GREAT PART

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIII, Issue 103, 2 May 1919, Page 5

GREAT PART

WORK OF BRITISH DELEGATES

IN FRAMING PEACE CONDITIONS,

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association)

(Rec. May 2, 11.30 a.m.) PARIS, April 30,

The British delegates played a more prominent part an the worJt of the Conference than appears on the surface. The Labour 'Convention in the Treaty is solely a British achievement. The British can claim a great share m framing the League Covenant. To this S r F. Drummond’s appoinment is believed to be duo. The air term s are almost entirely the work of the British, and although the French naurally exercised preponderating influence in fixing the miltary terms, yet it was Mr Lloyd George’s instance that secured the abolition of conscription in Germany. The British also insisted on the Kaiser’s punishment. Nothing can yet bo said about reparation. but when'the Treaty i* published, it will certainly be found that particular losses, such a s those by the submarine campaign, will receive full compensation under the Treaty. Germany loses 70 per cent of her iron ore, one-third of her coal, 20 per cent of her notadi, and between seven and eight millions ,pf her population.

DISPOSAL OF ENEMY CABLES

UKRAINIAN ARMISTICE COMMISSION. (Australian & N.Z Cable Association; PARIS, April 29. The Foreign Ministers are discussing the question of the submarine _ cables captured from the enemy. It is believed that there is a proposal to place the lines under the League of Nations, but there is much opposition. The Ukrainian- Armistice Commission is sitting in Paris under General Botha’s .presidency. 'The Ukrainian delegate i e expected to reach Pads shortly. The Swiss President has arrived, probably ini connection with the maintenance of Switzerland's neutralityThis raises an interesting speculation regarding her future relationship to the League of Nations. It is unlikely that the treaty text will be handed to the Germans before Saturday and it will possibly bo Monday. They will have a fortnight to examine the document, and three weeks will therefore elapse before signature. The Germans will remain at Versailles, but they may send the treaty to Germany by courier. If the plenipotentiaries seek to return to Germany it will be regarded as a breach of the negotiations.

THE MANDATES

(Aust. & N.Z. Cable. Assn. & Reuter)

PARIS, April 29

President Wilson wished to postpone the finishing of the mandates until the League meeting, but Mr Massey and General Smuts strongly urged early finality, and it was agreed that the mandates should be fixed after presentation of the treaty, but before signature. The only mention of the mandate eastern in the treaty will be the clauses in the covenant as published.

THE KIATI-CHAU PROBLEM,

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association)

LONDON, April 30,

Although it ie generally feared that the Kiau-Chau settlement, will be even more difficult than Fiume, Pans correspondents assert that there is no likelihood of Japan withdrawing from the Conference. It is believed that u generally acceptable solution of tne Kiau-Chau difficulty will be reached forthwith. %

LEAGUE OF NATIONS

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.)

NEW YORK, April 30

United Press messages from l aris states that the assignment of mandatories 'for the protected territories will be left till the first meeting of the League of Nations at Washington m October. Mr. Lloyd George and M. Glcmonceau are expected to attend.

CHINA AND JAPAN

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association' NEW YORK, April 30. With -reference to the Chinese-Japa-ncee agreement, the.New York Worlds correspondent states that the tentative agreement provides that Japan shall rcceive( the Oornv|)v concessions ' n China, such a« mines and railroads, which will remain “under- Chinese _ sovereignty, but be opiated by dapaai. Japan’s interest in Shantung is hnnt.e to the original provisions of the Uumo,Japanese treaties. . r ,, . Japan’s paramount influence, in China will probably be recognised, a.y it was rn the Langsing-lehii treaty. It is pointed out that Japan’s special position™ China is already recognised in the Mom roc Doctrine clause in the covenant.

PEACE TREATY

PUBLICATION ON SATURDAY PROBABLE. (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association) (Rec. May 2, 9.10 a.m.) LONDON, May 1. It is expected that the Peace Treaty will be banded to newspapers on Saturday.

ITALY AND THE LEAGUE

INCLUSION PROBABLE

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.)

(Roc. May 2, 9.40 a.m.) NEW YORK, Apnl 30. The New York Times’ Pan* corespondent says:—There is a general feelmg that the Italian Parliament will permit Signor Orlando to return to Paris and resume negotiations regarding Flume It i* believed that although no Italian delegate participated in the ratification of the Covenant by the Plenary Session, Italy will probably also ratify the League.