HISTORIC SCENE

Taranaki Daily News, 13 May 1919, Page 5

HISTORIC SCENE

SNEMY AT BAR OF NATIONS. M, Clemenceau's Brief Spaecru. ' Text of German Reply. leceived May 12, 5.5 pj», ' Paris, May 8. With bitter memories of half a century ago, Versailles to-day witnessed the moat memorable scene in its history, when its ancient enemy stood at the bar of the nations of the world to receive terms imposed on the shattered Germanic Empire. The weather was fine and the street leading to the Trianon Hotel was crowded with spectators anxious to see the delegations of the Allies. As the latter arrived at and left the Conference they received an •vation along the route. There was a simple setting within the great dining saloon of the hotel. A green baize-covered table in the form •f a rectangle; at the head sat M. Cle-

tneaceau, with the American delegates jen the right and the British on the left. * He others were grouped on the sides. iA cross table at the foot of the room tvas reserved for the Germans. Signor Orlando and Baron Sonnino, the Italian delegates, were cordially greeted as they' entered. There was a jnoment of thrilling silence when the officer announced "Messieurs les Plenipotentiaries AUemands." All the delegates entered, accompanied by three officers. With the exception of Herr Lansterg, a man of strong Prussian type, {he enemy delegates were pale. Ranttan looked particularly haggard. In a fnoment he was seated. M. Clemenceau then rose. Addressing fhe Germans, he said:

This is neither the time nor the place for superfluous words. You ' have before von the plenipotentiaries of all small and great Powers united to fight together in a war cruelly forced upon them. You asked for peace. We are ready to give you peace. We present for your consideration, and will do everything that civilised nations can do to aid your consideration. We must see that this second Treaty of Ver- ' lailles, which cost us so much, must secure lasting guarantees."

M. Clemenceau outlined the procedure, fcad stated that German observations on the terms most be submitted in writing, to which the Supreme Council would reply, and added that the observations Heed sot be kept until a period of fif.teen days had elapsed, but could be sent to the Council as they arose, and the Council would give an immediate answer. M. Clemenceau then asked if the delegates had anything to say further. Count von Rantzan, in a clear voice, Mid: "We are here to join in the sublime task of giving the world a durable peaee. Germans are under no misI conception as to their defeat or want of power. We have no power 1 and German arms are broken, when we realise the power of hatred now encountered and the vanquishers' demand for punishment of the guilty, but to confess that we are entirely responsible for the war would be a lie."

Be admitted that the former attitude t>f the German Government in the "tragic twelve days in July and the last fifty yean of Imperialism had been poisonous, and the policy of retaliation and expansion contributed to Europe's illness, (which showed expression in the world's p*x. Received May 12, 5.5 p.m. 1 Paris, May 8. Count von Rantzau added: "We are ready to face any wrongs done, and do. not wish to belittle the responsibility of the men who made the war—political, ■economic and military. We repeat the pledge made at the beginning of the war in regard to the wrong done to Belgium, but Germany is not the only criminal. If you think of guilt and punishment, the measure of the guilt can only be decided by a neutral commission, and we repeat our demand for such an inquest in this conference, where we stand. We are not quite without protection. You have shown no fine art yourselves. You took six weeks to fix the armistice terms, and six months to present peace terms. Hundreds of thousands have died of cold and hunger since November through the blockade. Think of that when you think of guilt and punishment. Since November you have inscribed a peace of violence •on your banner. In October we wero prepared to accept peace on President Wilson's terms. The Allies agreed to this basis. In this matter the conscience of the world is behind us. No nation pould violate it without punishment. The task of reparation could not be undertaken without our adversaries' co-opera-tion, and you cannot execute it without us. Reconstruction would possibly proceed rapidly if they had an understanding as to the best methods." He thought it wrong to utilise German war prisoners, as it would engender hatred among the people whose husbands and brothers were kept at penal work. Both victor and vanquished must take into account the -danger of Germany Buccumbing under the burden, with its incalculable consequences. He saw hope in the solidarity of the League of Nations only when its portals were thrown open to all nations. Then those wht died in the war would' not have died in vain. He concluded by urging such a peace as would not lead to future resistance.

The tone of the speech throughout was cynical—at times arrogant, and even insolent —and the manner of it left a wrathful feeling among many listeners.