PEACE TREATY.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 May 1919, Page 5

PEACE TREATY.

QfRMAN COUNTER, POSPOSALS. " r

READY TO PAY UFm® IBjPARAHON, *"=--

A PROPORTION OF MERCHANTMEN REQUIRED. Received May 18, 7.5 p.m. London, May 18. Tie Daily Chronicle's Berlin correspondent gives an authoritative outline of Germany's counter-proposals. They will insist on President Wilson's fourteen points and subsequent speech, which, they hold, constitute a binding international agreement. Germany's eastern frontier should be settled in accordance with a plebiscite. It is a foregone conclusion that the plebiscite in Alsace-Lorraine would overwhelmingly favor France, but a historic vote should be taken. France is entitled to the Saar. . coal only, and Germany is ready to pay the utmost reparation, bnt the financial proposal is impossible unless the army pf occupation is withdrawn and economic stability re-established. The treaty does not allow sufficient troops to maintain order and the number should be fixed bv agrc .ment. The army becomes practically non-existent. When circumstances permit, Germany offers to surrender the remnant of her fleet, and demands in return a proportion of the merchantmen. The Alhes' refusal to entertain liese suggestions will force Germany to refuse to sign.—vAus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. «00ULDNT BELIEVE HIS JSSS." RANTZAU AND THE TEXT. 6KRMANY WILL ACCEPT THE BASIS. Received May IS, 7.5 pjn. , Paris, May 17. The Journal des Debats states that a . member of the German delegation, questioned as to whether the treaty would be signed, replied: "Count von Rantzau eouldn't- believe his eyes when he read the text, and hesitated for twenty-four hours whether to start for.Germany. He is now studying the details, and. intends to accept the basis of the treaty." ,i—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. VON RANTZAU'S SPEECH. DEFIANT AND IMPUDENT. New York, May 9. Some newspapers, commenting on Count von Rantzau's speech at Versailles when the peace terms were presented to the German delegates, dclare that though it was subdued in tone it contained a Bpirit of defiance and impudence. It is pointed out that Germany's territorial losses in Europe by the terms of the treaty are less serious than they appear because, with the exception of the Saar Valley and the Briey region, no important industrial sections are taken iron the Teutons. The New York Times says Count von Rantzau gave the first sign that Germany realises to some degree her guilt •nd responsibility for the war, but the world won't be stiened, because he is unwilling to admit that Germany is the only nation which has plunged .the world into war.—Amv-N.Z Cable Assn. -THB FIUME DIFFICULTY. TRADE WITH GERMANY. ~ • Paris, May 10. It is proposed that Italy and Jugoslavia, with the United States assisting, shell settle the Fittme question themselves. The Council of Four are considering the practicability of a scheme providing that if three of the Allies and the Germans ratify peace an immediate resumption of trade with Germany shall occur.—AUS.-N.Z. Cable Assn. It is understood that the Germans have already formulated several amendments to the terms, including Germany's right to enter the League of Nations, the abolition of the mandatory clause, and the affirmation of the freedom of the seas.—Aus.-NZ Cable I 'Assn. THE AUSTRIAN DELEGATION. TREATED WITH COURTESY. Received May 19, 1 a.m. Paris, May 14. ' The Austrian delegation's reception at the station on the outskirts of St. Germain was in marked contrast with that given the Germans. The prefect Chaliel greeted them with courtesy, in accordance with French tradition. • Renner apologised for being unable to reply in French, and said: "We corn* among you with pleasure. It is the first time I have been on French soil, and I hope I will go away equally cheerful at r heart." The entire party, which included Lam"marsch, Mb wife and daughter, Klein and Slatin, were evidently in good spirits. They are all handsomely quartered in 'Henri Quatre, adjacent to the villas, with a beautiful outlook over -the Seine Valley.—Aus. and NX Cable Assoc. EAST AFRICAN QUESTIftN. TO BE REOPENED. Received May 18, 11.5 p.m. Paris, May 10. As a result of representations by M. Hymaris, the Belgian Foreign Minister, to Mr. Lloyd George and President Wilson, the question of a mandate for German East Africa will be re-opened, after a consultation with Lord Milner, whom Mr. Lloyd George has summoned to Paris. The Abyssinian Mission has arrived to ask for a French protectorate over Ethiopia. A telegram from Kieff states that the and Ukrainians have agreed that ijemberg be neutralised.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.