WAR AUTHORS.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 February 1920, Page 5

WAR AUTHORS.

A NEW IMPASSE REACHED. SUIiSS' DEMANDS NOT ACCEPTED. Py Telegrtph.—Pre» Ann.—Copyright. Paris, Feb. 4. Baron von Lersner- (head of the German Peace Delegation) has resigned, refusing to transmit the Allies' list of German war criminals for extradition. Received Feb. 5, 5.5 p.m. Berlin, Feb. 4. /he Press reports that Baron von Lersner resigned despite Government Olden to accept the list.—Aus.-N.Z. Gable Awn. Received Feb. 5, 10.55 p.m. Paris, Feb. 4. Baron von Lersner declares he would not accept the responsibility of transmitting the list of Germans wanted for trial, and doubted if any German would do so. He acted on his own initiative, and tiie Government had nothing to do with his action. He says he warned the ADje* repeatedly that surrender was imposaible. The Allied Ambassadors' Council was summoned hurriedly to consider the •risis. It k understood the list includes Elsie Scheiner, charged with cruelty to women prisoners. Britain demands the surrender of ninety persons, France of 334, and Belgium of 334.—Au5.-N.Z, Cable Assn. A PERSISTENT REFUSAL. i LEHSNER'S RESIGNATION ACCEPTED. Received Feb. 6, 12.5 a.m. Paris, Feb. 5. • Baron von Lersner, in a letter to M. Millerand (the Premier), points out that he explained ten times in writing and thirteen tints* verbally why it was impojeJMe to deliver up war criminals. He returns the list because be could not be instrumental in assisting in the extradition. Berlin reports the acceptance of Baron v<m Lersner's resignation. It is understood Herr Mayer, Charge d'Affaires, has "'been lent back to Paris.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Attn, A WAY OUT. THE LIST SENT TO BERLIN. Becelved Feb. 5, 11.40 p.m. Paris, Feb. 4. •file Council of Ambassadors decided to taonediately telegraph tie Black List of War criminals, with a covering letter, to the Berlin Legations, by which it will be hgnded'direct to the German Governmeat . The Allies take a grave view of Baron Ton Lersner's action, and are inclined to regard it as an attempt on Germany's .part to escape the Treaty obligations. Germany will be informed that Baron Von. Lersner's resignation does not affect the country's responsibilities. Failure to comply with the Allied demands will Snvolv« serious perils.

THE LAW OF EXTRADITION.

GERMANY SEEKING A CHANGE. Keeeived Feb. 5, 10.20 p.m. - Paris, Feb. 4. r1» Berlin correspondent of the Matin Itates it is rumored that the Government will ask the National Assembly to take ft plebiscite authorising the abrogation of the- article in the constitution prohibiting tie handing of German citizens to a foreign Power for trial. It .is believed ft great mass of the people are indifferent 4nd win abstain from voting.—Am.N.Z. Cable Asm. .

THE EX-KAISER. ■ "HE MUST LEAVE EUROPE." ISLAND HOME SUGGESTED. Received Feb. 6, 12.5 a.m. London, Feb. 5. <3lr Auckland Geddeß (President of the Board of Trade), speaking at Andorer, ■aid the Government intended to get the tx-Kaiser out of Holland. If. on a basis of International law, Holland definitely Mid "No," and that she intended to provide him with asylum, then we Bust «ay he could not live in Europe, •ad that Holland must put the ex-Kaiser Ml doe of her isknds outside Europe.— Ani.'N.Z. Cable Assn. [ls the debates that took place in Germany before the vote agreeing to sign the Treaty of Versailles the three points in the Treaty to which the Germans took the greatest exception were:— The handing over of .war offenders, including the ex-Kaiser. The admission of Germany's responsibility for the war. The reduction of the German Army. Nevertheless it was agreed on July 9 hj 808 votes to 115 that the Treaty should be signed without reservations. The armistice terms had never been wholly fulfilled, and had been renewed with fresh penalties for non-fulfilment.]