THE PEACE CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 April 1919, Page 5

THE PEACE CONFERENCE.

THE ALLIES' WAR LOSSES. GERMANY TO PAY. TURKEY EXTINGUISHED. Paris, April 14. The treaty now being drafted will only relate to the two countries with which the Allies and America M ere at war—Germany and Austro-Hungary. A separate treaty will be made with Bulgaria, but none with Turkey, which, in fact, will no longer exist as a European nation. The bulk of her territory will be administered by" mandatories under the League of Nations, Turkey henceforth constituting a very small portion of Asia Minor, with Broussa as the probable capital. The scope of the treaty with Ger many, besides the articles specifying military, naval, and air conditions, will provide for payment to the Allies of the whole of their war losses. This will involve the immediate payment of a thousand million sterling in the shape of foreign credits and ships sold, and the spreading over the future of undetermined sums for a period of 30 years. [ Bulgaria will be given access to the sea, probably through Kavalla. At the same, time a series of special commissions will work on other outstanding matters, including the actual delimitation of the new European frontiers, the setting up of mandatories, the reviewing of the German financial, commercial, and industrial situation for the determination of subsequent, reparation. The commissions will report from time to time to the heads of the Allied Governments, who will meet in London, Paris, or elsewhere as desirable. Meanwhile, the Supreme Economic Council will regulate international economic relationships by land, sea. and air. It is possible the treaty will be handed to the Germans at Treves in Easter week. They will be given a time limit to appeal and go to Versailles for the signing. The latter will be made the occasion of considerable ceremonial.

German delegates are at present in Vienna, discussing the -incorporation of Austria. The latter is anxious that Germany should grant her a loan, but the Germans are averse to agreeing to unity with Austria until after peace haß been signed.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. New York, April 14. The New York World's Paris correspondent states that the Allied experts originally decided that thirty billion dollars (six thousand million sterling) would be the entire German reparation bill, but fifteen billion has now been added for soldiers'- pensions. It is believed that Germany will be able to pay a billion dollars yearly, and it is expected that, since the original sum of forty-five billions will be doubled within thirty years through interest charges, the Allies may decide, within a year or two, to reduce the principal.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

THE "BIG FOUR." DECIDING THE FATE OF THE WORLD. Lomlon, April 15. There are said to have been differences in Paris over financial matters between the Allies and the Americans. They revolve around the abrogation of certain treaties and contractual matters that leave America, which' abrogated nothing, in a strong position compared, with her associates in the war. ; ...

- Three months ago sixty-three delegates were sitting round, the table, but they have gradually dwindled' down to four, who meet in their respective residences in turn, deciding the fate of the world, while the other delegates from all parts of the world, are mere marionettes who now and again meet at the Quai d'Orsay to adopt findings on subjeflts they have never discussed. The Pwea Treaty has been made, and no on ¥> outside the Big Four, will know its contents till it is delivered to the Germans.

ilr. Hughes was cleverly switched on to the most difficult of all commissions—that on repatriation. The commission spent most of its time in an endeavor to discover the scope and meaning of repatriation, and finally the Big Pour took its functions into their own hands. Mr. Hughes and the other dominions' representatives have done good spado work on the commission and committees, but at a great waste of time, for their position has been largely that of onlookers. Nevertheless, they may be consoled by their signatures appearing on the treaties, and their names will go down .to posterity.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

marshal foots desire.

SYRIA AND ARMENIA. Received April 10, 8 p.m. Paris, April 115. It is understood that Marshal Foch strongly desires the maintenance of the bridgehead at Cologne and Mainz until reparation is paid. The proposed commission to Syria has been abandoned.

It is expected that France will receive a mandate over Syria, and America a mandate over Armenia,—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assoc.

A LIVELY CONTROVERSY. PRESIDENT WILSON'S INCONSISTENCY. Received April 16,11.55 p.m. Paris, April 15. A lively controversy is proceeding concerning the responsibility for the rejection of the Japanese mandate. The French newspapers, which supported Japan, blame President Wilson, declaring that he accepted the majority vote on Thursday for Geneva as the seat of the League of Nations, but insisted on unanimity when the Japanese amendment was brought Up. Le Matin bitterly adds that similarly President Wilson refused to accept a vote upon the bourgeoise amendments. America accepts when in favor of America, but refuses to accept the majority when it favors France.—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assoc.

THE ADRIATIC QUESTION. ! Paris, April 15. The Council o? Four considered the Adriatic questioti, Mr. Balfour replacing Mr. Lloyd George as British representa-tive..—Aus.-NZ Cable Ann.