GERMANY'S REFUSAL

Taranaki Daily News, 16 May 1919, Page 5

GERMANY'S REFUSAL

TO SIGN PEACE TREATY.

FORCES BEING marsh at, mid TO (RESIST PEACE TERMS.

Received Map lfl, ijs a.m. London, May 15. The . Daily Chronicle's Berlin correspondent reports that the -whole press fere enthusiastic over the National Assembly's practical unanimity. No doubt the withdrawal of the German troops from Russia had an importlint bearing on the situation. Count von Rantzau formerly opposed the evacuation, but changed his attitude after seeing the terms. The withdrawal means practically peace with Russia, and Will enable Lenin to concentrate against Roumania m Hungary and liberate Hindenburg's 80,000 troops and enormously •trem/Mien <&• German determination to resist he peace terms. Protests are pouring in from all parts. Workers are Rallying undpr the cry of slavery, and ike Government's position is greatly strengthened. Paris, May 15. 'lt is announced that arrangements fcave been completed for the renewal of h close blockade in the event of Germany refusing'to sign. Meanwhile temporary relaxation* are made.—Ans. N.Z. Cabic 'Assoc. . INADEQUATE INDEMNITY. SHB GERMAN TOLL-80GO BRITISH SHIPS. ' London, May 8. The Daily Graphic states that the 6000 millions indemnity provisionally Axed is utterly inadequate. The total indemnity should be definitely fixed. The Manchester Guardian complains that the indemnity clauses are indefinite. The treaty contemplates payments extending over thirty years, with an Allied occupation of German territory for 15 yetn. Such a period would exhaust (British patience. It would be better to fix s sum'that Germany can reasonably hope te pay within a shorter period. Admiral Reginald Hall states thai the naval terms are satisfactory. bat >ay •rrangement not allocating German, ships to the Allies according to their ton&ag* fosses is unjust. ■ i Sir Arthur Fell states that 8000 British ships were sunk. We ought to be jpiven the ships seized in American ports to make up our losses.—Aus. N.Z. Cable liseoe. SATISFACTION IN UNITED STATES. RETARDING GERMANY'S DEVELOPMENT. New York, May 8. The publication of the terms of the fceace treaty was received quietly and I without demonstration Wall Street showed little change, but the upward movement of stocks, which had been noticeable for a few days continued, i The general opinion in official circles at Washington is that the terms of the jtreaty are thoroughly satisfactory. The Washington correspondent of the Jfew York Times interviewed a financial expert who expressed the opinion that Germany was no longer an important factor in world trade. It would be at least & decade before Germany became ia real competitor in the world's commerce. The stringency of the terms regarding the restoration of the Allies •hipping ■would be a tremendous factor In retarding Germany'! commercial development. Newspaper comment on the peace . terms states that it was the irony of fate by which the terms were handed to Germany on the anniversary of ty. lots of the Lusitania. Newspapers express satisfaction at the {clauses providing for the Kaiser and German war leaders being put on trial The New York Leader says: "The world is ranch safer against the German peril by the terms of the peace. TPhai is aU-important" The New York World says: "The terms are the most drastic imposed on hay great nation, yet the terms, are moderate compared with the terms' Germany would have imposed on France if phe had been victor." . FOCffiS HEADQUARTERS. ACTIVE PREPARATIONS. Received May 15, 11.45 p.m. Paris, May 14. Marshal Foch has returned to headquartets, where active preparations are n progress to meet any contingencies.— N.Z. Cable Assoc. AUSTRIAN DELEGATES ARRIVE. Paris, May 14. The Austrians have arrived at St. Ger-' maine. The Ct*miij notes, protesting that the economic clauses will mean ruin to Germany, objecting to the transfer of the Bear valley and France and Malmedy to Belgium, have been referred to a special Allied committee. JUBILANT DANES. Copenhagen, May 8. The newspapers are enthusiastic, declaring that without an Entente victory Denmark would never again have resovered northern Schleswig. The Polirikert says that the treaty is Jo paralysing that the Germans eee before them a closed horizonThe National Tideude states it is in the interests of the Allies that the present Government ohould weather the itorm which will undoubtedly arise. Fherefore the delegates will probably serare concessions.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. GERMANY'S MERCANTILE FLEET. .. • ' Paris, May 14. * The Council of (Four debated the Austrian treaty and considered the German notes. Britain is attempting to secure the iHspotal of German mercantile tomuwre on the basis of relative losses in the war. The United States is attempting to retain aH the merchantmen she seized. —Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc London, Mav 14. The Poreipi Ministers in Paris are trmsfderrag how private property of rnemv subject* in captured territories ■an be eompeneated for. The Allies may wmpensate German owners and include *u Mwrnrt, ia. th*«U ngeinit Germany.

GERMANY'S THREE NOTES.

REPUDIATION OP RESPONSIBILITY.

Received May 15, 11.45 p,nj.

' _, Paris, May 14. Count von Rantzau has presented three notes repudiating Germany's responsibility to repay the Allied war losses and disputing the guilt for the war. Count von Rantzau admits the responsibility for compensating certain damage in the war-zone, but opposes the Saar proposals, arid recognises France's right to compensation for the destruction of French mines. He asks for oral negotiations, and makes a mimite examination of the economic effect of the treaty, and protests particularly against the territorial clauses,—Aus. "N.Z. Cable Association. MR LLOYD GEORGE CONGRATULATED. GERMAN LAMENTATIONS. London, May 8. J Mr Lloyd George has received shoals | of telegrams congratulating him on the peace terms from all parts of the Empire. The Pall Mall Gazette states that Mr. Lloyd Oeorge awaits the German decision with the utmost confidence. He regards the terms with deep personal satisfaction, particularly the inclusion of i the ex-Kaiser's trial, the indemnity I ■■'■••'-■■■<!-. J.cA t'ae reduction of the German army to a small volunteer fore, for «.•)•;,'!■. he had to fight again?* stubborn '■ ■■''■■•• i .".Odious attacks.—Aus. N.Z. Cable j Assoc. : London, May 33. Count Rantzau has presented n fifth ; note f,i M. Clemcncewi. protesting I against the decisions r?gardinjj the Ger-! man colonies.—Aus. N.Z. "Table Assoc. ] Vienna. May 8. ; Difficulties are arising rcsrarflrnst representation at Versatile l !. The Socialists demand that the leader of the delegation shall not bo an advocate of the union of German-Austria with Germany. —Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. A GERMAN BEQUEST REFUSED. Received May 15. 5.10 p.m. Paris, May 14, Th« Allies refused Count von'TUntwu's request to attend the reception of the Austrian peace delegafca.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc.