PEACE CONGRESS

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16465, 7 March 1919, Page 7

PEACE CONGRESS

LEADERS RETURNING TO PARIS

(By Cable.—Pi«ss Association.—ICopyright.)1Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cablo Association.) LONDON, March 5. Mr Lloyd George goes to Paris on Wednesday. , , XT „ President Wilson sailoi from NewYork on Wednesday for Franco. A Paris message says' the absence or Mr Llovd GetSrgo, President Avuson MClemonceaii, and Signer Orlando has resulted in a deplorable slackening or vigour. Every difference is allowed freo ventilation, and bold decisions aro ■wanting. Strong leadership is needed for the making of pcace as m war. lne Peace Conference is suffering as tlie Allies suflerod beforo the establishment of unified military command Official quarters express tho boliet that the Germans will be called lo Paris to sicn the preliminary Peace Treaty within a week or 10 days after President Wilson's arrival in Franco.

WAR CRIMINALS

PARIS, March u. The reoort of tho Commission of J Jurists, which was completed at the week-end, will astound and horrify tlio world. Tho names of the criminals will not bo published, but tho Commission v.-ill suggest an international prosecutor and an international bench. The Commission deprecates wholesale executions, but any country desiring to join the League of Nations must surrender its criminals. The Commission finds that, according to international law, tho personal acts of tho Sovereign aro acts of the State. Tho Sovereign cannot personally be responsible. BOLSHEVISTS PLAN COUP. LONDON, March 5. The Geneva correspondent of the "Daily Chronicle" says that a correspondent at Kieff discloses that Lenin and Trotsky have planned to renew the Brest-Litovsk coup, which proved so successful with Germany, and thus entice tho Entente into an apparently advantageous peace, with a view to undermining; Lhe Allied Governments by propaganda. An Extraordinary Council of War, held at tho Kremlin (the citadel or Moscow), decided to accept the invitation to tho Princes' Island Conference, with a view subsequently of developing world-wide Bolshevist doctrine. THE INDEMNITY QUESTION. PARIS. March 5. The British Government views with apprehension the creation of a sullon Germany, living under foreign domination, but France and Italy are steadily claiming their pound of flesh. The British Einpire, therefore, in order not to drive Gormany to despair, will probably make no monetary claim, but will, instead, _ demand part of Germany's mercantile fleet and the r,ermajient occupation of her colonies." LEAGUE OF NATIONS. NEW YORTC, March. 5. The Paris correspondent of the "Evening Sun" sums un the French official viewpoint of the "Senatorial opposition to President. Wilson's followers,, saying: The opposition is the result of domestic politics rather than real antagonism to President Wilson's foreign policy. The Allies will stand by President "Wilson, and say with him that the commendation of the American people is necessary in order to make the peace of the world durable. AMERICAN PRESS OPINION. (Received March 6th, 8.40 p.m.) NEW YORK, March. 4. Tho general consensus of editorial opinion is one of disappointment at Mr Wilson's League of Nations speech. They point out that the Pi-esident failed to explain what the League is, bnt confined his remarks i to generalisations, idealistic expressions and appeals for support, also warnings to its opponents, but he said nothing to elucidate tha actual plan and the working of the proposed League. CONTROL OF NEW HEBRIDES. LONDON, March o. Official.—ln connexion with numerous special conferences regarding the Pacific Islands, Mr Massey, who has been closely engaged during the past, month on official duties, has taken advantage of the opportunity to urge ■upon the Imperial authorities the question of improving the position in the New Hebrides, where dual control has not been a success. The Prime Minister has explained the difficulties existing, and tho obstacles to development of tho fertile islands, and the betterment of the natives. He haß also made practical suggestions for improvement. These are now receiving consideration.