THE PEACE CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 January 1919, Page 6

THE PEACE CONFERENCE.

OPIUIC'l!; AT VARIANCE WITH F3ESIEEHT WILSON'S. Paris, Dec. 29. Ju. Clemcnceau's policy was endorsed ill the Chamber of Deputies by S81) votes to 134. Ho declared that he continued to l>elieve that the balance of power in a new form was essential. Such would be his guiding thought at the coming conference. The question of peace was one of terrible importance to France. At the outbreak cf the war a difficult situation arose. If then Britain, the United States and Italy had agreed to a defensive alliance the war would never Jinve occurred. The United States took time to enter the war, but Mr Asquitli brought Britain in immediately. France had suffered most, and France was desirou-, of preventing a future war, but personally he believed tfie League of Nations was not the only method possible.

He hid been accused of deceiving President Wilson. He had questioned President Wilson, leaving him to develop his own views. President Wilson said, "I will try to convince you, but perhaps von will convince me."

M. Clemenceau said he was ready to resign, whether the Chamber gave him a vote of confidence or not. The pilot ought to be changed if such was the intention before getting under weigh at the Pence Conference.

M. CJemenceau intends to support Britain on the freedom of the seas question. President Wilson has agreed to France's attitude in this connection.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

FREEDOM OF THE SEAS. BRITISH NAVY'S GREAT SERVICE. Paris, Dec. 29. M Clemenceau referred to a conversation with Lloyd George in which the latter asked: "Do you agree that without the British fleet you could not have continued the war?" M. Clemenceau replied: t: Yes." Mr Lloyd George asked then: ''Under such conditions, would you be inclined to prevent us rendering the same service again?" M. Clemenceau answered: "No." Afterwards M. Clemenceau told President Wilson, who congratulated him on France's loyalty to Britain, saying that each of the nations might retain its own point of view upon the question of the freedom of the seas.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.