PEACE TREATY

Taranaki Daily News, 26 May 1919, Page 5

PEACE TREATY

THE ALLIES' REPLY, GERMANY CANNOT ESCAPE UNSCATHED. fiaeeivad May 25, 5.5 p.m. Paris, May 23. The Allies ripiv to the German note (States tl.ut Germany must recognise that in the .present state of the world, which she waa ltainly instrumental in creating, she cannot escape unscathed. The Allies apportioned Germany's share,, not In accordance with her deserts, but solely with regard to her ability to bear it".—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. A SERIOUS SITUATION. GERMANY BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP SEA. Received May 25, 5 5 p.m. London, May 14 (delayed). The Daily News' Berlin correspondent states that as a spontaneous demonstration of popular indignation the National Assembly meeting proved quite effective. There was great cheering when Herr Scheidemann declared that they "take away that murder plot." Nevertheless the situation is serious. If the Government signs the treaty it will be overthrown by the militarists. On the other hand, a refusal to sign would result in the overthrow through commiinists instigating a general strike. In either event it will mean internal chaos. Prompt concessions, extending the international administration to Dantzig and over the corridor, and also conceding a plebiscite to upper Silesia might secure signature.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc.

GERMANY'S COUNTER PROPOSALS. PAYMENT FOR COLONIES DESIRED. Paris, May 22. The German Government Note agrees regarding tha repayment of all material damage resulting from the violation of Belgian neutrality, including that done by the Allied armies. Paris, May 14 (delayed). Herren Landsberg and Giesbert have left Versailles for Germany to confer with the Government. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. Rotterdam, May 22. According to advices Germany'' on" ter-proposals include the suggestion that the surrender of the colonies should constitute part of the payment for reparation. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. London, May 22. The Allied reply to the note regardi; j German prisoners says that complete reciprocity cannot be considered, because theTe is no parallel between the German and the Allied treatment of prisoners,— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

I GERMANi CABINET MEMBERS. FACILITATE FINAL DECISION. Received May 25, 5.5 p.m. London, May 23. Several members of the German Cabinet, accompanied by Count von Bernstorff, have gone to Spa to consult the German delegates, with a view to facilitating a final decision. The telegraphs are seriously interrupted.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. ALLIE SPREPARED TO ADVANCE INFANTRY ROUTES MAPPED OUT, London, May 23. The Cologne correspondent of the Daily Express reports that everything is ready for an advance if Germany refuses to sign. The guns have gone forward, the infantry routes mapped out and the units have received detailed instructions.

The Berlin correspondent of the Daily News interviewed Dr. Dernberg, who said: "Germany cannot think of conceding the Saar Valley and Silesia, or allowing a foreign committee to interjfere with Germany's internal affairs. We insist on a peace based on President Wilson's points. I cannot imagine that any Government can be found in Germany which will Sign such a treaty. Anyhow, it could not fulfil the obligations. There must be an equitable peace after full and free negotiation. Otherwise let the Allies run Germany for themselves and get more out of it if they can. "We are determined to refuse to sign the treaty as submitted. I say this as vice-president of the Cabinet, also that the whole Government is unanimous. The present Government, having a majority in the Assembly and commanding the military authority is the only possible combination possessing the qualifications for signature. Any possible successors can offer little security." Other correspondents draw attention to Herr Haase's speech, in which he protested against a peace of destruction, suppression, injustice and violation, and added :"Tho3e who did not protest at the Brest Litovsk and Bucharest treaties have no right to complain." Herr Haase agreed that Germany must collapse under the impossible terms. ,He hoped that the world revolution which was surely coming would result in a revision of terms. —Aus.-N.E. Cable Assn.