THE PEACE CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 April 1919, Page 5

THE PEACE CONFERENCE.

THE INDEMNITIES QUESTION. BRITISH GOVERNMENT WILL KEEP PLEDGES. Received April 11, 5.5 p.m. London, April 8. The Press Bureau states that, replying to telegrams sent by members of the House of Commons concerning indemnities, Mr. Lloyd George telegraphed to Sir Kennedy Jones: "My colleagues and I mean to stand faithfully to all pledges given to our constituencies. We are prepared at any moment to submit to the judgment of Parliament—if necessary, of the country. Our efforts are a loyal attempt to redeem our promises."— Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. WILSON ADAMANT. WANTS HIS OWN SCHEME. AN IMPORTANT MEETING. Received April 11, 12.50 p.m. London, April 10. The Daily Express states that President Wilson considers Sunday's compromise regarding the Saar, the Rhine, and Danzig, and the reparation questions, was definitely opposed to his fourteen points, to whi£h he adheres with undiminished tenacity.

M. Clemenceau has gone far to meet President Wilson's views. President Wilson thinks he has not gone far enough. Mr. Lloyd George steers a- middle course, though the Americans accuse him of siding too much with M. Clemenceau. It is unquestionable that the sudden summoning of President Wilson's steamer is a deliberate hint that the conference must choose between a Wilson Jieace and no peace. It is reported that r President Wilson is fiercely determined to have his own way. If the peace draft fails to coincide \.itli his fourteen points he will issue a manifesto and quit Europe. To-day's meeting of the "Big Four" was of unprecedented importance. British c .espondent's messages, almost for the first time, are being censored. |

The Daily Telegraph's Paris correspondent states that the new League of Nations scheme anticipates a more or less formal alliance of and America to enforce the observance of the peace treaty, enabling the League to take its place when world-order lias been established. The scheme will do much to relieve the anxiety in France, which feared the League at the inception was not strong enough to impose the terms on Germany. Whatever the reason for summoning the steamer, it is undoubted that President Wilson is as much irritated and depressed with the slowness of the negotiations as are his most severe critics. — Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc.

THE SAAR VALLEY. LEAGUE OF NATIONS TQ SUPERVISE. Received April 11, 1.15 p.m. Paris, April 10. It has been decided that the League of Nations will supervise the Saar valley for fifteen years. The economic council has called the attention of the associated governments to the gravity of the present economic situation in Europe.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. MISSION TO HUNGARY UNSUCCESSFUL. RECONSTRUCTION OF COMMUNICATIONS. Received April 11, 8.30 p.m. Paris, April 9-

General Smuts reported to the conference that his mission to Hungary was unsuccessful. It was questionable if the Soviet Government controls the provinces. Therefore he returned. attended the council, and protested against the decision to neutralise Danzig. He urged that the Teschen coalfield was vital to Poland. The Supreme Economic Council tfas taken over the reconstruction of European inland communications, which require recreating. In some cases only twentv per cent of the necessary rolling stock remains. The Allies have distributed the work as follows: Britain undertakes Roumania, Poland, the Baltic and Caucasus and the Don regions; Italy undertakes Austria-Hunga.ry; France undertakes European Turkey; Greece the Donat?. Basin and Ukraine. America undertakes Czecho-Slavia and Jugo-Slavia.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. LEAGUE AMENDMENTS. EMANATING FROM AMERICA. Received April 11, 10.15 p.m. New York, March 31. The New York papers publish six amendments to the League of Nations covenant proposed_by Hon- Elihu Root. The most important says a clause should be inserted saving that the United States shall not be called upon to submit to the decision or recommendations of other Powers on questions affecting its policy in purely American affairs, including immigration.—Aus-N.Z. CaDte Assn. REORGANISING MONROE DOCTRINE New York, April 10. A United Press Paris message states that the League of Nations Commission adopted a new section of the covenant recognising the Monroe doctrine. —Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assoc. QUESTION OF RAISING. BLOCKADE. Received April 11, 5.5 p.m. Paris, April 10. The council discussed the raising of the blockade of German-Ajistria, reopening traße in Esthonia and terminating maritime transport.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Auu