PEACE CONGRESS.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16506, 25 April 1919, Page 7

PEACE CONGRESS.

CRISIS OVER FIUME. ITALIAN DELEGATE WITHDRAWS. (By Cable.—Press Arsociation.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Ca'.l" Association.) PARIS. April 2-3. There is a serious crisis at the Peace Conference over the Adriatic question. •'Le Matin" states that President ilson is adamant. The utmost he offers to Italy is the annexation of the small islands or the neutralisation of Zarn. "Le Matin" adds that Signor Orlando cannot be blamed for withdrawing if Italy's demands are refused. (.'resident Wilson and Signor Orlando 'strenuously adhere to their own ideas in reference to Fiume and Dalmatia. Tlie deadlock is complete. President Wilson, in a statement, said it was impossible for Fiume to become a part of Italy. Signor Orlando preparing to issue a counterblast to President Wilson. The Italians have placed a proposition before the Council of Four, which is in the nature of bargaining over Fiume and the Dalmatian hinterland, but President Wilson opposes the principle of bargaining. Signor Orlando abstained from attending the Council meeting. MR WILSON'S OPINION. (Received April 24th. 5.5 p.m.) PARIS. April 23. Mr Wilson says that every condition of the Adriatic settlement has changed since Italy entered the war, therefore the former agreement must not stand. New States have been created, of which Fiume is the natural outlet to the sea. The Austrian naval menace has ceased to exist, therefore Italy's claim ti> Fiume on the ground of strategic necessity is invalid. ENTENTE AGAINST ITALY. (Received April 2-Ith, 11.30 p.m.) NEW YORK, April 24. A United Press message from Paris reports that tho Italians officially announce that, as a result of Mr Wilson's statomont, they liavo decided to quit Paris immediately. Signor Orlando has informed M. Glemcnccau that the Italian delegation wiil leave Paris on Thursday afternoon. It is understood that Great Britain and Franco have informed Italy that if sho insists on the observance of tho Pact of London, they will insist on the clause which gave Fiume to the Croatians. FEELING IN ROME. ROME April 22. The newspapers firmly adhere to Italy's claims, despite the crisis. They also declare that tho conquered territory must remain Italian, happens. Mr Lloyd George is strenuously endeavouring to prevent the Italians abandoning tho Conference. The Paris correspondent of the "Tribune" states that tho Italian delegates will not attend tho meeting with tho German Peace delegates at Versailles. NEW TEIPLE ALLIANCE. LONDON. April 23. A dispatch from Paris states that there is a likelihood that a definite alliance between England. France, and America will be made public at the same time as the Peace Treaty. Probably the symbol of the alliance will be an international staff to watch over the execution of the Treaty during Germany's period of probation.

(Received April 24th, 7.20 p.m.)

NEW YORK. April 23. , Mr Frank H. Simonds, in a message from Paris to the "New York Tribune," say 3 the British have agreed to send troops to aid France if Germany violates the terms of peace and send 3 troops across the Rhine. President Wilson has promised France to ask tne United States Senate to give a similar guarantee. CHINA AND JAPAN. PARIS. April 22. The Council of Four heard the Chinese case this afternoon. The Japanese wish themselves to hand Kaio-cliau to the Chinese, presumably in order to make certain stipulations. The Chinese view was that as the treaties with Germany were abrogated by the war the territory should automatically revert to China. The Council's view was that consideration of the case was not concerned with the making of peace with Germany, especially as under the Treaty Germany would have to renounce her possessions, therefore it suggested that a settlement between China and Japan should be deferred. Both parties agreed to refer the suggestion to their respective Governments for decision. The Drafting Committee is now in possession of all instructions for a complete treaty. The Council discussed the Japanese case relative to Shantung. The impression is that a settlement will easily bo reached. The Chinese have niJt yet placed their views before the Council.

(Received April 4th, 7.20 p.m.) . NEW YORK. April 22. The Paris correspondent of the "New York Times" interviewed Mr Wilson on the subject of China's claims to Kiao-chau and Shantung. Mr Wilson said it would bo better for the world and China if the questions could bo settled entirely by the Asiatics themselves, the questions being purely Asiatic. The correspondent adds: It is possible that Mr Wilson will consider by what means, after giving sufficient guarantee. Japan would be allowed to adjust matters herself in such a way as to satisfy the Chinese Conventions. PUBLICATION OF TREATY. PARIS, April 22. The Council discussed the publication of tho Peace Treaty. It intends to cable a lengthy summary to all newspapers, also tho text to Washington, whence it will be cabled to the various Governments. The Allies have approved the German envoys, and are arranging their arrival for the 28th inst. RACIAL EQUALITY. (Received April 4th. 8.45 p.m.) NEW YORK. April 23. The Paris correspondent of the "New York Sun" states that members of the Peace Conference are planning to insert in the Covenant of the League of Nations a clause recognising racial equality in order to placato the Japanese element and assure peace by May. The wording of the clause will be so wide as to be harmless. The British representatives are making a supremo effort to pacify Mr Hughes and get his promise that he mil not hold" • out against some form of concession to the Japanese. RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WAR. (Received April 24th. 5.5 p.m.) PARIS April 23. The War • Responsibility Commission places the entire responsibility for the war on the Central Powers. It enumerates thirty-two indictments of inexcusable crimes, and gives opinions on the decrree of responsibility of various individuals, naming the Kaiser twice by way of example.