THE PEACE COUNCIL

Evening Post, Volume XCVII, Issue 33, 10 February 1919, Page 8

THE PEACE COUNCIL

COMMISSIONS' HEAVY TASKS

VAST MASS OF DETAILS TO

HANDLE,

(AUSTRALIAN-NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION.) (Received February 10, 2.30 p.m.)

PARIS, Bth February

With the absence of two important figures (Mr. Lloyd George and President Wilson), the Conference wiil apparently enter upon a quiet period so far as publicity is concerned. Neveitheless, the remaining members of the Council will be fully occupied in examining the intricate territorial claims raised during the past fortnight, upon which the full Council will adjudicate on resuming -its sessions. The various Commissions will also have heavy work to get through, especially those on- reparation and the enemy's crimes. The latter Commission has a- herculean task: In its capacity as grand jury it will have an immense amount of evidence to sift in 'establishing, prima facie cases against the instigators of the war and of criminal acts against- the usages of war.' Not the least difficult - task is that of securing direct evidence against those in high places in the enemy countries. A great mass of evidence of sorts was accumulated: during- the war. The issues before the Reparation Commission are better defined, because something like a reasonably accurate statement of the losses of the: various countries devastated by the war is available. Probably the initial difficulty of the Commission will lie in the definition of the word reparation, as to whether it is to cover not merely the material damage through invasion and acts by sea and air, but the financial burdens cast on the countries which sent armies abroad to fight on the battlefields of Europe. The strictest secrecy is being maintained over the Commission's work. This was emphasised by last *veek's Daily Mail incident, which had an effect upon members of Hie Conference who . had previously shown signs of garrulity. The Lctgne of Nations Commission, is scarcely less secretive. It has had several well-known schemes under discussion. It may be said that the plan which it -will develop will not belong to any one nation's scheme but will be composed of the best features of all. Various forecasts have been published as to its work. For instance, we are told that rules of warfare have been decided which include the abolition, of poison gas and the bombardment of unfortified cities. It will probably be Tuesday before the draft is ready for submission, to a plenary session. Meanwhile certain clauses have been relegated to a subcommittee for clarfficafion.