PEACE CONGRESS.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16508, 28 April 1919, Page 7

PEACE CONGRESS.

MEXICAN REPRESENTATION. (By Cabl«.—Press Association.—Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Ceblo Association.) WASHINGTON. April 24. . There is bittor resentment in Mexico at the failure to bo invited to send a neutral representative to Paris, especially in view of tho Mexican repugnance to Monroeism. WAR CRIMINALS. PARIS, April 20. Tho American minority report on tho responsibility for the war refuses to counter.anco tho prosecution of tho heads of States for illegal acts where the people have a responsible Government. Therefore, tho ex-Kaiser is not punishable. GERMANS REACH PARIS. PARIS. April 25. Four German delegates have reached Versailles. PLEA FOR LARGER ARiMY. (Received April 27th. 5.5 p.m.) NEW YORK. April 25. Tho Berlin correspondent of the ''New York World' 1 interviewed Herr Nosko, who said that Germany would plead hard at Versailles for the retention of the present strength of the army as tho irreducible minimum, instead of 1100,000. SECRET ALLIANCE DENIED. (Received April 27th. 5.5 p.m.) NEW YORIv, April 25. The Washington correspondent of the "New York Times" states that it is officially announced that statements published in some papers saying that Mr Wilson had entered into a. secret alliance with certain great Powers, had no foundation. LEAGUE OF NATIONS. ENEMY DRAFTS SCHEME. (Received April 27th, 5.5 p.m.) COPENHAGEN, April 25. The German Government has issued a draft constitution of another League of Nations, of which all the belligerents and neutrals who are parties to tho Hague Convention are eligible for membership. The constitution provides for a reduction of armaments, the internaitionalisation of all straits ar.d canals, and the abolition of armed ships, except those required f<?r coastal defence and the League's police force. RACIAL EQUALITY. (Received April 27th, 5.5 p.m.) . NEW YORK,. April 25. The Tokio correspondent of the "Now York Herald" cables that members of Parliament and publicists, at a mass meeting, passed a resolution that Japan should not join the League of Nations. Tho correspondent adds: Tho Japanese Press has published a cablegram from Paris containing a statement attributed to Mr Hughes, in which he said the statement declaring that Australia led the opposition to the Japanese racial equality amendment originated in a eortain country which is opposed to Japanese immigration, but is unwilling to appear unfriendly to Japan. PUBLICATION OF TERMS. (Received April 27th, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, April 24. The Peace Treaty will be publishod world-wide as soon as the text is handed to the Germans, in order to prevent tho latter wirelessing garbled versions. It is expected that a six thousand word summary will bo cabled to Australia ! and Now Zealand. Meanwhile, the American Government is elaborating plans to wireless the whole text and reduplicate it to various parts of the world. ECONOMIC CLAUSES. (Received April 27th, 5.5 p.m.) PARIS, April 25. The Council of Four, with Baron Sonnino replacing Signor Orlando, discussed some of the economic clauses of the Peace Treaty, also the Kiel Canal. It is reported that it has been definitely decided that Danzig will be a free port. It is understood that the British suggested dealing similarly with Fiume, giving sovereignty to tho Jugoslavs. Thus the Italians would practically have autonomous control. This was heing discussed when Mr Wilson issued his statement. It is asserted that Great Britain and France are prepared to give Italy much-needed assistance in regard to coal and other materials. As a free port Fiume would be worked under the League of Nations. JAPAN'S ATTITUDE. PARIS, April 24. Tho Paris correspondent of the "Daily Chronicle'' asserts that tho Japanese aro prepared to withdraw from the peace negotiations rathor than give U P Kaio-chau. (Received April 27tli. 5.5 p.m.) NEW YORK, April 25. The Paris correspondent of the "New York Herald" says tho Japanese delegates are unofficially intimating that if they are defeated on tfie Kiao-chou question, thoy will quit tho Conferenco like Italy. _ The Poles are also threatening a withdrawal unless Danzig becomes completely theirs. '."Tim Tim-38.") (Received April 28th, 1.15 a.m.) NEW YORK, April 27. The Paris correspondent of the "New York Times" says a number of the Japanese delegation stated that if Mr Wilson issues a statement concerning Shantung similar to his statonient on Italy's Dalmatian claims. Japan will withdraw from the Peace Conference. THE END DRAWING NEAR. (Received April 27tli. 11.5 p.m.} . PARIS. April 2(j. Tho United Press is authoritatively informed that the Allies are preparing to make peace with Germany without Italy's signature.