PEACE CONGRESS

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16472, 15 March 1919, Page 9

PEACE CONGRESS

(By Cable.—Press Association.—-Copyright.) (Australian and X.Z. Cable Association.) (Received March 1-lth. 7.40 p.m.) BREST, March 13. Mr "Wilson arrived to-day, and left for Paris. There was no coremony.

BELGIUM'S CLAIMS

LONDON March 13

It is reported that the Peace Conference has decided that there shall be no cession of Dutch territory to Belgium.

REDUCTION OF ARCHES

PARIS, March 11. Mr A. J. Fraser states that from exceptional authority he lias learned that tho decision to reduco the German army is the beginning of tho destruction of armed camps in Europe. It was significant that opposition to tho proposal came from tho military leaders, except in the case of the British. They preferred the menace of an army of 3,000,000 men in Germany to being deprived of large armies in their own countries. Without such a decision as yesterday's, the League of Nations would bo moroly a "scrap of paper," and. would end in a clash of great armies sooner or later. The decision now arrived at would do moro to preserve the peace of Europe than anything elso. It is bolieved that Germany will accept the decision, but not without some protest that the proposed army is insufficient to police her internally. The Council agreed to the decision unanimously. It is hardly thought that other' countries will roquire much persuasion to reduco thoir armies under the influence ,of public opinion. Tho decision may be regarded as opposed to all compulsory military training. GERMANY AND THE TERMS. REPLY RETURNABLE IN TEN DAYS. (Received March 14th, 7.40 p.m.) PARK, March 13. It is understood the preliminary peace terms will be handed to tho Gorman delegates early in April. The documents will be formally submitted to them without any comment being permitted on their part. They will be requested to deliver tho terms to tho Assembly at Weimar, and return with a reply within ten days. It is understood the Conference will mako it clear that Count Bernstorff must not be one of the delegates, as he is not persona grata. The Council of Ton will not meet again until Mr Wilson is present. The Belgian Territorial Committee has completed its report, which covers the case of Schleswig. The Groek 'Commission has reported. It agreed that Greece should acquire the European coast line of Thrace, with the islands off Asia Minor, but not the coastline or Smyrna.

LEAGUE OP NATIONS. (Received March 14th, 11.10 p.m.) WASHINGTON, March 11. Senator Borah will submit a Bill in tho Senate providing for a national referendum on the ratification of the League of Nations constitution when the time for final action by tho United States arrives. , MR BRYANTS VIEWS. (Received March 15th, 12.40 a.m.) YORK, March VI. Tho "Herald's" Washington correspondent interviewed Mr Bryan, who stated that tho League of-Nations was the greatest step towards peace in a thousand years. It was not to be expected that so great an instrument could be perfected in a short time. Certain amendments should be made in order to strengthen the League.