ARMISTICE

Taranaki Daily News, 1 March 1919, Page 5

ARMISTICE

| FATE OF GERMAN WARSHIPS. I QUESTION FOR ALLIES. SALE BY AUCTION SUGGESTED. London, Feb. 23. It is semi-offieially stated that the British Government favors the German battleships at Scapa being sunk, while the other Allies oppose the suggestion. Mr. Balfour and M. Pichon conferred with M. Clemenceau on the diplomatic situation. They found tfie French Premier better than they expected. They expressed amazement at his vitality. The Pall Mall Gazette says that the Governments of Britain and the United States have decided entirely to oppose the use of submarines in future warfare, and accordingly will not recede from the proposal to scrap the German submarines.

They also favor the destruction of the larger German ships, but probably will compromise on the matter, as the other Allies, especially France, strongly oppose the wastage. French naval opinion considers that the French should share the German ships, as France was unable to build during the war. Keceived Feb. 28, 5.5 p.m. London, Feb. 26. In the House of Lords, Lord Islington called attention to the report that the Paris Conference contemplated the sinking of the German fleet. He suggested that the fullest tests should be made whether the ships could be utilised comir."icially. Lo. 1 Lylton replied that the question was n matter for all the Allies, but the British Government strongly felt that the ships should not- be added to auv existing licet. It was questionable whether it would be economical to scrap the ships. Personally he thought that ;)oint would best he tested by offering the ships at auction.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. DESTRUCTION WOULD BE FOLLY. FUANCE CLAIMS IMPORTANT PART. Received Feb. 28. 7.55 p.m. Pari-, Feb. -?-2. Le Journal denies the report that the German fleet is to he sunk. M. Leygues (Minister nf Marino) declares it will be inconceivable folly at a time when metal and machinery are scarce that thousands of tons should be destroyed. France will certainly claim an important part of the fleet It is believed the matter wtli. form a definite uari of the armistice conditions. —Aus. N.Z. Gable Assoc.