PEACE CONFERENCE.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16407, 30 December 1918, Page 7

PEACE CONFERENCE.

THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

(By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) NEW YORK, December 27. The London correspondent of the United Press Association interviewed Lord Robert Cecil. The correspondent affirms that the interview embodies the views of the Cabinet. Lord Cecil pointed out that Great Britain, not only was willing, but was desirous, at the Peace Conference to organise a permanent League of Nations. Four provisions were necessary for the foundation of the League. First, a permanent secretariat; second, fixing a place of meeting; third, periodical meetings; fourth, no war shall be possible until the difficulty has been discussed at a meeting of the leaders of the League, which must have administrative powers, as well as authority to settle disputes. Tho London correspondent of the "New York Times" interviewed Lord Fisher, who said that the question of the Freedom of the Seas far exceeded the League of Nations idea. President "Wilson could best merit eternal fame, and compel continuance of peace, hv inducing all the nations who speak the English language to become a Federation of Freo Nations and a great commonwealth of free Republics. WASHINGTON,* December 27. In the House of Representatives Mr Britton introduced a resolution calling on the Pence Conference to adopt President "Wilson's plan for a Leaftue of Nations. ]Mr Britton declared that the on tire world would not believe that the United States was sincerely desirous of making the world safe for democracy unless the League was formed. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (ileceived December 29th. 5.5 p.m.) 7/)NDON. December 27. President "Wilson, in receiving the Archbishon of Canterbury. Lord Bryce, and Sir Edward Grey, in connexion with tho League of Nations proposal, said he was delighted to meet the members of tho Government which had brought Britain into tho war, because of the groat moral obligation based on a treaty The United States greatly admired tho motives, and subscribed to the principle actuating the Government of Britain in obeying moral dictates. Organisation was necessary if the League was to be established.

Speaking at the Guildhall banquet, President Wilson affirmed the principle that thero must be no longer a balrt-ico of power between nations, which might unsettle the world's poace, but in future there must be a concert of Powers, preserving peace. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received D-ccember 29th, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, December 27. Opinion in Peace Conference circles is that the first step must be the formation of a Leaguo of Nations, and thereafter arbitration must be adopted to settle such questions as the Italian and Jugo-Slav claims in Dalmatia. AN INFORMAL CONFERENCE. LONDON, December 20. President Wilson, Mr Bolfour, and Mr Lloyd George conforred informally at Buckingham Palace, unattended by secretaries. It is understood ill American quarters that President Wilson made clear the solidarity of his views to the British statesmen regarding the freedom of the seas and other points. . (Australian and N. 4. Cable Association.) (Received December 29th, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, December 27. The "Daily Mail" states that tho conference between' Mr Lloyd George and President Wilson showed a complete harmony of ideals, and tho happiest augury for future relations between the United States and Britain. President Wilson was onthusiastic over tho prospect. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received December 29th, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, December 28. The "Daily Chroniclo" states that the conference disclosed very few points upon which Mr Lloyd Goorgo and President Wilson differed. The "only points on which thov differed were unimportant. Tho conference will be continued after the Mansion House luncheon, when tho Dominionu 1 representatives will be present.

PRESIDENT WILSON. NEW YORK, December 27. Lord Burniham, in an interview, said that President Wilson's visit to theso shores was recognised everywhere as of immeasurable importance to both countries, and marked the deep and abiding interest that the people of England took in affairs concerning the giant Western Democracy. Tho visit was a visiblo truth of the common understanding of tho moral forces of the world, which alone would enable us to, ensure the right standard of civilisation. The New York newspapors express gratification at President Wilson's reception in- London. They point out that it is a token of tho deep friendship and the common interest in Ideals of the two nations. LONDON, December 26. President Wilson, on Saturday will reecive a deputation from the League of Nations "Union, consisting of Vis- ! count Grey, Lord Bryce. General Smuts and Professor Gilbert Murray. President Wilson is to receive tho freedom of Carlisle, his mother's birthplace. THE NAVAL POLICY. (Australian and N.Z. Oab.'e Association.) [ (Reuler's T«Jegrait».) LONDON, December 25. The Admiralty states that Earl Lytton has been appointed deputy .to Sir Eric Geddes, at tho Admiralty, in all matters arising at the Peace Conference, affecting the naval policy. LONDON'S WELCOME TO i PRESIDENT WILSON. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received December 29th, 5.5 p.m.) NEW YORK, December 27. Two million Londoners lined two miles of streets, which were canopied with flags, and gavo a vociferous welcome to President Wilson, who was in the State carriage with the King end the Duke of Connaught. Amid the thundering of saluting cannon, and the ringing of bells, the carriago passed be- ! tween the solid lines of soldiers to J Buckingham Palace, where an immense crowd had gathered, tho Queen greeting the President by waving a small American flag. From the time he landed at Dover to his arrival at Buckingham Palace, President Wilson was greeted everywhere with demonstrative enthusiasm. THE GERMAN COLONIES. (Received December 29th, 5.5 p.m.) NEW YORK. December 27. The "Now York Herald," commenting on the disposition of the German colonies, says:—"lt is certain that the German colonies will not be returned to Germany. It must be decided whether they shall be distributed among

tho Allies, or placed under international control. The latter sooms impracticable. Britain's colonies should be consulted in settling tho question. The Union of South Africa defeated the Germans in South-west Africa. It is, therefore, just to. consider South. Africa's claims regarding the territory she conquered. Australia can present similar claims regarding former German possessions in tho Pacific. It seems safe, as well as just, to leave tho administration of these possessions in the hands of the thoroughly democratic Australians.'' STATE BANOUET TO PRESIDENT "WILSON. (Australian and N.X. Cab'o Association.) (Received December 29tli, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, December 28. The State banquet to President "Wilson at Buckingham Palacc was a most brilliant affair. The King, in a most stirring speech of welcome, recalled the common ideals and traditions of Britain and the Unitod States, -which the two peoples wore now seeking to pass on for the benefit of tho world. President "Wilson said ho had had the privilege of conferring with the leaders of tho British. French, and Italian Governments. He was< glad to say that their concoptions were tho, same regarding the significance and scope of the Peace Conference. The Allied statesmen must now prove that they the great words of right and justice, and have the courago to act upon that understanding until this right and justice were the dominant forces of the world. SPEECHES ON VARIOUS TOPICS. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received December 29th, 11.10 p.m.) LONDON. December 28. President Wilson, speaking at the Guildhall, said he came overseas with a supremely great object, viz., to 'assist in laying the foundations, upon principles already accepted generally, of a new world order satisfying the people's yearning for peace. President Wilson, replying to tho Evangelical Churches, said that one would go crazy unless he relied on. Providence at the prefeent juncture. The sanctions of religion afforded a clue to the maze of perplexity In the world. Unless there was supreme guidance one would bo inclined to despair of human counsels. President "Wilson, replying to Viscount Grey's deputation, 6aid that the peoples of the world wanted peace by agreement of mind, not merely by conquest of arms. President "Wilson's remarks to Visoount Grey are interpreted as showing his accord with British policy. PEACE PRINCIPLES HARMONISED (Australian and N.Z. Cabla Association.) (Roceived December 29th. 11.10 p.m.) PARIS, December 28. According to the newspapers, prominent members of tho Peace Conference have asserted that France and the United States have harmonised the peace principles, including freedom of the seas.