INTER-ALLIED WAR COUNCIL

Otago Witness, Issue 3335, 13 February 1918, Page 36

INTER-ALLIED WAR COUNCIL

UNDERSTANDING ARRIVED AT ENGLISH PRESS CRITICISM. (By Cable). M. Clemenceau (French Premier), commenting .on the Versailles Conference, said: We worked and argued for four days, and the last day was decisive. I am delighted at the results, which surpass my hopes. We reached complete understanding on even the most delicate points." The Echo de Paris says that General Petain and Sir Douglas Haig return to their headuarters knowing that full accord has been established for the energetio prosecution of the war. A clear understanding has been reached as regards what is necessary to meet the great German attacks which have bteen heralded. The Matin says that a definite advance has been made towards moral and material cohesion. Important decisions were arrived at tending to extend the armies' fighting strength. The Daily News expresses misgivings over the meagreness of the report of the Allied War Council at Versailles. It saya that a resourceful allied diplomacy would have seized the opportunity provided by the unrest in Germany for making an open demonstration of sympathy with the Russian democracy and assisting the projected international Socialist Conference at London. Mr Bonar Law, replying to Mr Asquith, stated that the last'.meeting -of the Supreme War Council at Versailles had decided that it was impossible at present, without giving valuable information to the enemy, to publish further details regarding the enlargement of the functions of the Council. It is understood that the discussions dealt almost exclusively with the plan of campaign for 1918. CONTROL OF BRITISH TROOPS. ~ Colonel Repington telegraphs to, the Morning Post from Paris tnat the decisions of the Inter-Allied War Council regarding the control of the British troops in the field are reported to. be of such a strange character that Parliament should demand the fullest details, order an immediate examination of the proposals, and) obtain the opinions of our General Staff thereon. Critics of Mr Lloyd George and the Government are utilising the disquietening rumours regarding the centralisation at Versailles to weaken the coalition. The Globe says that Colonel Repington has evidently teamed facts which have been jealously withheld from the House of Commons. The Star supports Colonel Repington'a demand for the utmost publicity regarding the enlargement of the powers of the Versailles" Council. St suggests that the House of Eords and the House of Commons should act together in clearing up an intolerable mystery. A joint committee of the two Houses ought to be appointed on which there should be no member of the Cabinet. The Star adds: "It is asserted that Mr Lloyd George will establish headquarters at Versailles and issue orders," and then asks: "Is this constitutional?" The Westminster Gazette says a definite assurance should be given to Parliament regarding the limitations imposed upon the Supreme Vvar Council. The House of Commons must ascertain if the council's functions are altered. The Evening Standard chaffs the eccen-. trie Colonel Repington for discovering another mare's nest, and says that it can state positively that what was done at Versailles has been done for the sole object of increasing the fighting power and efficiency of the Allies' armies. When Parliament meets Mr Lloyd George will be willing to explain the matter. The Spectator asks Mr Lloyd George, if he can do 60, to declare his confidence in the military leaders, thus dispelling the suspicion he-prompted during the recent press campaign against them. Official: General Giardino has been ap~ pointed an Italian delegate to Versailles. GERMAN PRESS The German Press is angry and pointed at the result of the Versailles Conference. The papers say that it is evident tho Allies were never eo determined on war. Versailles is, they admit, a victory for M. Clemenceau and"Mr Lloyd George. Germany is not afraid of another year or two of * wax, but the Entente must be punished for prolonging the world's agony.