THE PEACE CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 February 1919, Page 5

THE PEACE CONFERENCE.

THE ADRIATIC QUESTION, ITALIAN ACTION AWAITED. Received Feb. 21, 5.5 p.m. Paris, Feb. 20. A- suggestion has been made to appoint a special commission to deal with the Adriatic question. Baron Sonnino objects to Btand by the Italian treaty. There is a distinction between that treaty and the Roumanian one, inasmuch as Roumania signed a separate peace. The Paris conference has not yet reached a decision on this point. Signor j Orlando is now in Rome. Possibly Baron Sonnino's attitude may have a reaction in the Italian political situation, and the conference may have to wait and see whether Signor Orlando or Baron Sonnino survive it.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Association. THE REPARATION QUESTION. A DISTINCTION WANTED. DELEGATES VIEWS DIFFER. Received Feb. 21, 5.5 p.m. Paris, Feb. 20. It is understood that the Reparation Commission has decided to anticipate one question with regard to the delay in arriving at a decision by referring back to the council of ten and asking their conception of what reparation is in "regard to the original references to reparation in the armistice terras. It is known that the American and French conceptions are incompatible, while the British views approach nearer to the French ideals.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. ONLY ROUTINE MATTERS. DURING PRESIDENT WILSON'S ABSENCE. IMPORTANT UNSETTLED MATTERS. Received Feb. 21, 10.20 p.m. Paris, Feb. 18. It is understood that during President Wilson's absence the Peace Conference will handle only routine matters, and not make momentous decisions until his return, Important matters which the conference has not yet definitely settled arc: France's claims to the Saar Valley, Italy's and the Jugo-Slavs' dispute as to Dalmatia, conflicting territorial claims of the Germans, Austrians, Poles, Czecho-Slovaks, Hungarians, Armenians, Greeks, Arabs, and the Russian situation. It is still unknown whether the Princes Island Conference will be held.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. RIVEES CONVENTIONS. London, Feb. 20. A communique from Paris states that the sub-commission on ports, waterways and railways met on the ISth and discussed two draft conventions on international rivers submitted by the AngloFrench delegates. The principles embodied therein appeared acceptable to all the nations interested. It was agreed that a revised draft should be drawn up by a drafting committee consisting of the delegates of Britain, France, and Belgium.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. THE PEACE TERMS SIGNATORIES. London, Feb. 20. In the House of Commons, Mr. Bonar Law was asked the names of the plenipotentiaries actually empowered to agree on behalf of Britain to the peace terms, and replied: The Premier, myself, Messrs Balfour, Barnes, and one representative of the Dominions. He also stated that the Government possessed a list of the chief culprits in connection with the ill-treatment of British prisoners, but emphasised that action could only be taken in conjunction with the allies.— Reuter, THE SAMOAN ISLANDS. Received Feb. 21, 10.40 p.m. Paris, Feb. 18. It is stated that Mr. Lloyd George urged President Wilson to assume the mandatory responsibilities over the Sa-1 ,moan Islands. President Wilson did not I commit himself. He may suggest to Congress that the United States assume the mandatory.—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assoc.