THE PEACE CONFERENCE

Otago Witness, Issue 3399, 7 May 1919, Page 13

THE PEACE CONFERENCE

PRELIMINARY TREATY NEARLY READY. THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS LAUNCHED. (By Cable.) POWERS SIGNING. The following original members of the League of Nations are signatories of the Treaty of Peace: —United States of America, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, British Empire, Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, India, China, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, Equador, France, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Hedjaz, Honduras, Italy, Japan, Siberia, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Rumania, Serbia, Siam, and Uruguay. The States invited to accede to the covenant are:—Argentine Republic, Chili, Columbia, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Persia, Salvador, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Venezuela. FINAL REVISION. The Peace Treaty was finally revised on the 30 th. The present intention is to give the Germans a fortnight for consideration, an<J: then a week for discussion by interchange of notes. During the interval the council will have ample work in' fixing the Austrian, Turkish, and Bulgarian terms. It is hoped to get the Austrians in Paris before Mr Wilson leaves on May 31. The text of the treaty will be presented to the 18 minor Powers the day before presentation to the Germans, but' no .amendments will be accepted. The German delegates must remain at Versailles, but 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. PROVISION OF THE TREATY. Mr Keith Murdoch says: The Peace Treaty to be' presented to the Germans will provide that all Government property in former German territories shall pass to the "new Government exercising authority therein, and the decisions of the local courts shall be final. The new Governments may repatriate resident Germans and formulate the conditions under which Germans may reside, hold property, trade, or work in former German colonies. The Kiel Canal will be placed on a similar footing as the Panama Canal. Its approaches will be maintained free and open to vessels oi commerce or war' of all nations at peace with Germany on terms of entire equality. The treaty will provide for the appointment by each country of a sub-com-mission, on which Germany, .will also have a representative, to control the return of prisoners, Germany undertaking the cost of their repatriation. She is also to undertake to accept all repatriated prisoners, but the Allied countries may send German internees or prisoners to a neutral country or permit them to remain -in Allied territory. Germany is to undertake to facilitate inquiries for missing soldiers, restore the property taken from them, furnish a list of dead prisoners and their graves,and maintain such graves. The general effect of the economic clauses m the treaty is to give the Allies the most favoured-nation treatment for five years. Another provision will be that the Allied and Associated Governments shall preserve the right to retain and liquidate all property, rights, and interests of German nationals or companies controlled bv them in their territories, compensation to be given according to the local laws. Contracts with enemies shall be regarded as dissolved from the date of the war, except in respect to money owing on patents and copyrights. Rights in industrial, literary, and artistic property are restored, both in Allied countries and in Germany, but action taken in Allied countries during the war with respect to patents and copyrights is upheld and will remain in force.

The Echo de Paris states that the preliminary Peace Treaty is a compromise. The preamble shows why the Allies and associated Powers entered the war, and mentions ' the necessity for a League of Nations. Its second chapter relates to the German frontiers; the third chapter to other changes; the fourth to military, naval, and aerial questions ; the fifth to the German colonies. Other chapters deal with reparation, economic and financial matters, and Labour legislation. The document finally stipulates for guarantees for carrying out the treaty. The naval terms do not provide for sinking the German warships. The question will be held in abeyance. April 30. Eight hundred thousand German prisoners in France are to be exchanged for an equivalent number of skilled workmen from Germany, who will assist in the restoration of the invaded areas. Germany under the peace terms will lose 70 per cent, of her income, one-third of her coal, and 20 per cent, of her potash. She also loses between seven and eight million inhabitants, all her colonies, and all her ships. ALTERATIONS CAUSE DELAY. Minor alterations in the .treaty have compelled the postponement of its presentation till Wednesday. The council has decided to request the Germans to furnish their written observations on the whole treaty within 15 days. The Government has taken elaborate precautions to ensure a simultaneous world-wide publication of the text of the peace treaty. The delay in handing over the treaty is officially ascribed to a desire that Italy

should be present. A telegram will be sent to Rome, asking the delegation to resume its place at the Peace Conference. THE GERMAN DELEGATES. Several German delegates who have arrived at Versailles are piqued at the restrictions, which confine them to the palace grounds. They were permitted to attend church, aocompanied by secret police. Some Germans brought golf clubs; but it is unlikely that they will be allowed to appear on French golt links. The proceedings at Versailles were formal, lasting only a, few minutea. M. Cambon asked for the Germans' credentials, which Count Rantzau presented. They were signed by Herr Ebert. M. Cambon then presented the Allied credentials. The Germans expect the treaty to be signed on June 1. The New York World's Paris correspondent states that the German peace delegates will ask that Germany be given a mandatory over some of her former possession in the Far East. As this will be refused, they will then ask that Germany be granted unqualified trading privileges in all lands controlled by the League of Nations. It is alleged that the Germans at Versailles questioned the absence of Italian credentials from those submitted by the Allies and also the fact that all the Entente Powers had not yet recognised the new Jugo-Slav Kingdom. NEGOTIATIONS IN WRITING.

The New York Times Paris correspondent states that the Council of-Three has decided that the negotiations with the German delegates will not be oral. The terms will be presented to the Germans,' who will be given 15 days, in which to submit written objections. It is expected that the Allies will take five days to consider these objections, and that the peace terms will then be presented to the Germans, who will be required to sign them immediately. GERMAN MACHINATIONS!

With a view to creating. an appropriate temperature, the inspired German press is publishing a stream of arguments for and against a referendum on the Peace Treaty. General aggressiveness and incurable audacity mark the spirit in which the peace discussion is approached. The , Vorwarts brazenly admits thatj Germany's alternative League of Nations is merely a propaganda. The delegates sent to Versailles may be expected to manoeuvre keenly with a view to sowing dissensions and inducing neutrals to sympathise with Germany. The Times correspondent adds: While Count Brockdorff Rantzau initiates a series of calculated moves at Versailles, _ Herr Noske is significantly visiting Dantzig and the east front, sizing up the situation resulting from the arrival of General Haller's troops. Undoubtedly complications and intrigues are in progress at Dantzig, Koenigsberg, Libau, Kovno, Vilna, and even in Riga, which are still nominally in Bolshevist hands. The Allies will presently need the ablest military representatives in these centres. flerr Noske does not conceal his desire to rebuild Germany's militarv strength while nominally opposing militarism. The Daily Chronicle's Geneva correspondent learns from a reliable source that a confidential conference was held in Berlin on Saturday between the 'Government and the most influential leaders, of the National Assembly, when they discussed the situation prior to the Peace Delegation's departure. Count Rantzau said he was confident that he could secure vital concessions regarding the Saar Valley, and would refuse to sign terans involving its veiled annexation. • . .

It is stated that armistice negotiations with the Russians are progressing favourably. A truce with them is desired, as it would free the Germans to deal with the Poles. Count Rantzau opposed an alliance with Lenin, which would compromise Germany's future. He preferred to establish good relations with the antiBolshevists by appearing to give them more effective support than the Entente. The German Government proposes shortly to publish its own League of Nations scheme, which their peace delegates have been instructed to present at Versailles as a substitute for the Peace Conference proposals. The Frankfurter Zeitung announces that the German delegates have been instructed that Germany cannot sign the peace preliminaries unless these provide for the immediate return of German prisoners. DEMONSTRATIONS IN ITALY. Thousands of the population of Fiume escorted the National Council on a visit to General Grazioli to express- the city's determination to be annexed by Italy. A mass meeting took a solemn oath to remain united and demand Dalmatia and Fiume. There was tremendous excitement. Rome telegrams report that Signor Orlando, in the Chamber of Deputies, urged the maintenance of a calm attitude. He said that Britain and France wished to loyally adhere to the Pact of London. They asked that Fiume be an independent free city, but such freedom would be worthless if it did not respect Fiume's desire to be united with Italy. Signor Orlando, in the Italian Chamber of Deputies, said he had warned the Allies that peace was impossible without Italy's assent. Her claims were based on justice and ought to be granted in their entirety. Then Italy could have a further alliance with any reconstituted European State. He repudiated imperialistic charges, pointing out that he had not sought overseas possessions for Italy, and had not displayed greed for indemnities; he had yielded only to Italian sentiment. The Chamber enthusiastically expressed confidence in the Orlando Government. Only the Socialists abstained from voting. Unconfirmed despatches from Rom© say

that Italian troops are reported to have landed in Dalmatia. ORLANDO MAY RETURN. The American Ambassador at Rome had a lengthy conference with Signor Orlando and Baron Sonnino. The impression prevails in Paris that Signor Orlando's speech indicates a desire to escape from an awkward dilemma without undue loss of prestige. The belief is current that Signor Orlando will return in ample time for signing the Peace Treaty, despite Rome's declarations that Fiume must first he guaranteed to Italy. The Epoca announces that the French Ambassador had a long conference with Signor Orlando, and indicates that the French are endeavouring to assume the role of mediator. Mr Page, Ambassador at Rome, has telegraphed that Signor Orlando will be unable to return to Paris in time for the signing of the Peace Treaty. A SUBSTITUTE TREATY. A Paris message to the New York Times says that a substitute draft treaty is being prepared, with all the provisions relating to Italy omitted. THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS. THE REVISED COVENANT ADOPTED. Mr Wilson, in a speech, moved the adoption of the League of Nations Covenant. He said he hoped the free nations of the world would maintain justice in their international relations. The Japanese claims for racial equality were withdrawn, but will be submitted to the league later. The enunciatory principles of the Labour Charter were inserted in the Peace Treaty. The revised covenant of the League of Nations was adopted officially without amendment. THE TEXT OF THE COVENANT. The revised text of the covenant of the League of Nations is a lengthy document, consisting of 26 articles. It largely covers the ground already cabled. Article 1 provides that the original members of the League of Nations shall be those of the signatories, and also such other States as shall accede without reservation to the covenant. Such accessions shall be effected by declaration deposited with the secretaries within two months of the enforcement of the. covenant. It also provides for the admission to the league of any fully self-governing State, dominion, or colony if agreed to hy twothirds of the assembly, provided it gives guarantees of a sincere intention to observe international obligations. Any member of the league may, after two years' notice, withdraw from the league if all its obligations under the covenant are fulfilled.

Article 8, referring to the reduction of armaments, states that such plans shall be subject to reconsideration and revision at least" every 10 years, and the limits of the armaments shall not be exceeded without the concurrence of the council.

Article 12 provides that if a rupture arise between members of the league, war shall not be resorted to until three months after the council has given an award on the question. If the council is successful in settling the dispute, a statement shall'be made public giving the full terms' of the settlement. If a settlement is not' effected the council shall publish a statement of the facts in dispute and the recommendations made by the council, members of the league agreeing not to go to war with any party to the dispute which complies with the recommendations of the report. IT the council fails to come to a report that is unanimously agreed to by members other than tho parties to the dispute, members of the league have the right to take any action they consider necessary. Article 15 states that should-any nation resort to war in disregard of its covenants it shall ipso facto be deemed to have committed an act of war against all the other members of the league, who shall immediately subject it to the severance of all trade and financial relations, the prohibition of all intercourse between the people of their nations and the people of the covenant-breaking member, and the people of any other State, whether a member of the league or not. It will be the duty of the council in such case to recommend to the several Governments concerned what effective forces, naval or military, the members of the league can contribute to protect the covenant of the league, members also agreeing to support one another in the financial and economic measures taken. Any member violating the covenant of the league may be declared no longer a member of the league by vote of the council concurred in by all the other members represented thereon. Article 17 states that-in the event of a dispute between a member of the league and a State not a member, or between States not members of the league, they shall be invited to accept the obligations of membership of the league for the purpose of such dispute, upon conditions that that council may deem iust. Upon giving such invitation the council shall immediately institute an inquiry into the dispute, and recommend the necessary action. If both States refuse the membership of the league the council shall take measures to prevent hostilities and settle the dispute. Article 20 requires members to agree to the covenant and accept it as abrogating all obligations or understandings inter se which are inconsistent with the terms of the covenant, and undertake not to enter into future engagements inconsistent with the terms of the covenant.

Article 21 provides that nothing in the covenant shall be deemed to affect the validity of international engagements, such as treaties of arbitration or regional understandings, like the Monroe Doctrine, for securing the maintenance of peace. Article 22 provides that to those colonies and territories which in consequence of the late war are not to be under the

sovereignty of the State formerly governing thorn, and which are inhabited by peoples unable to stand -by themselves under the strenuous conditions of the modern world, there shall be applied the principle that the well-being and development of such peoples form a sacred trust of civilisation, and that securities for the performance of this trust shall be«embodied in the covenant. This is provided for by mandatories on the part of the league, the mandates to differ according to the stage of development of the people, the geographical situation of the its economio conditions, and other similar circumstances. The clause mentions cer. tain communities formerly belonging to th« Turkish Empire and other peoples in Central Africa, South-west Africa, and certain South Pacific islands. Where .mandates are required, in every case the mandatory shall render to thu council an annual report in reference to the territory committed to its charge. The degree of authority, control, or administration shall, if not previously agreed upon! by members of the league, be explicitly defined. A permanent commission shall be constituted to-examine the reports of mandatories and advise the council on all matters relating to the observance of the mandates. Article 23 states that, subject to and in accordance with, the provisions of international conventions existing or hereafter agreed .upon, members of the league shall endeavour to secure and maintain fair and humane conditions of labour for men, women, and children, both in their own countries and in all countries to which their commercial and industrial relations extend, and for that purpose will establish and maintain the necessary international Organisations. Provision shall be made to secure and maintain freedom of communication and transit and equitable treatment for the commerce of all members of the league. Also, the prevention and control of disease shall be made a matter for international concern. Article 25 provides for the encouragement of the promotion and establishment of national Red Cross organisations. Article 26 provides that an amendment of the covenant may" take effect when ratified by the council of the league. It is pointed out that the redrafted covenant provides for the admission of Germany and Russia to the council when they are established as Great Powers and when they can be trusted to honour their obligations. The effect of the article admitting a small State to sit on thp council when its affairs are intimately involved amounts to ah effective veto, as the council's decisions must be unanimous. The draft clears up, doubts regarding disarmament. There will be no dictation as to the size of national forces. The council will merely .formulate plans, which the Governments can accept or reject, and which will be the basis of a subsequent disarmament convention. The article guaranteeing territorial integrity emphasises that the league cannot be used to suppress internal movements. Its function is merely to prevent forcible annexation. THE BIRTH OF THE LEAGUE. London newspapers almost unanimously welcome the birth of the League of Nations. The first meeting of the League of Nations will be held at Washington in the autumn, when Mr Wilson will be elected its president. Thirteen neutral countries have notified their intention of being present. It is expected that enemy Powera will then be admitted to the league. President Wilson in a speech announced that Sir Eric Drummond has been nominated as the first Secretary-general to the League of Nations. LORD ROBERT CECIL'S VIEWS.

Addressing the British correspondents on the 30th, Lord Robert Cecil said he did not think either the Monroe _ Doctrine' clause or the stipulation regarding withdrawal as weakening the covenant. "You could not, anyhow," he said, "force a nation to remain in the league against _ its will. As regards the Monroe Doctrine, it has never been applied except to prevent European nations from introducing European politics into America. It would be absurd to maintain that the covenant ever contemplated such a purpose.". Referring to the Japanese amendment. Lord Robert Cecil opined that there had been no lack-of recognition of Japan in the covenant. Indeed, Japan had been given a prominent position in the leaguenamely, on the council, a fact which certainly admitted the national equality of

Japan with other nations in the clearest and strongest possible "way. AMERICAN OPINION. The New York Times Washington correspondent states that party lines no longer divide opinion on the league covenant. Many Republican Senators who strongly objected to the first draft now declare that they are satisfied with the amendments. While several Democrats contend that the covenant is still unsatisfactory— Mr Chamberlain (Democrat) points out that the covenant fails to leave control of immigration definitely in the hands of individual countries, as the League Council may arbitrate in immigration disputes —the general opinion of Senators is that the revised covenant will be ratified by Congress. The New York Times Washington correspondent says that Senator Lodge, who will be the majority leader in the new Senate, has issued a statement that the League of Nations Covenant will be unacceptable unless it is further amended. The correspondent, adds that a bitter fight in the Senate against the covenant is contemplated, although many Republicans are for the League of Nations. THE MANDATE FOR SAiUo^.. MAIN PRINCIPLES OUTLINED. Official: The revised draft of the mandate for the New Zealand control of Samoa has been prepared. It is impossible at this stage to make the details public, but the main principles may be outlined. Germany renounces all her rights, and the Allied Powers entrust the government of the islands to his Britannic Majesty, to be exercised by the New Zealand Government, with full legislative, administrative, and judicial power over the islands as an integral portion of New Zealand territory, to which the New Zealand laws shall be applied, subject to any necessary local modifications. A trust is to be accepted for the wellbeing and development of the natives, and to that end New Zealand undertakes to prohibit the slave trade of forced labour and the sale o£ spirituous liquors. There will be no training of natives, except for police and local defence, and no fortifications or military or naval bases shall be erected. It is provided that if the natives at any time express a desire to be united with New Zealand, nv.<] if the council of the League of Nations considers that desire well founded and conscious, the Allied Powers will agree that effect shall bo. given to it, and the islands will bo incorporated jn New Zealand.

The provisions generally represent a marked difference from the original proposals, when the matter was discussed before the council of the Peace Conference. The safeguards advocated by the oversea delegates have been accepted. Apparently it was not clearly understood in New Zealand that a mandate could not be accepted by Great Britain for any former Gt nan colonies In the Pacific, so there never was any conflict of opinion between New Zealand and the Mother Country delegates. Mr Massey throughout advocated the British policy, with certain safeguards from the dominion point of view. The area of the Samoan group formerly held by Germany is over 1000 miles. The portion occupied by America is about 75 miles. THE GALLIPOLI BATTLEFIELD. Mr Massey has secured a Gallipoli agreement providing that these battlefields be transferred in perpetuity to Britain in order to be permanently maintained exclusively as a cemetery and a memorial for the fallen. The Ottoman Government must within six months of the signature of the treaty take legislative and administrative measures vesting the title in the British, who are entitled to transfer it. to an Imperial Graves Commission. A similar body will improve the land, which is exempt from taxation. Free access is to be allowed to visitors. Turkey must punish violators and desecrators. TURKEY RETAINS CONSTANTINOPLE. A clause in the agreement shows that the council intends Turkey to retain Constantinople under a mandatory Tower. THE MANDATES. Mr Wilson wished to postpone finishing 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 the presentation of the peace treaty, but before signature. The only mention of the mandate system in the treaty will be the clauses in the covenant as published. A United States message from Paris states that the assignment of mandatories for protected territories will be left till the first meeting of the League of Nations at Washington in October. Mr Lloyd George and M. Clemcnceau are expected to attend. THE BRITISH DELEGATES. The British delegates played a more prominent part in the work of the Peaco

Conference than appears on the surface. The Labour convention in the Peace Treaty is solely a British achievement. The British can also claim a great share in framing the League of Nations Covenant, and to this fact Sir Eric Drummond's appointment, which carries with it a salary ' of £SOOO, with £SOOO per annum expenses, is believed to be due. The air terms are almost entirely the work of the British, and although the French naturally exercised a preponderating influence'in fixing the military terms, yet it was Mr Lloyd George's insistence that secured the abolition of conscription in Germany. The British also insisted on the ex-Kaiser's punishment. Nothing can yet be said about reparation; but when the treaty is published it will certainly be found that particular losses, such as those by the submarine j campaign, will receive full compensation. I Under the treaty Germany loses 70 per cent, of her iron ore, one-third of her-coal, 20 per cent, of her potash, and between seven and eight millions of her population. THE RACIAL QUESTION. Baron Makino, addressing the Plenary Council, regretted that the covenant did nob enunciate the principle of racial equality, leaving the Governments concerned to devise in a fair spirit means to meet it. If just and equal treatment were denied to certain nationals it would have ; the significance of a certain reflection on ! their quality and status, and their faith in the justice and righteousness of future international intercourse between mem- ! bers of the league might be shaken. | This would be detrimental to the harmony j and co-operation on which the league could be securely built. Japan would not press ! the proposal at the moment, but the j Japanese Government and people felt ! poignant regret at the conference's failure to approve of their just demand. They would continue to insist on the adoption ! of the principle by the league in future. JAPAN AND CHINA. Official: The Kiao-Chau dispute has been settled. Japan has agreed to surrender ■ Tsing-Tau to China in due course. The Daily News Paris correspondent points out that the Japanese deadlock in reference to Kiao-Chau has been Aggravated by four secret European agreements, In 1917* Italy and Russia agreed, without conditions, that the Japanese should succeed to all Germany's Tights in China. Franco agreed also, subject to certain action against German subjects' property ; and Britain signed, after stipulating that she should have similar rights in German

holdings in the South Pacific. These agreements have seriously handicapped a settlement. China offered to defray the expense of the Japanese campaign provided that the Shantung Tights were unconditionally returned to her. Japan firmly demands that these secret treaties shall' be fulfilled. Germany's rights at Kiao-Chau and Shantung will be transfered unreservedly to Japan. The latter engages voluntarily to return the Shantung Peninsula to China's full sovereignty, retaining merely the economic concessions which China granted to Germany. Japan is permitted to establish a settlement at Tsingtao, while the railway company is allowed to employ special police in order to secure the traffic, but the police are to consist of Chinese, with Japanese instructors, the latter being appointed by the Chinese Government. The Japanese soldiers are to be withdrawn at the earliest moment. Japan therefore secures concessions such as the other Great Powers possess, and the future relations of the two countries will come under the League of Nations, guaranteeing territorial integrity and political independence. The decision of the Council of Three practically accords Japan control of Northern China. A CHINESE PROTEST. The Chinese delegation has issued a statement declaring that it views with astonishment the Shantung settlement. China came to the Peace Conference imbued with a strong faith in the Allies' lofty principles as a basis for a just peace. The Chinese people will be disillusioned over the settlement. If there was reason to stand firm over Fiume, there was all the more reason to uphold China's claim, involving the future welfare of 36 million people and the highest interest of peace in the Far East. By transferring Germany's rights to Japan the Peace Conference is perpetuating an act of aggression which has been resented by the Chniese ever since its perpetration. It is clear that the council has been bestowing on Japan the rights, not of Germany, but of China. The more powerful ally has reaped benefits at tho expense of the weaker ally. The substitution becomes graver when the position of Japan in South Manchuria and Eastern Mongolia i« read in connection with it. She is firmly entrenched on both sides of tho Gulf of Pechili —the water outlet for Peking—-with a hold on three trunk railway lines issuing from Peking to the West of China. The capita], therefore, becomes enslaved in the midst of Japanese influence. The Chinese

understand that the council's decision was prompted by the fact that Britain and France were understood in February or March, 1917, to support at the Peace Conference Japan's claims to the German rights at Shantung. The statement points out that China was no party to this secret pact or aware of its contents when she became a belligerent,, also that Japan's claims appear incompatible with President Wilson's 14 points.

THE CLAIMS OF BELGIUM

Another critical situation has developed. Six Belgian Ministers are in Paris as the result of a meeting of the Cabinet, at which the reparation schem was strongly denounced. The Belgians claim that an immediate large indemnity is essential _ in order to avoid a serious internal crisis and enable reconstruction work to proceed. The Cabinet threatens to withdraw from the conference if the scheme is not modifid so as to provide that Belgium receive priority in initial payments of her whole share of the indemnity within 10 years. The Belgians presented a Note pointing out that the seven milliard marks, which. Germany compelled them to accept during the war at 125 centimes per mark, are '

now worth onely one-third that sum. Brussels messages emphasise the urgency of the restoration of Belgium's industries. Outside assistance is stated to be imperative. The Premier, who has returned from Paris, stated that Belgium's reparation would appear in the Peace Treaty, but she could not expect immediate payment. The Senate decided to appeal to Britain and the Allied Parliaments to redeem the promises of prompt and complete reparation.

The Allies have guaranteed Belgium £100,000,000 out of the first German payment, and have relieved Belgium of the obligation to repay the loaxis she received from the Allies.

Owing to the Peace Conference's refusal to accept responsibility for £350,000,000 worth of German paper money circulating in Belgium, a great agitation is being raised against signing the peace treaty. M. Hymans, Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs, has gone from Paris to Brussels bearing fresh proposals.

THE KAISER TO BE TRIED'

New articles proposed for insertion in: the Peace Treaty include the arraignment of the ex-Kaiser and his trial by five international judges, also a request to Holland to surrender him. The United States has nublished the text of the articles nnder discussion at the Peace Conference providing for the trial of

the ex-Kaiser, requiring Germany to deliver all persons charged with breaches of international law. The proposals for an Allied tribunal .of judges to try the exKaiser by court-martial and to try subordinates by a commission on their responsibility for the war were carried despite opposition by Mr Lansing to the clauses arraigning the ex-Kaiser. The Evening Standard has the fullest authority for stating that the ex-Kaiser ■will be tried on an ordinary criminal charge. The Daily Telegraph's Paris correspondent with reference to the conference's decision to demand the ex-Kaiser's extradition from Holland to undergo trial before a tribunal of five judges appointed by the five Great Powers, that the exKaiser will be charged with the supreme offence against international morality and the sacredness of treaties. The tribunal appointed to try the exKaiser will assume that the ex-Kaiser has the right of defence. The Allies and America will request Holland to hand the ex-Kaiser over for trial. Other war criminals will be tried by military courts. The Tribune's London correspondent states that Dutch circles in London axe convinced that Holland will not allow the extradition of the ex-Kaiser for trial. ' LABOUR QUESTIONS. The Labour clauses proposed for inclusion in the Peace Treaty provide for a day of rest weekly, the abolition of child labour, the right of association for all lawful purposes, a standard eight-hour day, and equality of pay for the sexes. It is announced that the first meeting of the Peace Conference's International Bureau of Labour will be held at Washington in October. President Wilson has cabled to Mr Tumulty that the Labour programme is the most important accomplishment of the hew day in which the interests of Labour will be systematically safeguarded and promoted. No single thing done at Paris will accomplish so much towards stabilising labour conditions throughout the world.' THE AUSTRIAN DELEGATES, Official: The Council of Three has invited the Austro-Hungarian delegates to Versailles to receive the treaty about the middle of May. The Austrian peace delegation has arrived. It is understood that a clause inserted in the treaty prohibits Germany from having any voice in the agreements the Allies make with Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, Turkey, or Russia. NAVAL PEACE CELEBRATION. The Admiralty is arranging for a special naval day in connection with the peace celebrations. There will be a march of several thousand bluejackets through London, headed by Sir David Beatty and other admirals. The Admiralty also intends to bring a number of battleships to Southend. THE RHINE PROBLEM. A compromise has been reached between the French and American views on the Rhine whereby Britain agrees to §end an army to France without delay if German troops cross the Rhine, and Mr Wilson has promised to endeavour to persuade the Senate to agree to a similar undertaking. Details of the Saar Valley agreement show that France is assured of the full ownership of the coalfield, • but a commission under the League of Nations will be entrusted with the government of the valley. There will be no change in citizenship, but after fifteen years the inhabitants shall decide by a plebiscite ■whether they wish the new regime to continue, or to belong to France or Germany. In the last case Germany may repurchase the mines at the valuation of an international commission. GENERAL ITEMS. At a plenary session of the council M. Bourgeoise referred to the French amendment for strengthening the league's power against sudden military aggression. France considered the league weak in this respect. The New York Sun's Paris correspondent states that the Foreign Office declares that M. Clemenceau and a representative of the United States will arrange an Agreement between the United States and Frence whereby the United States will furnish troops to protect France in the event of a German attack. Sir Joseph Ward occupied a seat on the British panel at the plenary sitting of the council. The Foreign Ministers are discussing the question of the submarine cables captured from the enemy. It is believed that the Eroposal is to place the lines under the league of Nations, but to this there is much opposition. The Swiss President has arrived, probably in connection with the maintenance of Switzerland's neutrality. This raises an interesting speculation regarding future relationship to the League of Nations. The Ukrainian Armistice Commission is sitting in Paris under General Botha's presidency. The Ukrainian delegate Is expected to reach Paris shortly.