Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 1919. A BRITISH TRIUMPH.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXIX, Issue 9540, 4 March 1919, Page 4

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 1919. A BRITISH TRIUMPH.

Many British people believe, not without reason, that the Bri; tish Empire did, most to defeat Germany in the great war, and appropriately enough, future historians will probably assert that it was the British delegates who did most to frame the terms of the peace treaty which was designed to shatter for ever, the power of Prussianism and Militarism. Owing to the great publicity given by the cablegrams to the thoughts, words, and deeds of President Wilson, an impression has arisen in some quarters that the 1 American President is running the Peace Conference to suit his wishes entirely, and this supposition has caused resentment even among those who, in the main, agreed with the ideals of the President. Much episto-, buy indignation at the seeming pre-eminence of President Wilson has been exhibited, even by those who should have known better than to judge by appearances. For our part, we shall be surprised if it is not proved, when the complete history of the Peace Conference is revealed, that Mr Balfour was more dominant than President Wilson* Undoubtedly, and as was fitting, the American President has had great influence on the decisions of the delegates, but it is, to British people, a happy reflection on all the points ; which really mattered that the British proposals were adopted. Where th.v League of 'Nations, the proposed international labour laws, the freedom of the seas, and the disposal of the German Colonies, have been concerned, the British Empire's representatives seem to have obtained all that was desirable from their point of view, and when the other, and comparatively minor, questions arc settled, it will be snrrrrssiji^ ii:' uny decisionis arrived at in opposition i'to any strong British sentiments. [In diplomacy and foreign affairs, [the Cecils are rarely inefficient, aid it is an ironic touch of History that even if the late Marquis of Salisbury did make a mistake in

permitting- Germany to have Heligoland in exchange for Zanzibar, etc., his nephew has now minimised the German "gain"— and the British still hold the large African territory. Whether the Peace Treaty is signed early or late—and.';-the sooner the better for the .Dominion, celebrations —it seems fairly safe, to assume flint the British delegates will 'Imvc deserved well of their compatriots.