion for adjournment to the 24th Sir Donald Mac Lean referred to a rumour‘ that Mr. Lloyd George was weakening on the Peace terms_ He said he hoped the «blockade of Ger'!pany_“would be removed as soon as possible. Its severitwl mainly on those, in no sense responsible for the iniquities of the war. , Mr, Churchill -replied stating that Ml-{Lloyd G—eorge’s colleaghes were striving to obtain a lasting peace.

GERMANY'S SECRET ARMY. LONDON, June 6‘. The Daily Chronicle’s"Gené‘va C01"-~ respondent says: ‘Apart from the -army of 100,000 authorised by the Peace G«oV'crnmelft is encouraging demobilis~ ed soldiers to join an.lmperial defence force and rifle clubs, constituting a vast imperial ' militia.