THE PEACE CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 January 1919, Page 5

THE PEACE CONFERENCE.

THE RUSSIAN PROBLEM. PRESS COMMENTS* London. .Tan 2'i. The Evening Standard's Paris correspondent states tliat i'.ussia ) • the most absorbing Conference problem. Many delegates are detplv concerned and consider that Russia should be represented. Though there are a number of distinguished Russians' present in Paris, if is felt that if they alone are cousu'Lod it will arm the Bolsheviks with fresh arguments with v.hicli to appeal to their countrymen, especially the peasants. One difficulty is the lack of means of communication, but a wireless appeal wold In sent world-wide and couid be interpreted by tie Bolsheviks and might assist in assuring them that the Conference genuinely desired real Russian reprwontation It is understood that British delegates favored such an appeal, but it was not adopted because some delegates still refuse dealings vritli Bolsheviks. Yet it is felt that the pre sent position is intolerable It is generally agreed that it would be hazardous to take *ny action resembling interference in Russia. Vet delay, by assisting to increase disorder, is likely to render intervention necessary The important thing is to get a strong, stable Government established.

Le Matin states thai M Noulens, m hi? statement, emphasised two points: First, there cannot be any peace with Bolshevism; second, that Bolshevism, like German .Tinperialir.ro. threatens all Clviliied States unless strangled betimes. Hi- Noulens fears that the westward advance of the Bolheviks' army will fause ■Widespread risings m Poland. Germany, Hud Hungary, where the conditions are ripe for Bolshevism, thus th-eatening Western civilisation. Large forces would not be required to stem the invasion If steps were taken earlv. He estimates that the Bolshevists possess J .-id.ooo troop of poor quality, and 1500 guns, 'but a shortage ot shells There •re strong anti-Bolshevist troops northward and eastward. but little opposition in Poland and the Baltic provinces, it is now opportune to send hel{), and it Would soon stem the title and evr-ntually crush Bolshevism.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Association Washington, Jan 23. Compels states thai he approves of the Paris decision in Yeference to Bussia.

THE PACIFIC QUESTION. FBOM JAPANESE VlKty Sydney, °Jan 2.J& r -.nese files to Decuwtxu- m discuss the j-icuic question The vwciii-nidn-ihimbun a loading Tokio daily, in an article complains tiiat Australia is trying to monopolise the A'ew Guinea trade generally and attempting to prevent tile development of Japanese truue in the South Seas 'J'he *rticlt enlarges upon the assistance Japan gave the Allies in the war, and asks, had the Japanese warships not mobilised when enemy warships were ravaging the seas, could Australia and • Mew Zealand be as safe as they are now could Australasian troops have been safely transported, or the German 6. .ih Sea Islands so easily occupied? The article insisted on remembering these things, and said the Australians fire trying to check the southward adVance of Japan. She wants to utilise captured territories foi this purpose, and declares that when the disposition ol the German colonies is deait with at the Peace Conference, particularly those Mouth ol tSe Equator, any exclusive policy should be opposed by all means, and Japan should firmly insist upon her right Unless compensations are secured for services rendered bv the Japanese Navy, the dignity of the Japanese Empire will 1* lost- The entire area of the islands south of tue Equator is 900,000 square, miles. On %se the Japanese could develop peacefully, economically and naturally The "article asserts tha,t many Japanaje had planned to develop tueir opportunities in the South Seas.—Aus -N.Z Cable Asaviation.

SUBJECTS DISCUSSED deceived Jan 24, 2.?0 pm. Paris, Jan 23 Tlie Supreme Council discussed interlabor legislation, reparation, and punishment of the Germans, the international control oi ports and waterways, in vi3W of arranging the agenda for the first plenary conference on Saturday—Aas.-NZ Cable Assoc. MB MASSE* STILL OBJECTING Received Jan 23, 2.30 p.m. London, Jan 23 I Mr Massey interviewed Mr Lloyd George, objecting to one delegate from New Zealand Mr Llovd George pointed out that New Zealand's position was the result of tho Peace Conference decision, not that of the British Government Mr Masssv declared that if •tber Dominions asked for representation on the League of Nations, he would demand the same for -New Zealand SECRET TREATIES London, Jan 22. The Daily News' Paris correspondent learn* that British circles opine that the secret treaties made during the war should be regarded as profoundly modi-, fled by later events, such as America's entry into the war. America is taking a strong line thereanent. It is understood there is an agreement between the Allies and Japan giving Japan possession of the Caroline and Marshall Islands Thia Australia •Wrongly opposes.—Reuter REPRESENTATION. London, Jan 22. lii la<.yd George expressed to Mr Massey his regret at having failed in securing the dual representation of New * Zealand The matter is to be discussed «t the serf Cabinet meeting.—United Service LEAGUE OK NATION*? Parif, Jan. 23 The British proposal for a League of Nation? takes the form of a non-rigid conciliation body, not possessing binding powers but based on aufficient international guarantees to it •ffSfitiMf >,w W. pA.Anm

THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS. | DOMINIONS TO BE REPRESENTED. MASSEY AND WARD IN PARIS. CLAIM FOR DUAL REPRESENTATION. i deceived Jan. 24, 735 p.m. Paris, Jan, 52. Mr. Fraser, referring to the statement published in England that the Dominions were demanding representation at the league of nations discussions, says hat inquiries reveal that no reason anses loi the demand As a matter of faci tli<: Dominions are separately represented The conference confers recogniiton oi their status us -nations and tit-Mr claims fo be entitled to be within the 'sague is an inevitable corollary. Mr Massey and Sn .Joseph Ward ha\e arrived ?>li Massey probably will raise New Zealand's claim to two representatives, claiming that ti'.-: Dominion is as much entitled to two a*- outside countries like Siam and Hedjaz.—Aus N.Z. Cable Assoc

RUSSIAN INTERVENTION. THF ALLIES' VIEWS. - .-.; CUMBROUS MACHLNLRi. Received Jan. 2-t. 1030 p.m. London, .'Jan 22. The Morning Post's Pnris correspondent summarises the freat Powers' views on the question of Russian intervention. France is perfectly ready to assist in material but not in men Britain is understood to favor intervention in the Caspian Sea area. Italy is not against int-mention, but there is no indication of the method she favors. President Wilson always hoped that Bolshevism would ultimately work out itr. own salvation. •lapan restricts her interests to Siberia. Jt is for the conference to harmonise these conflicting views Delegates are heartily tired of the discussion of barren questions The procedure is cumbrous, and the composition of the conference must please the people beyond the Rhine It does not conduce to the rapid despatch of business.—Aus X.& Cable Assoc

INVITATION TO BOLSHEVIKS. A:l (jUTRAGE ON i.OYAI rUSSIiUG. ■SAS.ANOFF RKFUSEFj TO Bu PRESENT _-- ned Jan 9 20 p. 33. Piiv. Jan ■SasJinoff says thai the invitation J _o the Bolslicvikj is an outrage on the Russians who remained faithful to the Entente He refuses to participate in the meetings, and he is sure that Genera! Denekin mid the Omsk Government will also refuse— Aus N.Z. Cable AsSC:'

ACTION OF CONFERENCE. ! TO ASSIST RUSSIA TO UTMOSj' PROPOSED I\.n--'i'flNG OF DELEGATES Hecjived 24, 9°o p.m London, Jan 2* An official comrauniqu? state 3 that the conference approved President Wilson's proposal that- the single object of the assoc atcd Powers was to assist Russia to the utmost It recognised hci right to settle Lei ovvii affairs There was no desire to exploit Russia in any way The conference invited representatives ot recognised groups in European Russia, except Finland to send three representatives from each gl'oillj to Princes Island, in the Sea ot Marmora, to meet representatives from the con ference, provided all military activity in eastern Russia and Finland ceased At a meeting of the Peaci Conference the Russian delegate? were fixed to take theii place bv February jb The conference's proposal was wirelessed to Russia A plenary meeting of the conference is to he held on Saturday, when Mr Lloyd George moves the ieagi:e oi nations proposals—Aiis N.& Cable A&ioc

EASTERN EUROPE. ACTION OF viREAI o\i'..u, COMMISSION OF INQUI&M APPOINTED * .Received Jan 24, 9K p.m Pari?. ■lr-Ti. '& The council oi the great . : 'o iv cr.i discussed the situation in easteri Europe. The Polish situation i 3 to be considered: Marshal Foch attended and advised on the military aspects. It wis decided to send a mission of eight delegates, consisting oi me civilian and dne soldier each representing America, Britain France, and Ittsiy. to inquire into the conditions and ascertain what help was necessary. Both America and Britain insisted on obtaining tht fullest and most trustworthy information Similar views were expressed in Tegard to Prussia. President Wilson proposed a motion in this direction, but the difficulty of securing news as to the interior of Russia was recognised, bat it was suggested that contingous countries should be visited. AKKIVAL W SWISS PRESIDENT ' i Paris, Jan. 21. The Swiss President has arrived- S« i« rot officially associated with the Cobference, but hopes to convene witn Allied statesmen witfTft view to securing a maritime outlet per the Rhine and admission to the League of Nations. 4»4.*g'Z. CfcU*

MR. MASSEY'S STATEMENT, AN INFLATED IDEA! 0»- S?EW ZEALAND'S IMPORTANCE. Received Jan. 25, 12.5 a.m. Jjoadon, Jan 2i 'fhe New Zealand delegates are making their case public. Mr. Massey's claim to two delegates rests, roundly, upon New Zealand's war eliorts. points out that New Zealand's sacrifices were proportionately equal to those of the United Kingdom, and greater than the other Dominions, but outspokenly New Zealand looks a small country from here, but on the basis of sacrifices is morr- entitled to two representative than certain other MtiOßj It, is understood that Mr Lloyd George has pointed out tTiat Britain is sympathetic. but the limitation of representation was the work of the Congress as a whole, and that the other nations r«garded an additional "\ T ew Zealander aa an additional British delegate. Mr Masse.v does not blame Britain or the other Dominions, hut outspokenly criticises the Conference's decision. He strongly supports Mr Hughes' plea iw separate Dominions' representation on League of Nations.—United Service.

CORRESPONDENTS' VIEWS. PLANS FOR LEAGUE OF NATIONS. ASSUMING DEFINITE FORM Received Jan. 2u, 1.45 a.m. London, Jan. 22. Paris correspondents lengthily discuss Luc Uonieicnces attiiuue towurua Russia. Tiier consider tiie diUicuities uave iciiu-uta o>Ywg to the likelihood of the estibiisiiineAt oi a stable Uuvenimeni ui beniu as the leauit oi sno elections ProD&biy tile Aiiieit lim ami will be to place an ell'ectiie Darnel" o: oulter titates against tli& westward advance of the Bolshevists. The correspondents are generally agreed that tin, overthrow of the -jerman extremists -vilj. facilitate Allied aid. Poland will also in the task' of feeding the Central Powers as soot aa it will be possible to allow Germany and Austria to purchase food abroad The plans tor tne league ot Nations are. attracting increasing attention. The most popular scheme consists of thj appointment of a council o f nicmherj of Governments, with great potters, meet at short intervals, ail members oi else va. w«*t regularly, but less trooueuUv to review t'.ie '..ojist'tunor,It is stated that the league, in order to avert wars, will suomit disputes to a council or a tall league, all agreeing noc to fight ravcii a decision is readied If an agreement is impossible, the aggrieved States \<i In accordance with the rules oi war. Disarmament may not yet be included. Several othei of President Wilson's proposals must temporal i!y he dropped, in.-luding the freedom oi' the seas and equal international economic treatment.

QUESTION OF REPRESENTATION, RIGHTS OP ,THE DOMINIONS. Received Jan. 35, 12,50 a.niLondon, Jan. 22. The Morning Posi's Pans correspond dent states that there is a strong feeling in many quarters that it. would have been bettei to regulate admission to the Conference according to actual sacrifices. There are some complaints as to the ex« cewive British Dominions' representatio# from a quarter not bowed down by -i heav; death roll, but the timber oil Australian, Canadian, and New Ze»ianders iu Prance and Flanders is sufficient to test the right of these Dominions to sit with England and France. There is a danger tliat the Conference will not settle down \o business before the g!oi» of victory has departed- The early departure of President Wikon it not calculated to speed up business, feucause there is no time during his stay to solve the most important problems, and probably only pious resolutions concerning the League of Nations will be parsed meanwhile.—Aus -N.Z Cable Association