PEACE CONGRESS

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16515, 10 June 1919, Page 7

PEACE CONGRESS

PRESENTATION OF AUSTRIAN TERMS. (By Cabls.—Pr&ss Aceocia'ior.. —Copyright.) and X.£. Cablo Association.) PARIS, June 2. A similar procedure was observed when M. Clemenceau handed the Peace i Terms to the Austrian delegates as at j tho dolivery of the German terms. M. j Clemenceau's spoech was brief. Count Renner, replying, claimed that all tho territories of Austria-Hungary wore equally responsible for bearing the drouclluf inheritance of war. What ■ he termed "the horrible crime of 1914" was committed by the Habsburgs and Hohen-ollerns, not by tho people. Nevertheless, the present Government recognised that it must liquidate the costs, and was ready to assume the linhilities in common with _ all the States of tho Austrian Empire. He trusted that tho world's conscience .would not deny the Austrians selfdetermination, nor bring about thoir economic ruin. Count Renner added that during the last six months the people had suffered worso than during the war. Mr Hoovers relief only saved them from downright starvation. During this terrible period the people i had shown discipline and patient en- ' durance. They recognised that their 1 fate was in the Allies' hands, and they asked for a just and democratic peace. They would accept whatever terms the Allies approved, but they asked a I peace that would ensnre them national, political and economic existence. Their foremost aim would be to play a part in the League of Nations' noble task in the cause of universal peace. THE NATION IN MOURNING. (Received June 9th, 11.45 p.m.) PARIS, June 4. The Council of Four is dealing with tho reserved portion of the Austrian Treaty. The black flag has been hoistod on ! the public buildings in Vienna. Three days' national mourning has been ordered. The newspapers declare that the terms are unacceptable. FIUME QUESTION SETTLED. PARIS, May 8. The Fiume problem has been settled in general conformity with Colonel House's plan. Fiume, with extensive territory around, becomes a free city under the League of Nations. Zara and tho strategic islands are given to Italy, and Sebenico, in Dalmatia, is given to the Jugo-Slavs. POLES IN DANGER. PARIS, May 29. "Le Matin" publishes a socret German Armv order instructing the troops on tho Polish front to be prepared to invade Poland at the first signal, as the Poles were Germany's weakest enemy. PROCEDURE AT SIGNING. (Received June 9th. 5.5 p.m.) PARIS, May 30. Owing to Sir "William Orpen's representations, numerous alterations have been made in the arrangement for signing the Peace Treaty in the Hall of Mirrors. It was at first proposed that the terms should be handed round for signature, and then it was suggested that the signing should be done at a small table facing the windows, bo that the rest of the gathering could only see the, delegate's back. Upon Sir William Orpen's suggestion, the Treaty will be signed nt a table behind that at which, the plenipotentiaries will sit. The representatives of the various nations will walk up to the platform, turn round' facing tne light with their backs to the mirrors and then sign the document. GERMAN APPEALS TO POWERS. CONSIDERATION URGED. (Received June 9th. 5.5 p.m.) LONDON. Mav 30. Earl Beauchamp, Dr. John Clifford, tho Rev. F. B. Meyer, Mr Sidney Webb, Mr C. P. Scott (of the "Manchester Guardian"), and ai dozen others have memorialised Mr L'oyd George and Mr Wilson in favour of an impartial, sympathetic consideration of tho German appeals for the modification of the Treaty, with a desire to meet them wherever possible. They add that a peac6 willingly signed will be of infinitely greater value than one forced by threats of famine, and a far better foundation for the new world order to which we are looking forward. DISSENSIONS ALLEGED. (Received Juno 9th. 11.5 p.m.) PARIS, June 4. It is understood that China will sign the German Treaty with reservations respecting Shantung. An uneasy feeling prevails that the Conference has reached the most critical phaso in its career. The persistent rumours of dissensions over concessions to Germany are not without foundation. It i 3 believed that some delegates favour a plebiscite in Silesia, as they consider the principle of tion should be maintained.

WORKERS TO PROTEST. (Received Juno 9th, 11.5 p.m.) LOMI>ON, June 9. An Italian Socialist circular saVs that M. Longuet and Mr Ramsay Mac Donald, on behalf of tho Franco-British. Socialists, have accepted a proposal for a twenty-four hours' strike in Franco, Englandj and Italy, in sympathy with Soviet -Governments as a protest against the Versailles peace terms. According to the German newspapers, the International Workers' Leagues are organising a European strike of three days, in co-operation with tho German demand for a just peace.