THE Daily News. SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 1919. THE PEACE TERMS.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 April 1919, Page 4

THE Daily News. SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 1919. THE PEACE TERMS.

In the absence of any official statement concerning the terms of pease as settled by the Conference, it is necessary to regard the cable messages relating thereto as being of the nature of forecasts that may or may not be reliable Although a message from Paris on Monday gave a precis of what the treaty defined and did not define, a London message on the following day stated: "The peace treaty has been made, but np one outside the Big Four will know its contents until it is delivered to the Germans." Assuming, however, that the Paris message is reasonably accurate—it has all the appearance of probability—there can be no question as to the drastic nature of the terms. Apparently the French Premier is not only satis fied, but is even grateful, so that we may conclude that the French demands both as to territory and indemnities have, been met. It would seem that the amount to be claimed from Germany has been regulated more by what she will be able, to pay than by what can justly be demanded. According to the NewJork World's Paris correspondent the Allied experts originally decided that thirty billion dollars (six billion sterling) would be the entire German reparation bill, but that another fifteen billion dollars had now been added for soldiers' pensions,' the payments to be spread over thirty years, bearing interest, though it is probable that if the Germans loyally carry out the terms there appears to be a possibility that a reduction may be made by the Allies in the course of a few years. In a recent, statement made by Herr von G winner, Director of the Deutsche Bank, he put forward a plea te [jostponing payment of the money I indemnity for five years, on the I ground that Germany cannot pax

now as Europe was ruined and all the countries must help in putting Europe in order, politically and financially, otherwise Bolshevism will engulf everything. It is obvious this statement is mainly prompted by the desire to protect German banking interests, otherwise it is difficult to reconcile the statement made by the Czechoslovak Mission that wholesale recruiting is proceeding actively in the eastern districts of Germany, the pay offered being more than can be earned in civilian life, besides which munitions and aeroplanes are said to b.e in process of manufacture on a large scale. There is only one conclusion to be drawn from any reluctance to pay indemnities, namely, that the militarists are endeavoring to continue their old policy of lavish expendi ture on armaments. It is quite possible that von Gwinner has been specially inspired to throw dust in the eyes of the Allies, for there is much that can be read between the lines of his remarkable 'presentation of Germany's case, and flourish of the menace of Bolshevism as a trump card. The Peace Conference, however, has taken considerable trouble to ascertain, as nearly as possible, Ger many's financial, and other resources, and the Allies are not in the least likely to be deceived by von Gwinner's subtleties. It is believed, moreover, that the Allies claims of six billions sterling are subject to a proviso that the amount may be increased—a very wise proviso considering the possibility of the steps they may be forced to take to compel compliance with the treaty terms. According to the Paris message above referred to, France is to receive fifty-five per cent, of the total claim on Germany, the allocation being based on the number of dead and the material destruction in flicted. Whether this is the actual method of allocation seems doubt ful, as there are several other factors having an important bearing on the allocation of the indemni ties. That, however, is not of supreme importance. The two main points are that the indemnities shall be justly adequate, and that it will be made impossible for Germany to enter upon another war. She is dispossessed of her colonies, Alsace-Lorraine, the Saar Valley and Dantzig, France being at liberty, if she so pleases, to sell the Saar collieries to Germany after the lapse of a certain number of years, but she would have to be in very sore financial straits to part with such a desirable asset. The demilitarisation of the left bank of the Rhine is essential for French protection, and the formation of a neutral zone 25 miles deep on the right bank of the river is also advisable. It is stated that the peaec treaty will not define the boundaries of the newly created States, that work being relegated to the League of Nations. It will doubtless be found that the < treaty will contain a number of ether provisions relating to com merce, labor, and matters connected with the origin and conduct of the war. Apparently Bulgaria, Austria and Hungary are to be dealt with by separate peace trea- ■ ties. Turkey is to be practically eliminated from the map of Europe and will doubtless be dealt . with by the League. According . to Mr. Lloyd George everything ' has gone well at the Conference, ?nd it will be shortly known whether that assertion is borne out by the treaty terms.