The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 1919. THE AUSTRIAN TERMS.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 June 1919, Page 4

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 1919. THE AUSTRIAN TERMS.

j The summary of the Austrian terms, as settled by the Peace Congress, leaves out the portions that wonld be of greatest interest to readers. It was a foregone conclusion that the text would, in the main, closely follow the conditions imposed on Germany, but there are naturally some differences, especially in relation to territorial adjustments consequent on the formation of the new States, and the area regained by Italy. The effect of cutting down the previous Austrian territory may be seen in the fact that whereas Austria before the armistice had an area of 115,903 square miles, with a population of 28,826,940 (in 1911), her territory will now be reduced to between fifty and sixty thousand square miles, with a population (if the cabled figures are correct) of about six millions. It is interesting to note that the population in 1911 consisted of 9,950,266 Germans, 6,435,983 Bohemians, Moravians and Slovaks, 4,967,984 Poles, 3,518,854 Ruthehians, 1,252,940 Slovenes, 783,334 Servians, and Croats, 768,422 Italians; so that she loses by the constitution of new States about half her territory, and by far the greater part of her population. This subdivision Bhould of itself be a factor in keeping the peace, for it leaves Austria not only separated from Hungary, but so greatly reduced in manpower as to render her impotent. Austria is compelled to recognisj the independence of Hungary, Czecho-Slovakia and Jugo-Slavia. She is to demobilise the whole ot her naval and aerial forces, hand over to the Allies all warships, submarines and vessels of the Danube flotilla type, convert certain auxiliary cruisers into merchant men, break up all warships and submarines under construction, using the salvage for industrial purposea only, and is forbidden to

construct or acquire any submarines for any purpose whatever, while all naval arms, ammunition and other war material is to be surrendered. Besides fhis, she is not to permit Austrian nationals to enlist in the army, navy or air service of any foreign Power. Apparently there is no embargo on Austria as to joining Germany, but there is more than one clause in the treaty which is so general that it could be stretched to cover a number of points that are not specifically mentioned. Among the conditions that have still to be settled are those relating to the army, reparation and-finance, all of which are of great importance. Apparently the r.ew boundaries of Austria are satisfactory, and as special provision is made for the renunciatioif by Austria, in favoi of the Allies, of all her rights and titles over territories foimerly belonging to her, which, though outside the new frontiers of Austria, have not at present been assigned to any States, no loophole is lefi for disputing the future settlement of such territories. It is also satisfactory to note that the neutrality of Luxembourg is safeguarded, and the rights of minori ties protected. In fact, Austria is to bind herself to acquiesce in all arrangements made by the Allies with respect in Europe and outside; also to bring her institutions into conformity with the principles of liberty and justice, and to assure complete protection of life and liberty to all inhabitants of Austria, without distinction of birth, nationality, language, race' or religion. This is decidedly a wise and humane provision that should tend to fostering peace and good government. By assuring to Austria access to the Adriatic the Allies have acted wisely, for there is no desire to treat her harshly. In all other respects the terms are similar to those imposed on Germany. There is little doubt that Austria is now somewhat reconciled to the creation of the new States, and the consequent loss of territory and an alien population which has been s source of trouble for many years. It may be said that she has not much of a future in prospect, but under good government she will be far happier, and probably more prosperous, than in the past, for the source of her most serious troubles will be removed, and the burden of armament lifted. It is only just that she should, according to her ability, pay a portion of the Allies' war expenses, especially so far ai Italy and the Balkan States are concerned, and the Allies have re served all rights on the part of Russia for restitution and satisfaction to be obtained from Austria. It would certainly appear that no trouble should be experienced over the acceptance of the treaty in its preliminary form, and though Germany may attempt to place grit in the machinery, a final settlement should be arrived at speedily. Presumably the delay in the promulgation of the terms has been due to the policy of allowing the German terms to be thoroughly digested, so as to pave the way for the acceptance of the terms by Austria.