THE PEACE CONFERENCE

Otago Witness, Issue 3396, 16 April 1919, Page 23

THE PEACE CONFERENCE

NEARING A CONCLUSION. * FOURTH PLENARY SESSION. (By Cable.) POINTS AGREED ON. <• The Daily Mail's Paris correspondent states that the "Big Four" has reached agreements on the following points: The left bank of the Rhine to be the military frontier. The Saar Valley coalpits and seams to become French property in perpetuity. No fixed sum to be mentioned for repatriation, but Germany to agree to pay war damages by land and sea. This does £ot include any Entente war expenditure, it include pensions, excepting in the cases of victims of air raids and submarine outrages. Payment is to be derived from a special income tax on German industry and trade for the next 50 years, the amount to be based biennially on the maximum payable without injuring Allied trade or bleeding German industry to death. The occupation of Rhenish territory for 30 years as a mortgage (or security for payment). A small Anglo-American force Js to assist the French and Belgian armies as a mandate of the League of Nations, thus making non-payment of the reparation amount a casus belli to Britain and America equally with France and Belgium. The points not decided are the status pf the Rhenish provinces, the method of Collection of the revenues from the Saar Coalfields without destroying Germany's independence, and the distribution of the reparation revenues. It is announced that Mr Lloyd George goes to London on Monday, will address Parliament on Tuesday, and return to Paris on Wednesday. He expects the final draft of the Peace Treaty to be completed Upon his retarn, subject to its ratification at the plenary session of the Peace Conference. PRESIDENT WILSON ANNOYED. The Daily Express stated that President ."Wilson considers that Sunday's compromise over the Saar, Rhine, Dantzig, and reparation questions has definitely offended against his fourteen points, to which he adheres with tenacity. M. Clemenceau has gone far to meet Mr Wilson's views, but Mr Wilson thinks not far enough. Mr Lloyd George steers a middle Course, though the Americans accuse him ?1 siding too much with M. Clemenceau. t is unquestionable that the sudden summoning of Mr Wilson's steamer was a deliberate hint that the conference must choose between a Wilson peace and no peace. It is reported that Mr Wilson is fiercely determined to have his own way, and if the Peace Treaty draft fails to coincide with his fourteen points he will Issue a manifesto and quit Europe. FOURTH PLENARY SESSION. M. Clemenceau presided at the fourth plenary session. M. Paderewski took a seat -with the Polish Legation. Mr Hughes, Sir Joseph Cook, and Mr Massey attended. As the British panel was fully occupied there was no vacancy for Sir Joseph Ward, who is visiting London. Mr Barnes, introducing the Labour convention, said the pre-war experience of Labour had laid upon the world a heavy burden, and a great danger. They sought now for the first time in history to get co-operation by the State employers and workers, and to get improved conditions in all countries. At the outset the convention was confronted with differing Conditions in various countries, and objection to the acceptance of the decrees of any super-authority. They, therefore, had to abandon the idea of uniformity or coercion and leave it to the justice of all concerned. M. Colliard, French Labour Minister, congratulated the commission on the work it had done which would make future international conventions easier. Sir G. P. Sinha ;> on behalf of India, accepted the convention from an industrial point of view. He said that India was backward, and had misgivings over the convention, fearing that its conditions would be ill adapted to tropical countries. However, Mr Barnes's intimation that a Erotocol would be added safeguarding their aterests satisfied him completely. M. Vandervelde (Belgium) and Signor Barzilai (Italy) supported the convention's principles. It is reported that the British, American ,and French delegates oppose the inclusion of the Labour points in the" treaty. At a. sitting of the Plenary a definite agreement was reached on frontier matters, as follows :—The left bank of the Rhine to be demilitarised but not occupied, remaining under German sovereignty- The Saar Valley to be_ directly controlled by the League of Nations for 15 years, when a plebiscite will decide its nationality. Dantzig is to become a free port under the League of Nations, with Customs arrangements with Poland and accepted as Poland's port though in no way under Polish jurisdiction. THE PEACE TREATY. Le Petit Journal had an interview with Mr Lloyd George's private secretary, who said that the Allies had reached accord on all questions relating to peace with Germany. The Journal states that "the German delegates are expected in Paris within 10 days. When the Peace Treaty is ready it will probably, be handed to the Germans privately, and any explanations required Will be furnished in camera. The only public function at Versailles will be the signing. TABULATED DAMAGES. The New York World's Paris corre-

spondent cables the result of th# tabulated damages in the various countries caused by Germany. The figures are subject to final verification, but will serve as the basis of the claims that will be presented to Germany. France claims 15 billion dollars, Belgium seven and a-half billion, Britain five billion, Russia (including Poland) seven billion, Italy one and a-half billion, Rumania one billion, United States 750 million, Greece 500 million, Czechoslovaks 500 million, Japan 250 million, Portugal 100 million, China, Siam, Armenia, and others, about 250 million. Belgium will be entitled to a prior claim against Germany, with France and Serbia next.

REPARATION AND INDEMNITIES. The Echo de Paris estimates Germany's first reparatory damages at 25,000 million francs in cash and raw materials.

A British authority states that the German reparation is to be 12 billion pounds (£12,000,000,000).

The New York World's Paris correspondent says: The Reparation Committee has indicated the manner in which Germany will obtain revenue to pay reparation. Germany will be allowed free exploitation of the world's markets and complete economic independence. The Peace Conference has agreed that Germany shall pay full indemnities and leave the ex-Kaiser open to prosecution through legal means in the countries in which the worst excesses were committed. It is reported that it has been decided to charge Admiral von Tirpitz with the Lusitania murders. "GERMANY MUST PAY." A "Germany must pay" movement has been initiated in the Commons, and resulted in 200 M.P.'s telegraphing to Mr Lloyd George to the effect that there is the greatest anxiety throughout the country at the persistent reports that the British delegates in Paris, instead of formulating Empire claims, are merely considering the amount that can be extracted from the enemy; also asking a reassurance of the Government's election pledge of full payment from Germany. MR LLOYD .GEORGE' REPLIED. "My colleagues and I mean to stand faithfully by all the pledges given in our constituencies. We are prepared at any moment to subject them to the judgment of Parliament, and, if necessary, of the country. Our efforts are a loyal attempt to redeem our promises." Four hundred members of the House of Commons have now signed a message to Mr Lloyd George urging the fullest indemnities. Mr Lloyd George's reply has not allayed the uneasiness in Parliament, based on various reports and rumours from Paris. Two hundred members of the House are signing another hurried memorial to Mr Lloyd George, stating that they have learned with great concern of the proposal of the conference to recognise the Bolshevist Moscow Government, and urging the British representatives to refuse to sign such a recognition. The Times, in a leading article, states that the indemnity memorial reveals an overwhelming British feeling against the conference's vacillation and perversity in handling the question. "We must compel Germany to acknowledge liability. If Germany is unable to suggest a means of payment, we must choose our securities." The Daily Mail says: Public opinion is most profoundly alarmed. If Germany does not pay, the British will be burdened with taxation for generations. Already the nation is taxed £900,000,000 annually. There is no reason why the aggressor should not be taxed on the same scale. Mr Lloyd George's reply to members of the House of Commons on the indemnity question said: The demand is considered in some quarters to be a frank threat to those who are contemplating a vote of censure in the House of Commons. The originators of the telegram disavow disloyalty; they consider the reply satisfactory. FRANCE FOLLOWS THE LEAD. Following the example of British M.P.'s, a large number of French senators have signed a manifesto demanding full restitution and reparation, together with payment of the full cost of the war. The senators unanimously . signed a manifesto urging that the Peace Treaty should be worthy of the Entente victory, and should assure full restitution and reparation by Germany, which should be required to pay all war costs. The.peace terms should include exemplary punishment of the authors of crimes and territorial and other guarantees against future wars. GERMAN HYPOCRISY. „ Mr Dosch Fleurot, writing from Berlin, states: I interviewed Count BrockdorffRantzau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, who will be head of the German peace delegation to Paris. He said: " I cannot believe the Entente expects the German delegates to go to Paris merely to receive a set of peace conditions. Germany should not be treated in that summary manner. I believe now is the time to apply modern ideals of international relations. Justice instead of force must be established as the basis of international affairs. The world must follow a middle coiirse between Imperialism and Bolshevism. It must be admitted that there is a natural tendency among the victors to desert democratic ideals and impose a peace of conquerors." (? General) Maurice, m a speech, said : "Germany will sign any treaty, no matter what the conditions. The talk of resistance i 3 bluff.." THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS. THE COVENANT AMENDED. The Drafting Committee of the League of Nations has completed its work. The covenant, as revised, contains 27 articles. The League of Nations Commission has

selected Geneva as the seat of the League. Belgium is much disappointed over Brussels not being selected. The Council of Four has adopted an amendment to the covenant to the effect that nothing in the covenant shall be construed as invalidating an agreement for the maintenance of peace such as is involved in the Monroe Doctrine.

President Wilson, in a speech, defended Monroeism, which, he said, -was a barrier against absolutism in the western world. He said he was surprised and discouraged to find opposition to the proposal. The New York Tribune's Paris correspondent reports that when peace Is signed President Wilson will summon the representatives of all nations for a conference at Geneva, for the purpose of discussing questions relating to the League of Nations. THE REPORTED CHANGES. It is officially announced that the revised Covenant provides that ex-German colonies be administered by States willing to be mandatory States under the League of Nations. The JNew York World Paris correspondent states that the following changes have been made in the covenant :—The principles of international practice, such as arbitration treaties and the Monroe doctrine, are recognised. Delegates may deal with any matter within the League's sphere- of action affecting the peace of the world. The Eexcutive Council, with the approval of a majority of the delegates, may increase the number of States which will be represented on the council. The body of delegates or Executive Council must be unanimous unless otherwise expressly provided. The League will act through an assembly comprising not more than three representatives from each State, which will have one vote. The League. Council, which will be composed cf one member from each of the five Great Powers and one member from every four others, will be unable to deal with matters of domestic jurisdiction. The covenant does not affect the validity of . treaties of arbitration and regional understandings like the Monroe doctrine. The New York World's Paris correspondent states that in the revised draft of the League of Nations Covenant the acceptance of mandatory responsibilities is made optional with members. Article 26 . provides that the States named in the schedule which are not signatories may accept the covenant by declaring accession thereto without reservation. Any full self-governing State, dominion, or colony not named in the schedule may become a member of the league if the admissions be agreed to by two-thirds of the league delegates, and provided guarantees shall be given of its intention to observe international obligations and its willingness to conform to the regulations regarding militaiy and naval forces. » THE RACIAL QUESTION. . Despatches from Paris say that Mr W. M. Hughes, interviewed regarding the Japanese amendment to the League of Nations covenant to recognise racial equality, said: Australia cannot accept the proposal, which strikes at the root of a policy we have long maintained, and which is vital to our existence. The amendment, no matter how innocuous it may seem in form, certainly aims at giving the league control of questions relating to immigration, naturalisation, and matters which cannot be surrendered by any State without making it in effect a subject State. AustraJia could not sign a covenant containing such an amendment. The New York Herald, in a leader, says that the American objection to the racial equality amendment in the League of Nations covenant is precisely the same as the Australian. Mr Hughes's views on this question are exactly in accord with those of some of the strongest opponents of the equality clause in the United States. RACIAL EQUALITY REJECTED. The Japanese amendment on racial equality reached the vote after midnight, and was defeated by 11 votes to 6. it is understood that President Wilson refrained from voting. France voted against the Chinese and supported the American delegates. It is specifically declared that the opposition is due to the failure of the Japanese to reach an agreement with the dominions. Baron Makino announced that he would continue his efforts at a later date. MR MASSEY AND SAMOA. Official: Referring to telegrams from New Zealand to London newspapers, which quote a section of the New Zealand press as being opposed to the dominion accepting a mandatory control of Samoa, Mr Massey states that he is agreeable to purely British control, but, as previously explained, the Allied Powers are opposed to the direct annexation of former German colonies; therefore their is no alternative to New Zealand mandatory control except the probability of a similar occupation by a Power other than British. This, in the circumstances, would surely be an unthinkable humiliation. " Moreover, Samoa can be made to pay its way. No garrison would be required, and its trade would be valuable to New Zealand. It is considered by competent authorities that Samoa is one of the most important stragetic and trading centres in the Pacific. New Zealand newspapers also state that our administration of the Cook Islands has failed, thus proving our incapacity for accepting control ot Samoa. This statement is unfair in effect and inaccurate. The British Government authorities say that our administration of Cook Island has been an undoubted success. MR MASSEY AND GALLIPOLT. Mr Massey's constant representations have resulted in an agreement amongst the Powers that a chouse be inserted in

the Peace Treaty with Turkey giving Britain the perpetual ownership over the Gallipoli battlefields. The question of the Australasian ownership of Anzac arose, but it was decided that it would be better to have the rights vested in Britain, as she intended to maintain the graveyards and battlefields as historic memorials. GERMAN TRADE. The New York World's Paris correspondent says : According to my information, all Germany's pre-war contracts, representing a billion dollars annually, will be cancelled. This will destroy German control of Australian Bauxite, which forma a base of aluminium. It is- officially announced that restricted trade may be resumed with German Austria by the United States and Allied countries, beginning to-day. The reexportation of goods from German Austria is forbidden except with the permission of the inter-Allied authorities in Vienna. The Economic Commission has established a "black list" of articles which Germany is not to be permitted to export. It includes coal, paper, food pulp, timber, dyestuffs, products of iron and steel, sugar, window-glass, machine tools and machinery, including electric machinery. An Allied Board will control these materials, buying amounts not exceeding two-thirds of the output, and permitting restricted neutral purchases. The economic sections of the Peace Treaty provide for the close control of Germany's exports for some years, with a view to strengthening Allied trade. There are also clauses giving Allied shipping the same rights in German ports as German shipping. A BOER DELEGATION. A party of Boers from South Africa who wish to set up a republic arrived at New York en route for Paris, to attend the Peace Conference. The party consists of General Hertzog, Senator A. D. Wolmarans, and Messrs D. F. Malan, N. C. Havenga, W. Habnar Reitz, G. E. Y. Van PittiuSj Frederick Beyers, Andreas Spies, Bernardus Stegman, and Ernest Jansen. As no British crew would work a ship carrying them from Capetown, the party sailed in the Dutch vessel Bavean. . General Hertzog, the lead, says that if South Africa's demand for a republic is not granted there will be trouble. The Transvaal and the Orange Free State should be restored to liberty, and Natal and Cape Colony should remain under British rule if they so desire. The Boer Mission was going to interview Mr Lloyd George and press the claims for a republic. He added : " If unsuccessful we intend to present our case to the Peace Conference. General Smuts has not represented the majority views of the South African Union at the Peace Conference." BELGIUM'S PLIGHT. The Daily Telegraph's correspondent says that the number of unemployed in Belgium is 850,000, and is still increasing, while upwards of 2,000,000 are receiving relief. The Belgian delegates to the Peace Conference have been instructed to insist on securing raw materials, with a view to providing employment. The Germans, during their occupation of Belgium, court-martialled 110,000 people on charges of espionage and helping soldiers to escape to Holland. THE LABOUR CHARTER. The convention embodying the draft of the terms of the World Labour Charter consists of 41 articles. It provides for a~ general conference of representatives of the signatory Powers. The convention establishes an International Labour Office as part of the organisation of the League of Nations. The office will collect and distribute information. The Labour Commission's clauses for the Peace Treaty will be amended owing to the dominions' representatives' opposition to clause 8, giving similar industrial concessions to the aliens as to nationals of the country concerned. Nothing was said at yesterday's plenary session, but until the last moment the position remained doubtful President Wilson urgently seeking the Immediate adoption of the clauses. Messrs Massey and Hughes had to leave the table Avhilst the session was proceeding, but they reiterated their attitude, whereupon Mr Wilson agreed to leave the matter to the Supreme Four to settle. INLAND COMMUNICATIONS. The Supreme Economic Council has taken over the reconstruction of European inland communications, which require re-creating. In some cases only 20 per cent, of the necessary rolling stock remains. The Allies have distributed the work as follows : —Britain undertakes that in Rumania, Poland, the Baltic Caucasus, and the Don regions; Italy undertakes that in Austria-Hungary; France undertakes that in European Turkey, Greece, the Donatz Basin, and Ukrainia; and America undertakes that hi Czecho-Slovakia and Jugo-Slavia. CHINESE SUGGESTIONS. China suggests the gradual abolition of the extra "territorial remission of the balance of the Boxer indemnity, which would greatly assist her financial rehabilitation. She undertakes to expend this on education. She also asks the abolition of preferential exclusive rights, Avhich have done more than anything to keep China closed against foreign enterprise, besides being an endless cause of international jealousy. Weihaiwen Kwang Chau, Port Arthur, Dalny, and Shantung should be returned to her, and converted into free ports; China in return to make readjustments. She Is willing to reopen her resources to the whole world, and as a Chinese nation to become a member of teh League of Nations. Others cannot logically refusa to extend

to her the treatment which is conceded to the smaller countries of Europe.

DOMINION DELEGATES. The dominion delegates are thinking of going home. The New Zealandera have booked passages from Vancouver for Jims 21. The Paris correspondent of the Daily, Express states that the dominion dele-, gates are profoundly disturbed over the situation at "the Peace Conference. They declare that they will be unable to justify the treaty to their several Parliament* because they had no voice in shaping it; The Star states that Mr Lloyd George breakfasted with the dominions' and outlined to them* the terms to be imposed on Germany. GENERAL ITEMS. The International Conference of Temper* ance Associations, Lord d'Abernon repre* senting Britain, requested the Peace Con* ference to create a permanent bureau fo? the study of the liquor question and the results obtainable by legislationV A deputation from_ the Limburg pro* vince waitod on the Queen of Holland and: the Premier, declaring their desire to remain Dutch., They presented a petition, signed by 172,543 persons. The Queerf has since declared that she would neve* abandon Limburg. Mr Lloyd George's foreword to the report of the last conference appeals to all sections of the community to read hia speeches carefully. " I earnestly ask you to help in the creation of a steadying influence during reconstruction by holding together, thereby' assisting to obtain as quickly as possible better conditions for all, and increased production and prosperity. Bishop Frodsliam publishes a powerful, criticism* of the League of Nations in the Nineteenth Century, especially in relation to the Pacific. He calls it a " theoretical venture. A glorious dream." It -would be a world disaster if the Empire wa# undermined to make room for an imper* fectly thought-out scheme for -building a palace of peace, which may be another "castle in Spain."