THE PEACE CONFERENCE

Otago Witness, Issue 3382, 8 January 1919, Page 17

THE PEACE CONFERENCE

BRITISH DOMINIONS TO BE REPRESENTED. PRESIDENT WILSON AND THE ALLIES IN ACCORD. (By Cable.) A FORECAST. The Petit Parisien forecasts the sessions cf the Peace Conference as follow: First, a conference of the four Great Powers 5 second, the inclusion of Belgium and Serbia ; third, the admission of other Allies; fourth, the presentation of conditions to Germany and her allies and the signing of peace preliminaries; fifth, a general conference concerning the League of Nations, freedom of the. seas, and tha limitation of armaments. THE BRITISH DELEGATES. The British delegates to the Peace Conference are officially announced aa Mr Lloyd George, Mr Balfour, Mr Bonar Law, and Lord Hardinge of Penshurst, the head officer of the Foreign Office. Lord Robert Cecil is going to Paris in connection with the League of Nations. The probable conference date .is now given as January 13. REPRESENTATION OF THE DOMINION. Finality has been reached regarding the British representation at the Peace Conference. The arrangements provide for the dual representation of the dominions —first as part of the British delegations, and second as small nations. The British delegates will number five, of whom the first three will be Messrs Lloyd George, Bonar Law, and A. J. Balfour. The fourth will probably be Mt G. N. Barnes or Lord Milner, and the fifth will be a dominions Premier. Each dominion Premier will take his turn in joining the British delegation according to a roster. In addition, the dominions will have two delegates present as small nations whenever ' their interests are particularly involved, such as the questions of indemnities, the fate of the Pacific Islands, and demobilisation. It is understood that the small nations' representatives will be confined to advocacy, as the four great Powers retain the full right of the final decision. The Evening News announces that General Botha (South Africa), Sir Robert Borden (Canada), and Mr Hughes (Australia) will represent the overseas dominions at the Peace Conference.

IN ACCORD WITH PRESIDENT WILSON. The New York Times London correspondent says that Mr Lloyd George told the American correspondents that President Wilson and the British leaders are In complete accord on general principles, Shich made certain combined action by reat Britain and the United States at the Peace Congress. Mr Lloyd George added that all the Allies are in accord on basic principles. He said thai only he and Mr Balfour had been chosen as peace delegates. The names of the others -would soon be announced. Mr Bonar Law would not be designated, as his presence was necessary in Parliament. The correspondent learns on excellent authority that President Wilson found that Mr Lloyd George and Mr Balfour agreed with him that the question of the League of Nations should be disposed of at the beginning of the conference, and be included in terms, of the general Peace Convention. The Morning Post states that President Wilson's conferences with the British dominions' representatives were marked with extreme cordiality. Everyone is satisfied that the preliminary Imperial War Cabinet has reached a complete and comprehensive agreement in principle on all peace questions, and succeeded in sufficiently defining the broad outlines of the British case to enable the Premier and Mr Balfour to franklv submit to President Wilson the British Empire's ideas of peace settlement. These included separate indemnities, maritime law, and the German colonies. As regards indemnities, it is understood that the dominions will submit their demands separate from Great Britain's. As regards the colonies, it is understood that .the dominions received the Cabinet's assurances that they would not be restored. According to information reaching the State Department, Lord Beading will return with President Wilson to the United States. This fact is regarded as evidence Of an Anglo-American agreement. Since when Lord Beading returned several months ago it. was reported that he and the Presilent disagreed vastly regarding peace terms. The Times asserts that the British traditional view of the maritime law is likely to be accepted at the Peace Conference, in view of the general harmony of the British and American attitude. The United Press Paris correspondent says: I can state on the highest authority that President Wilson, in conference with the Allied Premiers, has not given up a single one of his 14 principles. It is certain that he will not abandon his interpretation of freedom of the seas. The London Evening News says that President Wilson sent a message to Vicepresident Marshall, assuring the people of the United States that he had arrived at a satisfactory agreement with France and Britain regarding arrangements for the preliminary peace deliberations. M. CLEMENCEAU'S SPEECH. M. Clemenceau, in the Chamber of Deputies, declared that he continued to believe that the balance of power in a new form was essential, and such a doctrine would be his guiding thought at the coming Peace Conference. The question of peace was one of terrible importance to France. At the outbreak of war a terrible situation arose, and if then Britain, the

United States, and Italy had agreed to a defensive alliance the war would never have occurred. The United States took time to enter the war, but Mr Asquith brought Britain in immediately. France had suffered most through the war, and France was desirous of preventing future war; but personally he believed that a League of Nations was not the only method possible. He had been accused of deceiving President Wilson, but he had questioned Mr Wilson, leaving him to develop his own views, and Mr Wilson said: " I will try to convince you, but perhaps you will convince me." M. Clemenceau said he was ready to resign office, whether the Chamber gave him a renewal of confidence or not. The pilot ought to be changed, it such was the intention, before getting under weigh at the Peace Conference. The Premier's policy was endorsed in the Chamber by 380 votes to 134. M. Clemenceau added: The credit vote taken showed that the Chamber supported Government in peace as it had done in the war. The Conference will meet in a few days, and will settle the fate of the nations. France is in a difficult situation. She is near Germany, while America is far off, and had taken time to come into the war. Britain responded at once on Mr Asouith's call.

M. Clemenceau added: "My guidingthought is that nothing should separate the four great peoples united by the war. I made up my mind not to question President Wilson, but to let him do the talking, which he did. He explained his views and his proposed means of supporting them. I would not be speaking the truth if P said I found myself in agreement with him on all points. I have preconceptions which do not touch Mr Wilson as much as they do 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," said M. Clemenceau, "I told Mr Wilson of a short conversation I had had with Mr Lloyd George, who said: 'Do you know that without her fleet Britain woulid not have been able to continue the war?' I replied: 'Yes.' Mr Lloyd George went on: Would you be disposed to do anything that would make it impossible-, for us to help you again?' I replied: 'No.' Mr Wilson said: 'I approve of what was said,' and added: 'Each side should retain liberty.'" > M. Clemenceau concluded: "If we do not arrive at an agreement our victory will be in vain." The newspapers compare M. Clemenceau's triumph with that of Mr Lloyd George. NO CAUSE FOR APPREHENSION. Colonel House has conferred with M. Clemenceau, the French Premier, and President Wilson alternately in reference to M. Clemenceau's recent speech in the Chamber of Deputies. The Petit Journal' announces that the American peace delegates are convinced: that there is nothing in M. Clemenceau's attitude which justifies apprehension of any marked differences between the En-, tente Powers and President Wilson's position. '"••". The Times compares the speeches of President Wilson and. M. Clemenceau, and argues that there are no fundamental discrepancies. France feels and sees what a German invasion means, and demands adequate • security against the danger of a recurrence which she so narrowly escaped, and the suffering which she yet endures. Mr Wilson is equally determined to deliver France from these evils. There is no difference between Mr Wilson's ideals and the most prosaic immediate object which M. Clemenceau sets before France. The American press comments adversely on M. Clemenceau's ideas opposing President Wilson. General approval is given to Mr Wilson's Manchester declaration that the United States will not join in maintaining the balance of power, but will give adhesion to a combination of all nations. /' ______ ALSACE AND LORRAINE. In the Chamber of Deputies, M. Pichon (Minister of Foreign Affairs) said they did not want a policy of annexation, but reserved entire liberty concerning the frontiers of Alsace-Lorraine. He said that Germany was conquered, not crushed, and must be prevented from finding compensation for losses in German Austria. He declared that the action of the Allies in Russia would be confined to reorganising the Russian forces to enable them to effect an economic encirclement of Bolshevism. The President of the Foreign Committee said the Saal mining basin must include Alsace-Lorraine, and" no enemy troops or fortresses must remain on the left bank of the Rhine or within 25 miles of the right bank. M. POINCAIRE INTERVIEWED. The _ United Press correspondent at Paris interviewed M. Poincare (President of France), who said: I don't foresee the slightest trouble about the Allies arriving at the completest accord, even concerning the details of peace. We are already in harmony on general lines, and details will be settled as 60on as the delegates begin to work. It will naturally take some time. President Wilson is bound to play a capital role at the Peace Conference. We hope to have Mr Wilson's aid in the settlement of the principles of peace before his departure. The correspondent adds: M. Poincare plans to visit the United States after the Conference.

Gertrude Atherton, (the well-known authoress), cabling from Paris, says that the French women resent the granting of the armistice to Germany. They feel that the German armies should Save been humbled and defeated on the field.

PROBABLE FRENCH DEMANDS. The Chicago News Paris correspondent cables that France's demands at the Peace Table will probably include possession of

Alsace and Lorraine and the Saar basin, the neutralisation of the left bank of the Rhine and a strip 30 kilometres wide on the right bank of the Rhine, an unrestricted protectorate over Morocco, a share in the German colonies, and full indemnification for destruction during the war, the indemnities to' be paid in coal and manufactured goods, pending the rehabilitation of the French mines and factories, preferential treatment of imports and raw materials pending the rehabilitation of the French industries, and Germany to recognise France as a favoured nation commercially, without reciprocity. GERMAN DELEGATES. German Ministers are preparing documents for the Peace Conference. Herr Ebert vetoed the efforts of Herr Helfferich and Count Bernstorff to', become delegates to the conference. It is probable that Prince Lichnowsky (Ambassador to Great' Britain at the time of the outbreak of war) will be the chief delegate. Herr Maximilian Harden i 3 destined to be one of the most powerful political influences in Germany, and probably he also will be a member of the delegation. LEAGUE OF NATIONS. Lord. Robert Cecil, discussing the League of Nations question, points out that the present relationship, of nations is anarchial. It is essential to obtain the recognition of all nations of the fact that the interests of humanity as a whole really exist, and must be taken into account in future dealings. Disarmament is impossible unless all nations are agreed. A United- Press message states that President Wilson ? speaking in Manchester, said: "The United States will not join any alliance except a League of Nations." President Wilson, in a speech at Rome, said that the independence of the Balkan States must be maintained. It was the duty of the Allies to protect them. Mr Wilson added: "Throughout the countries I have visited I found a most cordial spirit towards the , League ; of Nations; the balance of power theory has been found wanting." The New York Evening Sun's Washington corresponlent reports that President Wilson is prepared to take a most drastic course and compel the acceptance of the principle of a League of Nations. The President believes that he has the people of the United States behind him. Fortified by this belief, he will not allow himself to be diverted-by political circles in Allied countries .or the United States. Speaking at the dinner given to President Wilson King Victor assured Mr Wilson that Italy was ready to co-operate in the formation of a League of Nations. Mr David Lawrence, the New York Evening Post's correspondent at Rome, says: President Wilson is studying ' the plan for a League of Nations drawn up by General Smuts and submitted to the President. The plan reflects the point of view of the British Government, and calls for close economic and political co-opera-tion without yielding national sovereignty. The plan does not make necessary the acceptance of the league's decision when that decision-endangers the security of the affected nation. CRITICISING THE PRESIDENT. The Republican attacks on the theory of a League of Nations continue. Senator Reed condemns President Wilson's suggestion as a violation of George Washington's warning against "entangling alliances." The League of Nations, he said, would mean the transfer to European Governments of the powers of Congress. Senator Reed added that America could never consent that even Britain or France should order American armies to battle in Serbia, Italy, or other countries divided by their history and aspirations from America. It would be impossible to allow them to exercise influence on America's destiny. Senator Taft pointed out that Mr Wilson had greater influence in Britain than even British princes. As a result of the Wilsonian influence, Mr Lloyd George and M. Clemenceau had now agreed to consider a League of Nations. Mr Taft added that aid for Russia was necessary, especially in the shape of an international military police force, which might properly be described as a " spanking agency," to bring that country to order. Senator Lewis, in the Senate, charged the Republicans with conspiring to discredit President Wilson in Europe, and giving the impression that he did not represent the American people. The President was quite within his rights. There was no law or custom by which the President was under any obligation or answerable to Congress. What he was now doing was as President and Commander-in-Chief of the United States armies. In such a capacity he was entitled to make certain agreements with other Powers, but not treaties. Senator Lewis urged the Senate to support the President, who was now on foreign soil contesting for the supremacy of the United States. GERMAN VIEWS. The United Press Berlin correspondent interviewed Herr Ebert, who said: Germany will advocate international abolition of compulsory military service, ' but if France continues to keep a steong standing army Germany will favour the adoption of the Swiss system of limited service. JAPAN AND CHINA. The United Press Tokio correspondent says: It is officially announced that Japan is preparing to revive foreign trade treaties, and will send representatives to the Peace Conference to. bring about a revision. * Lu Ching Chian, head of the Chinese Peace Mission, interviewed at New York, said : We will ask the Peace Conference for the return of Kio-chau to China, and' for the readjustment of her status commercially with other nations.

THE QUESTION OF INDEMNITIES. Herr Erzberger has issued a statement that Germany, the United States, and the Allies have settled the question of indemnities. The German delegates signed the armistice on condition that there should be restrictions on the amounts of the indemnities, war damages, and war costs to be borne by each nation. Unless otherwise stipulated, Germany would be obliged to indemnify- the districts she occupied in France and Belgium, and pay all lossesinflicted on the civilian populations of those districts. Mr Paul Clay, the noted statistician, estimates that 2,700,000,000 dollars indemnity can be collected from Germany annually without breaking down her industries. The indemnity can gradually be increased to 3,500,000,000. THE DEMANDS OF THE DOMINIONS. It is premature to assume that the dominions claim with regard to indemnities and colonies has been absolutely settled by the War Cabinet yet. The dominions' Premiers have prepared lists of the dominions' war costs. They will be given an opportunity of presenting the lists at the Peace Conference and requesting Indemnification as small nations who backed Britain. The New York Tribune gives prominence to a special article by Mr W. M. Hughes setting out Australia's demands thus: " Three things vitally concern Australia,, and therefore we shall insist upon them at the Peace Conference with all our power—namely: We must have control of the islands in the Pacific for our future safety. We must have power to make whatever laws including tariffs —we think fit. And our huge war debt snould be borne by the aggressor." SOUTH AFRICAN INDIANS. The British Indian Council cabled to the Indian Peace Delegate requesting that he should insist that there should be no disabilities imposed on Indians in regard to colour, race, or creed in the conquered German territories. The council appeals for the removal of political, civil, and trading disabilities on Indians in the South African Union. The council cabled to the Indian National Congress at Delhi urging the congress to insist on full responsible government and full British citizenship For Indians in South Africa. A conference of South African Indians meets at Capetown . on January 20. A meeting of coloured people last night resolved that the time has arrived for full political rights to be granted to the coloured people of the Union; also, in the event of the Peace Conference handing

over the German territories to Great Britain, that no part shall be incorporated in the Union until the coloured people had had restored the political rights whereof they were deprived by the act of union, and until all the subjects of those colonies are put on a footing of political and civil equality. A MESSAGE FZZT:. THE POPE. * The New York papers publish a New Year's message to American people from his Holiness the Pope, saying: "We are glad to send most cordial greeting to the American people, who arechampions of the principles which have been proclaimed by President Wilson and the Holy See, ensuring to the world justice, peace, and Christian love. Out of the Peace Conference may there be born a League of Nations which, by abolishing conscription, will reduce armaments and establish international tribunals to eliminate or settle disputes." The Pope sent his New Year message to the United States through an American agency. Referring to the noble part th« United States has written in the history of human progress, the Pope hoped that the Peace Conference would place peace on a foundation of solid rock by guaranteeing everyone independence and equality of rights; LABOUR AND PEACE TERMS. The Daily Express announces that the Government is planning international action at the Peace Conference for the improvement of labour conditions in every country and the prevention of sweating. France is in hearty accord with th« plan. Mr G. H. Barnes, Labour leader, pro-, poses that the armies of all nations should be limited and national arsenals should be established, from which the nation* should bo rationed. Aggressive warfare would then cease. Mr G. H. Barnes states that the Government hopes that the International Industrial Commission to be established by the Peace Conference will ratify freedom of combination, minimum standard wages, hours, and holidays, regulate the conditions of employment of women, and im-» prove factory conditions. A Labour demonstration at the Albert Hall adopted a resolution, proposrd by Mr Arthur Henderson, and supported by Mrs Snowden, Bernard Shaw, and Ra-m------say MacDonald, calling on the British delegates at the Peace Conference to make the definite establishment of a League of Nations one of the foremost clauses in the Peace Treaty. The American Federation of Labour will be represented at the International Labour

Conference to be held at Piris concurrently with the Peace Conference. The American delegates will be Messrs Samuel Gompers, James Duncan, John Alpine, Frank Duffy, and William Green. An International Labour Conference will be held at Lausanne on the 13th Janu-» ary, concurrently with the Inter-Allied Conference at Versailles. Mr Henderson states that t?;e delegates' chief task will be to formulate a charter of international labour legislation, which the Peace Conference will be invited to incorporate in the peace treaty.