PLAIN WORDS TO GERMANY

Evening Post, Volume XCVIII, Issue 140, 11 December 1919, Page 8

PLAIN WORDS TO GERMANY

SCAPA FLOW EXCUSES.

(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.—COPYRIGHT.)

(AUSTRALIAN - NEW ZEALAND CABLB ASSOCIATION.)

(Received December 11, 1 p.m.)

PARIS, 9th December

The Supreme Council's Note to Germany says that the signature of the Protocol and the deposit of the ratifications will determine the operation of --the Treaty, and the constant state of peace, which will bo guaranteed by general treaty stipulations as well as by the ordinary methods recognised by international law until the Treaty operates.

Tlie Supreme Council reminds Germany for the last time that denunciation of the Armistice by Germany will be sufficient to give the Allied armies full latitude with a view to such military measures as they judge necessary. ' "In this spirit we expect the signature of the Treaty without delay, and the deposit of the ratifications."

Referring to the sinkings at Scapa Flow, the Note sharply repudiates the German declaration that the destruction in' nowise constituted a violation of Germany's obligations, and that the blame for the destruction lay with the Allies themselves. The Council declares that it considers this" nothing but an inexplicable attempt to wilfully delay the enforcement of the Treaty, and the definite restoration of peace. In view of the circumstances the Allies consider that the Germans cannot repudiate their responsibility, or seek in arbitration a solution of their acts of war, the settlement of which belongs to the Allies.