LAST NIGHT'S NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXIX, Issue 9631, 11 June 1919, Page 6

LAST NIGHT'S NEWS.

PEACE TREATY. REPLY TO GERMAN NOTE. LABOUR CONVENTION DISCUSSED PARIS, June I. it is understood that after consideration of the German counter-proposals the American delegates decline to sacrifice a single principle in fcbe Treaty. Tho British delegates' view is divided, but mainly stands by the document, though some members are inclined to make a concession on a. non-vital principle. The French delegates stand try the letter of the Treaty, which Belgium supports, while Italy .and Japan are indifferent, and satisfied to leave the decision to France, England, and America. Th^ Allies' reply to the German Note on Labour legislation points out that the Allies have had a. long experience of democratic institutions and. consider it their duty to collaborate with Labour in the formulation of Labour laws. They take exception so the German -.misconception that the views and interests of Governments must necessarily he antagonistic to those of Labour. On the contrary, accredited representatives of Labour now form some part of gemiine democratic governments, of the world; therefore it is ■ assumed that, antagonism is unlikely except-in the ■case of governments that-are democratic in name only. It is incorrect for the Germans to' nay that the Berne Congress demands have boon disregarded. In fact, they find expression in the Treaty and in tho general principles of the League of Nations. The Allies have also accepted the idea of an early admission of German representatives in respect to the International ' Labour "Bureau. The reply emphasises the point that the conventions under the Peace Treaty are at present more, effective than the international Labour laws, for the infringement of which' no penalty can be applied. The German suggestion that peace negotiations should be delayed in order to hold another Labour ■'Conference'at Versailles in contrary to the interests of the workers, who more than anyone else desire a return to peace and relief from the conditions produced by four yours of Gorman ■aggression.