PEACE CONGRESS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 78, 27 December 1918, Page 5

PEACE CONGRESS

THE GERMAN COLONIES FRENCH STATESMAN'S VIEW QUESTION EXCLUSIVELY BRITAIN'S By Telegraph-Press Asseciation-OopyriKlrt New York, December 24. The Paris correspondent of the "New York Times" interviewed a French statesman regarding the problems of peace. Referring to what may lis done with the German colonies, the statesman said':— "The French consider tho matter to be exclusively British. France is' prepared to agree unquestioningly to any conclusion that Britain reaches." Ho pointed out that tho restoration of any German colonies is unlikely, 011 grounds.of military prudence, and because cf the wishes of the British colonies—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

PEACE TERMS DISCUSSED BY BRITISH WAR CABINET COLONIES AND INDEMNITIES. London, December 25. The "Daily Express" stales "that tho War Cabinet has discussed tho pence terms. 'Tt is understood jEIwJ; it is unanimous in insisting that at tho Peaco Conference the colonies shall not bo returned to Germany. Tt has been suggested that tho British claims for indemnities should stand over for sonio yoars, while Hie more pressing demands of Franco and Belgium are met, but this is not tho ease. On the contrary, British Ministers are of opinion that Germany, with her vast mineral resources, may be forced immediately to supply raw material to rebuild our old and to create now industries. Tho stern control of imports is under immediate contemplation with a viow to preventing tho "dumping" of accumulations of German goods now ready for transport.— Router.

A DEMAND FROM JAMAICA. Kingston (Jamaica), December 2i. Tlio Imperial Association has passed a resolution- demanding that the Central Powers shall pay an indemnity common-' surate with flio cost of the war to the Empire.—Ans.-N.51. Cable Assn. REPARATION AND COMPENSATION SUGGESTED BAN OK GERMAN SEA TRAFFIC. (Roc. December 26, 8.20 p.m.) London, December 2i. Tho London Chamber of Commerce, in its. annual report, urges that Germany shall Ijo compelled to make full reparation in ships, coal, mineral, and money, compensating the Allies for tho cargoes that wero sunk, with compensation to the relatives for the murders of seamen and. passengers; also, that the enemy's vessels bo not allowed at sea until reparation has been completed. No coaling stations owned or controlled by the Germans will be permitted in future in British or Allied ports or possessions.—United Service. RESTITUTION AND REPARATION. London, December 23. American trade journalists recently visited the West front and appealed to President Wilson, to insist upon enforcing restitution and reparation.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. FATE OF THITGERMAN FLEET AMERICA'S ATTITUDE FORECASTED New York, December 25. Mr. D. Lawrence, Paris correspondent of tho New York "Evening Post," who has been notably close to the President, cables:—'"My prediction is that tho American Peaco Delegation will be inclined. to disfavour, tho distribution, of tho surrendered Gorman fleet, after a manner which will increase Britain's naval strength disproportionately. It may bo suggested as a compromise that tho German fllcot should bo dismantled, but not sumc. A member of the American delegation has explained informally that there is not tho slightest objection to England possessing a largo Navy, because there is no fear thai; Britain will use her sea power unjustly, but' it is believed that all the nations should give a guarantee that their sea power will bo used justly during a war,". Tho -Paris correspondent of tho United Press says it is 'positively known that President Wilson is opposed to the sinking of the surrendered Gorman warships.

It is certain that the preliminary Pence Conference will last until April.'—Aus.N.Z. Cablo Assn.

THE PEACE DELEGATIONS ' , New York, December 25. The Paris correspondent of the New York "Times" states that each Power will havo five delegates at. the Peace Conference. The names of America's representatives are already known, but those of the other Powers have not been determined. For France M. Clemenceau, M. Pichon. and Marshal Focli are certain to be included, and 31. Loon Bonrge.s is regarded _as a certainty, because of his position as an authority on international arbitration and the' League of Nations. M. Tardieu and SI. Briand are also Mentioned. For Italy, Sipnor Orlando. Baron Sonnino, and General Diaz are regarded as certain, to be anpointcd, and Rignor Nitfi and Siirnor Mnrcnni aro mentioned as possible delecrales. For Beleium, Jr. Svmanns and M. Vanderveldt are certain to be delegates, mul\a member of Mie Catholic Party will be included. Rumania's chief representative toU be Jt. Bratiano. The snokesman of the Czechoslovak State will be M. Thptiencs, who will 1)» accompanied by Professor Mnsnryk. Other British delegates besides Mr. Lloyd Georue and Mr. A. .T. Balfour will be decided upon later.—Aua.-N.Z. Cable Assn. SPAIN DESIRES RETURN OF GIBRALTAR PROPOSAL TO EXCHANGE CEUTA. ( ij Paris, December 24. It is reported that the Spanish Premier will attend the Peace Conference to urge the return of Gibraltar lo Spain. Spam is willing to concetlc Ceuta, on the Moroccan skle of the Straits, to Britain, in exchange, as being of equal value strategically—Reuter. PERSIA'S CLAIMS New York, December 25. Ihe \Vaslungton correspondent of the New York "Times'- states that advices from Europe dealing with thjs claims advanced by Persia say that these claims include the admission of n Persian delegation to tlio Peace Congress; the cancellation of treaties contravening Persia's sovereignty and independence; and the restoration of territory wronj>fully takon from Persia in (lie post. It is'pointed out that although Persia remained neutral in the war, the Government rendered valuablo service lo Britain— Aus.N.Z- Cablo Assn.