FATE OF NATIONS.D

Manawatu Times, Volume XL, Issue 14095, 2 January 1919, Page 5

FATE OF NATIONS.D

MOMENTOUS TIME AT HAND. CLEMENCEAU WILL HAVE JUSTICE FOR FRANCE. THE FREEDOM OF THE SEAS. [Aust. and N.Z. Cable Association.] PARIS, Dec. 30. M. Clemenceau (French Premier), addressing the Chamber of Deputies on the credit vote, asked the Chamber to support the Government in peace as it had done during the war. A conference would meet in a few day which would settle the fate of nations. France was in a difficult situation. She was near Germany, while America was far off, and took time to come. England had responded at once on Mr Asquith 's M. Clemenceau added: "My guiding thought is that nothing should separata the four great people united by the war. I made up my mind not to question President Wilson. I let him do th« talking, which he did. He explained his views, and his means of supporting them. I would not be speaking the truth if I said I found myself in agreement with him on all points. I have pre-occupations, wh'ch do not touch Mr Wilson as much as a man who has seen the Germans in our country for four years. There are old injustices to be repaired. Talking of the freedom of the seas, I told President Wilson of a short conversation I had with Mr Lloyd George, who said: 'Do you know that without the Fleet Britain would not have been able to continue the war?' I replied, 'Yes.' Mr Lloyd George went on: ' Would you be disposed to do anything to make it impossible for us to help you again?' I replied, 'No.' President Wilson said: 'I approve of what was said,' and he added that each side should retain its liberty." M. Clemenceau concluded: "If we do not arrive at an agreement our victory will have been in vain." The newspapers compare M. ceau's triumph to that of Mr Lloya George's at the elections. DETAILS OF PEACE. PRESIDENT POINCARE IS OPTIMISTIC. (Aust. and N.Z. Cable Association.] LONDON, Dec. 31. Interviewed by the United Press Paris correspondent, President Poincare said:—"l do not see the slightest trouble for the Allies in arriving at the most complete accord, oven concerning the details of peace.- We arc already in harmony on general lines. Details will be settled as soon as the delegates begin their work. It will naturally take some time. President Wilson is bound to play the capital role at the Peace Conference. We hope to have President Wilson's aid in the settlement of the principles of peace before his departure. "" The correspondent adds: "M. Poincare plans to pay a visit to the United States after the Peace Conference."