DEFINITE PEACE TERMS.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume IX, Issue 80, 19 March 1919, Page 5

DEFINITE PEACE TERMS.

Move Towards Final Settlement Three Chief Leaders Confer. [FBCM ASSOCIATION COPYBWBT. ] 'Received 19, 9.35. J Halifax (Nova Scotia), March 18. Major-General Maurice states that Peace Conference disagreements largely exist in the imagination of those outside the conference. The measure of real agreement, he says, is remarkable.—(A. and N.Z.) (Received IQ, 9.25.) Paris, March 18. Mr Lloyd George, President Wilson, and M. Clemenceau are conferring with the object of a definite final settlement of the peace terms to be presented to Germany. The United States’ peace delegates state the disposition of the German war ships is unlikely to be included in the peace treaty. Germany, however, will be required to surrender their ownership. Britain has agreed to refer to the Peace Conference the future ownership of the German trans-Atlantic cables. The Supreme Council has agreed that the fortifications of Heligoland must be dismantled and the Kiel Canal internationalised, but German sovereignty will probably be allowed. The German mercantile fleet, which will be taken control of by the Allies, amounts to 1,500,000 tons. It will be manned by Allied and German crews. It is understood that German sailors will be used on ships sailing to neutral ports only.— (A. and N.Z.) The New York ‘•Tribune’s” London correspondent learns on excellent authority that the Supreme Council has abandoned the plan for formation of an independent buffer republic on the west bank of the Rhine. It is stated that France has definitely abandoned the plan for internationalisation of war debts.—(A. and N.Z.) LEAGUE OF NATIONS. AMERICANS FORM COUNTER-ORGANISATION. (Received 19, 9.45.) Washington, March 15. Senators Reed, Borah, Poindexter, and other leaders have formed a national organisation in opposition to the acceptance of the present constitution of the League of Nations.—(A. and N.Z.) New York, March 14. Speaking at Albuquerque, Senator Fall said if the present League of Nations constitution was adopted Britain would rule through having representation which would give her world power and enable her to use the United States as she wished. Britain’s own vote, with those of Canada, Australia, and South Africa, has placed America in a subordinate position, and no patriotic American would submit to this.—(A. and N.Z.) NEUTRALS ASK FOR LARGER REPRESENTATION. (Received 19, 2.15.) Paris, March 18. Holland, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden have asked the sub-committee of the Peace Conference grant neutrals larger representation on the League of Nations, otherwise they are unwilling to accept Mr Wilson’s plan. REVISION OF DUTCH-BELGIAN TREATY. Brussels, March 14. M. Delacroix, president of the Chamber of Deputies, announced that the treaty of 1839 with Holland must be revised with the object of restoring territory hitherto Dutch, including portion of the Scheldt. EXPULSION OF TURK FROM EUROPE. DECISION DETRIMENTAL TO MOHAMMEDANS. Paris, March 15. It is reported that the Anglo-Indian delegation at the Peace Congress sent a memorandum to the British delegation opposing the contemplated decision to drive out the Turk from Europe, because such action would alienate the Mohammedans, who were friendly during the war. REPORT ON CREEK CLAIMS. Paris, March 14. The report of the Commission on Greek claims is not unanimous. The majority favour.' giving Smyrna to Greece. America objects, holding that Smyrna ought to be internationalised in the interest of the vast hinterland which the port served. The ultimate ownership of the Dodecanesus Islands has been reserved in view of the treaty with Italy. President Wilson is expected to immediately confer with Mr Lloyd George and M. Clemenceau on the Dalmatian question and the payment of the Germans’ indemnities.—(A. and N.Z.) URGENT NEED FOR SETTLEMENT. LLOYD GEORGE URGED TO STAY IN PARIS. (Received 19, 2.40.) Paris, March 18. President Wilson, M. Clemenceau and Signor Orlando, in a letter to Mr Lloyd George, asked him to postpone his return to Britain for a fortnight in view’ of the early peace settlement, at which Mr Lloyd George’s presence is absolutely essential. The signatories realise the urgency of the Premier’s presence in England, but contend that the world settlement at this stage is all-important. Mr Lloyd George has decided to submit the letter to his Cabinet.—(A. and N.Z.) PAYMENT IN FULL. TO BE DEMANDED FROM GERMANY. (Received 19, 10.0.) London, March 18. Answering a question in the House of Commons, Mr Bonax Law said that the Committee on the Wealth of Germany, of which Mr W. M. Hughes is chairman, has reported confidentially to Cabinet. The report was not intended fort publication. Britain intends to ask Germany to pay the full bill, and if unable to do so at present, payments will be demanded on account. RHINE NAVIGATION UNDER ALLIED CONTROL. Paris, March 18. The Commission of Control of International Waterways has decided that in future an Allied Commission shall control navigation on the Rhine.