THE WORLD'S PEACE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17532, 25 January 1919, Page 7

THE WORLD'S PEACE.

BEALSfi® WITH BOLSHEVISM

ABBANGING- FOR CONFERENCE

SAZANOFFB STEONG OPPOSITION

ME MASSEY'S STEONG PEOTEST

Press Association.—By Telegraph.— Copyright.

THE PEACE'CONFERENCE

LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

THE BRITISH IDEA. _ _ PARIS, January 23. The British proposal for a League of Nations takes the form of a non-rigid conciliation body, not possessing binding powers, but based on sufficient international guarantees to be effective—A and N.Z. Cable. ALLEGED AUSTRALIAN PROTEST. NOT NECESSARY. PARIS, January 22. (Received Jan. 24, at 7.35 p.m.) Mr A. J. Fraser, representative of Australasian Press, says: A statement is published in England that the dominions are demanding representation on the League of Nations. Inquiries reveal that no reason arises for the demand, as the fact that the dominions are separately represented at the conference confers recognition of their status as nations, and their claim to be entitled to* representation on the League of Nations is an inevitable corollary.—A. and N.Z. Caible. CONCRETE PROPOSALS. LLOYD GEORGE TO SUBMIT. . . PARIS, January 22 (Received Jan. 24, at 7.35 pan.) A plenary meeting of the conference -will be held-on Saturday, -when Mr Lloyd George will move League of Nations' proposals.—A. and N.Z. Cable. CONFERENCE AT PRINCES ISLAND. INVITATION TO RUSSIAN GROUPS. PARIS, January 22. (Received Jan. 24, at 7.35 p.m ) A council of the Great Powers discussed- the situation in Eastern Europe, and the Polish situation was considered. Marshal Foch attended, and advised on the military aspect. It was decided to send a mission of eight delegates, consisting of one civilian and one soldier each representing America, Britain, France; and Italy to inquire into the conditions, and ascertain what help is necessary. Both America and Britain insisted on obtaning the fullest trustworthy information, and similar views were expressed in regard to Russia. President, Wilson proposed a motion in this direction. The difficulty of securing news from the interior of Russia -was recognised, but it was suggested that contiguous countries should be visited.

'. An official communique states that the conference approves of President Wilson's proposal that the single object of the associated Powers was to assist Russia to the utmost, while recognising her right to settle her own affairs, and that there is. no desire to exploit Russia in any way. The conference invited representatives of the recognised groups in European Russia, except Finland, to send three representatives from each group to Princes Island, in the Sea of Marmora, to meet representatives from the conference, provided all military activity in Eastern Russia and Finland ceases. The meeting of the Peace Conference and Russian delegates was fixed to take place by February 15. The conference proposal was sent by wireless to Russia.—A. and N.Z. Cable . RECOGNITION O-F BOLSHEVISTS. M. SAZANOFF INDIGNANT. PARIS, January 23. (Received Jan. 24, at 9.15 p.m.) . M. Sazanoff says that ihe invitation to the Bolshevists is an outrage on the Russians who remained faithful to the Entente. He refuses to participate in the meeting, and he is sure that M. Donekin and the Omsk, Government will also refuse.—A. and N.Z. Cable. THE PROBLEM OF RUSSIA. MOST ABSORBING PUZZLE. OONFLICTTNG IDEAS. ' LONDON, January 21. - The Evening Standard's Parie correspondent states that Russia is the most absorbing of the Peace Conference problems. Many delegates are deeply concerned, and consider that Russia should be represented. Though there are a number of distinguished Russians at present In Paris, it is felt that if they alone are consulted, it will arm the Bolsheviets with fresh arguments with which to appeal to their countrymen, especially the peasants. One difficulty is that of communication, but a wireless appeal could be sent all over the world, and it could be' intercepted by the Bolshevists, and might assist in assuring them tnat the Conference genuinely desired real Russian representa--li°y' * K I s under sto?d that the British delegates favoured such an\ appeal, but it was not adopted because some delegatea still refuse dealings with Bolshevists. Yet it is felt that the present position is intolerable.—A. and N.Z. Cable. VIEWS OF POWERS SUMMARISED. CONFERENCE PROVING CUMBROUS. . LONDON, January 22. (Received Jan. 24, at 10.50 p.m.) Ihe Morning Post's Paris correspondent summarises the views of the great Powers on the question of Russian intervention thus : France is perfectly ready to assist in material, but not in men ; Great Britain is understood to favour intervention in the Caspian Sea; Italy is not against'intervention, but gives no indication of what method she favours; President Wilson has always hoped that Bolshevism would ultimately work out its own salvation; Japan restricts her ideas to her interests,in biberia. It is for the conference to harmonise these conflicting views.' Delegates are heartily tirod of the discussion of barren questions of procedure The cumbrous composition of the conference must have pleased the people beyond the Rhine. It does not conduce to the rapid despatch of business.—A. and N.Z Cable.

AMERICAN DELEGATION.

THE WAR CRIMINALS.

MR MASSEY'S PROTEST.

MEW ZEALAND'S DELEGATION

ITS STRENGTHENING URGED.

The Daily Chronicle's diplomatic correspondent states that it is believed that a policy of intervention in Russia is gaining _ ground. Lenin and Trotsky are anxious for peace, in order to gain a breathing space so as to complete their plans of world conquest for Bolshevism on the principle of benevolent penetration.—A. and N.Z. Cable.

AMERICAN LABOUR'S "VIEWS. WASHINGTON, January 23. Mr Gompors, president of the American Labour Federation, states that he approved of the Paris - decision in reference to Russia.—A. and N.Z. Cable.

INTTERFERENCE HAZARDOUS,

YET SOME ACTION NECESSARY.

LONDON, January 21. The Evening Standard's Paris correspondent states: It is generally agreed that it would be hazardous to take any action resembling interference in Russia; yet delay, by assisting to increase the disorder, is likely to render intervention necessary. The important thing is to get a strong and stable Government established.

Lβ Matin (Paris) states thai, M Noulens, in his' statement to the Peace Conference, emphasised two points: First there cannot be any peace -with Bolshevism; second, that Bolshevism, like German Imperialism, threatens all civilised States unless it is strangled betimes.' M JNoulens fears that tie -westward advance of the Bolshevist army will cause -widespread risings in Poland, Germany, and Hungary, -where conditions are ripe for Bolshevism, thus threatening Western civilisation. Large forces would not be required to stem the invasion so long as steps are taken early. He estimates that the Bolshevists possess 450,000 troops of poor quality and 1500 guns; but they are short of shells. There are strong antiBolshevist troops in Russia to the northward and eastward, but there would be opposition in Poland and the Baltic Provinces. The time is now opportune to send help, which would soon stem the tide' and would eventually crush the Bolshevists.—A. and N.Z. Cable.

MR TAFTS NAME MENTIONED.

™ _ , NEW YORK, January 21. dJie Sun s Washington correspondent states that, since President Wilson is to return to the United States next month, it is believed that he will appoint exPresident Taft to take his place on the Peace Delegation. This is considered a wise move, since Mr Taft approves of a League of Nations, and has the support of American Labour. His appointment mav perhaps secure the ratification of tie Peace Treaty by the Republican. Senators— \ and N.Z. Cable.

DELEGATES FAVOUR PUNISHMENT.

. NEW YORK, January 21. A Pans message states: The Peace Delegation appears m favour of fixing the trailt of -war aid the punishment of the gu'ilty including the ex-Kaiser. There is much m l Pres . l , dent WiTscm'B views. It l° + % ai Tr he *l U punishment, brace the French and English have already expressed a desire to punish the guilty President Wilson's attitude will probably fix the course to be pursued.—A. and N Z Cable. ' " JAPAN'S CLAIMS. \ t J e ,, tas T Tok «> correspondent states that the Japanese, who lost 32 shine toteDingU32,3B4 tons, bv German n2s* and torpedoes, demand that Germany shall SWITZERLAND'S DESIRES. an. o__. « .PARIS, January 21 Ihe Swiss President has arrived. Hβ' is not officially associated -with the Peace Conference, bwt hones to converse with Allied _ statesmen with a view to securine a maritime outlet via the Rhine, and Switzerland s admission to the Leagne of Nations.—A. and N.Z. Cable.

FIRST PLENARY CONFERENCE.

SETTLING PRELIMINARIES.

PARlS,'January 23^ tJSin ?T£ Can^,ha 3 discussed international Labour legislation, reparation the punishment of Germany, and inter! national control of German ports and waterways, with a view to arrangine the agenda for the first plenary conference on Saturday.—A. and N.Z. Cable

NEW ZEALAND'S REPRESENTA TION.

s LONDON, January 23. _Mr Massey interviewed Mr Lloyd George, objecting to only one ' delegate being allowed to New Zealand. Mr Lloyd George pointed out that New Zealand s position was the result of a Peace Conference decision, not y that of the British Government.

}ir Massey declared that if other dominions asked for representation on the Leagne of Nations he would demand the same for New Zealand.—A. and N Z Cable.

NEW ZEALAND'S PEOTEST. PARIS, January 22 .(Received Jan, 24, at 7.35 p.m.) Mr Massey and Sir Joseph Ward have arrived. Mr Massey will probably raise

BARRIER TO BOLSHEVIST DESIGNS.

LONDON, January 22. (Received Jan. 25, at 0.25 a.m.) .It is understood that Mr Lloyd George did not propose that Lenin and Trotsky should sit at the Peace Conference, but that all sections of Russian opinion should be invited to Paris to express tlieir views. The most recent information from Russia indicates that the Bolshevists' plans are complete for an extension of their propaganda eastwards. It is anticipated that India, China, and Southern Asia will fall an easy prey, but General Koltchak's Omsk army temporarily cuts off the advance. Interventionists urge that prompt support be sent' to strengthen this barrier Reports from Crimea state that BoU shevism is spreading in Ukrainia, and only prompt intervention will prevent the-whole of the Black Sea littoral falling into Bolshevist hands.