PEACE TREATIES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3419, 26 September 1919, Page 19

PEACE TREATIES.

(By Cable.) THE BULGARIAN TREATY. PARIS, September 19. The presentation of the Bulgarian peace terms v. as a dull ceremony. There was a meagre attendance of spectators. The Bulgarian Premier, in a speech said the Bulgarians were impelled by sinister influences to enter an insensate war against the wishes of the Bulgarian people. All the authors of excesses would be ruthlessly punished.

SUMMARY OF TERMS. LONDON, September 19. The official summary of the Bulgarian treaty is -as follows : The frontier between Bulgaria and Rumania remains unchanged. Small portions of territory are ceded to Jugoslavia, of which the most important is the town and district of Strummtza. The southern frontier follows a line from a point eight miles south-west of Rasemakli to Kilkik, passing close to Ardadashi and Danders, which remain Bulgarian. 'South-east a small piece of Turkish territory is introduced into Bulgaria, which renounces in favour of the Allies all her rights in Thrace, which has not yet been assigned to anybody. The Allies assure Bulgaria that cutlets to the iEgeaD Sea will be fixed later. Bulgaria recognises a British protectorate over Egypt. The military terms stipulate that the Bulgarian army' shall be recruited on a voluntary basis,—the strength not to exceed 20,000. No new fortifications shall be constructed nor poison gas ncr liquid fire, manufactured or imported. There shall be no tanks or armoured cars. The manufacture of munitions shall be confined to a single factory controlled by the State, the output being strictly limited to the needs of the above force.

All the Bulgarian warships and submarines are to be surrendered to the Allies or broken up. The wireless station at Sofia is to be under Allied supervision. The armed forces must not include military or naval air forces. While recognising that the resources of Bulgaria are insufficient to enable adequate reparation to be made, the Allies agree to accept such reparation as is possible, and have fixed the sum of 2,250,000,000 francs in gold, which amount will be discharged by a series of half-yearly payments, including interest afc 5 per cent, on the capital sum outstanding. Provision is to be made for a sinking fund sufficient to extinguish the total amount on January 1, 1958. In the case of default in payments the Allied Commission shall be entitled to control, collect, and disburse certain taxes and revenue for the purpose of the payment of the indemnity. Bulgaria undertakes to return to Greece and Rumania and Jugo-Slavia all records, archives,, and artistic and archaeological articles which were stolen during the war, and also to deliver up live stock in restitution for stolen animals, while, by way of special compensation for the destruction of Serbia's coal mines, Bulgaria will deliver to Jugo-Slavia during the next five years 50,000' tons of coal annually from the State mines in Pernik, provider! that the Tnter-allied Commission is satisfied that such deliveries will not interfere unduly with the economic life of Bulgaria. The Supreme Council has decided that the Bulgars must evacuate West Thrace, which is to be occupied by the Allies. The Greeks will occupy only the zones at y.resent held hj the French.

TIME FOR OBSERVATIONS

PARIS, September 19.

The Bulgarian delegates have been given 25 days in which to make observations on the Peace Treaty.

THE SYRIAN MANDATE

PARIS, September 16. The Temps says Mr Lloyd George and M. Clemenceau have agreed that the British troops on the first of November shall evacuate all territories north of the provisional frontier between Syria and Palestine," and that the Peace Conference later will adjust the frontier. The departure of British troops will not entail French occupation in Damascus, Hama, Hoos, and Aleppo, which are in the zone considered as a possible Arab State or Confederation of States. Nevertheless, Arab power here must henceforth depend upon French support. The French will relievo the British in Silesia.

GREEK MANDATE OVER ANATOLIA

LONDON, September 18. The situation in Anatolia is. serious. The Turks are rapidly becoming formidable against the Greeks in the Smyrna district. Another, movement, under JNlustapha Yemal, definitely aiming at the overthrow of the present Turkish Government, exists at Angora. The Sivas and Erzeroum movement is equally hostile to the Entente.

PERSECUTION OF GREEKS. WASHINGTON, September 24. According to diplomatic despatches from Salonika the Turks are compelling unredeemed Greeks in the interior of Asia Minor to pay monthly indemnities. Turkish guerrillas are also Dillaging and terrorising the population.

APPEAL PROM ARMENIA. LONDON. September 20, The Armenian Parliament has issued a piteous appeal to the Allied peoples, stating that Kurds. Turks, and Tartars are descending in hordes, slaying right and left.

The appeal adds: —"We have mobilised our whole manhood, but amid the great

Powers' silence and inaction this newly liberated republic, it' now abandoned, must perish."

PEACE CONFERENCE ADJOURNS. PARIS, September 17. The Peace Conference has adjourned, but is not likely to reassemble in its present form, as the smaller States are unable to send back delegates for merely formal attendances. Probably the Ambassadors will represent most of the States when the conference meets again. There is a precedent for this in the Balkans Conference held at London in 1912.

MANDATE FOR AFRICAN DISTRICT, PARIS, September 22.

The Supreme Council has handed over to France the mandate for the Cameroons and Togoland.

SOUTH AFRICAN RATIFICATION. CAPETOWN, September 17. The Senate has read the Peace Treaty a third time, and the South-west Africa Mandate Bill was carried without a division. JAPANESE RATIFICATION. WASHINGTON, September 18. According to information received from Tokio, Japan will ratify the treaty at the end of September. It is understood that Japan will not specify the date of the return of Shantung until China enters into a private agreement with Japan.

SWITZERLAND AND NORWAY DELAY ACTION. WASHINGTON, September 24. According to diplomatic advices, Switzerland will defer consideration of the league covenant until the tbree principal Allied Powers ratify it. Norway will not take action respecting the league until the United States Senate votes.

TREATY BEFORE AUSTRALIAN PARLIAMENT.

MELBOURNE, September 18. In the House of Representatives, in the Peace Treaty debate, after Sir Joseph Cook had lengthily reviewed the terms of the treaty and its probable effects on Australia, Mr Catts moved, as an amendment, that owing to the limited amount of information regarding commitments and responsibilities under the treaty placed before the House, the whole matter be referred to a committee for inquiry and report. / Sir Joseph Cook expressed the opinion that the .Pacific Islands, which Australia would administer very shortly, would prove a source of profit. He hoped that soon a definite movement would be made to develop these new territories. September 19. The Federal Labour Party has decided not to oppose the ratification of the Peace Treaty. S Mr Hughes, when moving the first reading J3f the Nauru Bill in the House of Representatives, 'stated that Britain and Australia would each take 42 per cent, of the phosphate deposits, and New Zealand get 16 per cent. The administration ot the island would be vested in an administrator, and the first administrator would be appointed by the Australian Government for the term of five vears, all expenses being paid from the proceeds of the sale of phosphates. In addition to an administrator, a board of three commissioners would be appointed, each Government selecting its own. Apart from Britain, Australia, and New Zealand, phosphates would not be supplied to any other country except with the unanimous consent of the three commissioners. September 20. The House of Representatives, without a division, ratified the Peace Treaty, the amendment by Mr Catts being rejected. The House also approved of the treaty between Britain, America, and France.

WHY RUMANIA REFUSED TO SIGN.

PARIS, September 20. A Rumanian Government memorandum sent to M. Clemenceau explains that the Rumanians' refusal to sign the Austrian Peace Treaty was due to the indifference displayed regarding Rumania's sacrifices ami aspirations. She exported the Allies to guarantee her rights over the wholeof Banat, and also over part of Bukovina and the Hungarian regions inhabited by Rumanians.

PRESIDENT WILSON ON TOUR. NEW YORK, September 17. President Wilson, speaking at San Francisco, said no words were strong enough to depict the rest of the world's reliance upon the United States leadership. " Americans are the trustees of humanity. If they desert it all' is lost. Shantung was not taken from China but from Germany. A new international policy for the protection of China is certain to come upon the initiative of the Great Powers by which China's full integrity will be protected. President Wilson, replying to questions from political organisations, said that Britain was unable to outvote tb» United States. Foreign Governments would be unable to order American troops abroad, and the United States would not be expected to aid Great Britain to suppress revolt in Ireland. The reason the dominions were given votes was because they were autonomous in all respects save foreign policy. Regarding Irish freedom, he said the claims-for self-determination would be able to be brought before the league.

September 21

At Los Angeles, President Wilson, discussing the Shantung question, openly charged senators that their real purpose in opposing the arrangement was to defeat the Peace Treaty, and not to assist China.

WASHINGTON, September 22

President Wilson, in a speech at San Diego, said : " Could we deny the league vote to the stout little commonwealth of Australia, from which many Liberal ideas

and actions come? When I was in Paris I was unable to distinguish between Americans and Australians save as regards their hats. Could we deny the vote to the other self-governing nation of New Zealand ; for it is self-governing except in regard to foreign affairs:' NEW YORK, September 24. President Wilson, in a speech at Ogdrn (Utah), stated that 80 per cent, of the people cf the United States were in favour of the league. Elements formerly tending to disloyalty opposed the covenant. Mr Wilson said: We are serving Germany's purpose if the league is not adopted, because we will permanently dissociate ourselves from the nations with which we cooperated in defeating Germany. Some critics of the league are looking backward, and'that is why thev are stumbling.Their blood is cold with fear that .-orneone will attempt to defraud the United Stages, but no one is attempting fraud.

SENATOR JOHNSON'S CAMPAIGN. WASHINGTON, September 17. Speaking at Omaha, Nebraska, Senator Johnson said that President Wilson's idea was to rush the Peace Treaty through the Senate before the people understood it. He declared that the Bulgarian, Turkish, and Austrian Treaties were based on secret agreements made before the United; States entered the war; yet the League of Nations would require them to guarantee American blood to sanctify these agreements.

September 18. Senator Johnson, continuing his attacks on President Wilson, ridiculed the idea that the British colonies were (? not) obtaining votes in the League of Nations. If the United States's one vote was equal to the British six, why the necessity of giving Britain six? NEW YORK, September 20.

In a speech at St. Paul (Minnesota) Senator Johnston said the League of Nations was merely a gigantic war trust. It meant that American boys would be obliged to police the world and hold up tottering nations by American blood and bone and allow the European and Japanese nations to drag Americans into their quarrels. The League of Nations meant an end to American idealism and a triumph for the cynical Old World diplomacy. Senator Johnston stated that public sentiment against the League was assuming the proportions of a revolution, and if the ratification of the Treaty was delayed for 60 days in order to permit the people to express their opinions in positive terms the League would be defeated.

DEBATE IN AMERICAN SENATE. WASHINGTON, September 19. Senator Wadsworth, speaking in the Senate debate, said that the question of ratifying the treaty involved no less than the future of the United States. For 150 years the Americans had lived isolated from European intrigues. Under article 10 the United .States would be obliged for rJI time to send its children to fight to defend foreign territory in order to maintain the status of 1919. Senator Wadsworth added that if article 10 had existed during the revolutionary war when France came to the aid of America every nation in Europe would have combined against her, and there would never have been a free America: September 22. Senator Reed, in a speech, - stated: President Wilson disregards important facts when he says that the United States's one vote in the league is equivalent to Britain's six votes. When the United States is a party to any dispute it will be unable to vote at the council, thus permitting Britain's votes to make a unanimous decision against the United States or depriving the United States of . the necessary unanimous decision. The league will create a dangerous super-State/ greater than any constituent member.

Senator Reed quoted from a letter received from Sir R. L. Borden (Canadian Premier), signed by M. Clemenceau, President Wilson, and Mr Lloyd George, assuring the Premier that the representatives of self-governing dominions may be elected members of the league council. The senator pointed out that a. minority in the league assembly might exclude from membership in the league any European country not named in the protocol. The nations excluded might organise a, rival league, which would certainly result in a conflagration. Senator Reed declared that there were only 289,428,000 white people, •whila 811,425,000 dark-skinned people were represented in the league; thus the majority in the league would always vote for race equality. RATIFICATION REGARDED AS CERTAIN. ■ NEW- YORK, September 21. Senator Marshall, interviewed, said: "I do not doubt that the treaty and the covenant of the League of Nations will be ratified by the Senate. Any change will be only in the shape of mild reservations embracing President Wilson's explanations."

At Watertown (New York) Mr Lansing, in a speech, advocated ratification of the. treaty v.-ithout delay and without any change. There was nothing in the treaty invading American severeignty, and nothing which limited the exercise of such sovereignty. It is reported that Senator Ashurst (Democrat), a former ardent Administration supporter, has telegraphed to President Wilson that he and several other Democratic Senators will be unable to vote against the Johnson amendment. Senator Ashurst stated that he considered it essential that the United States should be equally represented with Britain in the league.

INITIAL TEST OF STRENGTH. WASHINGTON, September 25. The first test of party strength in connection with the Peace Treaty took place in the Senate when Senator Lodge moved

the postponement till Tuesday for the consideration cf 40 amendments eliminating the United States from different commissions. The motion was adopted by 43 votes to 40.

AMERICA'S CLAIM TO YAP. LONDON. September 20

British naval strategists regard President Wilson's claim to the island of Yap, in the Caroline group, as having an important effect upon the future balance of forces in the Pacific. It appears that the destination of Yap was referred to a special conference, which will later decide tho question concerning the German cables taken over during the war.

President Wilson admits the American claim to the island was due to a strong report from naval experts, who insist on the necessity of American bases in the Western Pacific. This may be inspired primarily by American rower in the Philippines, but the Americans' decision to straddle the Pacific obviously will have an important bearing on Australasian defence.

THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

LORD ROBERT CECIL'S VIEW

LONDON, September 17. Lord Robert Cecil, in the course of a paper read on his behalf at the Brotherhood Conference, said that, although war was horrible, it was better than condoning crime; and, until something was substituted to restrain national wrongdoing, war was the only recourse, and war would continue with increasing ferocity and destfuctiveness. Every method of keeping peace, except the League of Nations, had been tried and had failed. " If, however, we relied on the provisions of the League Covenant to preserve peace, we should be living in a fools' paradise. The real motive of peace must be sought elsewhere. The only solution would be the application of tho principles of Christianity to international relations by following the broad bases of mercy, pity, truth, and justice. It was not the Covenant of the League of Nations which could save humanity, but the spirit underlying it. «

WHEN CAN GERMANY JOIN?

NEW YORK, September 22. At Los Angeles President Wilson, answering questions as to what were the terms under which Germany would be admitted to the League, said when it was proved that her change of constitution was genuine and permanent she would have actually aligned herself with the free and self-governing peoples of the world.

FRANCO-AMERICAN TREATY. WASHINGTON, September 22. By an unanimous vote the Judiciary Committee of the Senate reported that the Franco-American Treaty is constitutional.

THE RAID ON FJUME

A COMIC OPERA COUP

LONDON,' September 16.

It is understood that the situation at Fiume is quiet. The Italian Government is taking firm steps to prevent further incidents. Troops surround the town. The Government has dismissed the Prefect of Venice, where it is believed the plot was hatched. PARIS, September 18. The comic opera-like exploits of Signor Gabriele d'Annunzio continue.

To-day he seized and made prisoner Admiral Casanova, who had be.en sent by the Italian Government to recall the crews of the warships at Fiume. He also sent Commandant Heina, who is acting as the soldier-pGet's Chief of Staff, aboard the admiral's flagship to take charge of her. The white-haired admiral remonstrated with the rebel trcop3, and threatened to employ force unless the warships were allowed to follow him.

Heina replied : "None of the ships will follow you, except the officers of your own staff."

The admiral thereupon looked round, and saw that none of his officers was supporting him. He then submitted, agreed to go ashore, and is now a nominal prisoner in the palace occupied by d'Annunzio.

ROME, September 18

Telegrams from Milan state that d'Annunzio's exploit lias caused extraordinary enthusiasm in Italy, the people entirely approving of annexation, despite the Government's warning that it will cause a bad impression abroad. The hero of the hour is toasted at every feast and banquet. Inquiries show that only 2600 troops participated in the raid. The majority were misled by false representations that the Government was inclined to be lenient towards them.

LONDON, September 20

The Daily Express's correspondent interviewed D'Annunzio, whose army is being constantly reinforced. The number of volunteers has reached 11.0C0.

D'Annunzio declared that the warships in the harbour had placed themselves at his disposal. He feels his position secure, because the Government troops would not obey an order to attack. In any case, he would resist to the end. He came there to die in a fight to a finish, and would blow up Fiume before he went under. The whole escapade so far has been blodless, not a shot having been fired.

POSITTON SERIOUS

ROME, September 20

Signor Nitti informed the Chamber of Deputies that the situation at Fiume was serious. No worse service could have been rendered to Italy, which was already wrongfully accused of Imperialism. D'Annunzio commands 3600 troops, who were mostly misled by the statement that those not returning to the depots within five days would be declared deserters. LONDON, September 21. D'Annunzio has begun the further ex-

pulsion of foreigners, including American* and Englishmen.

September 22. D'Annunzio is reported to be raiding Jugo-Slav territory. An ominous Jugo-Slav attitude is developing at Fiumo, where strong JugoSlav concentrations, including 8003 volunteer troops, are threatening the town. D'Annunzio, as director, has ordered all Croats, Magyars, and Germans to leave the city

PARIS, September 22,

Correspondents report that serious feara exist in Peace Conference circles that fighting will develop between the Italians and Slavs. Italian soldiers are compelling Slav women to kiss the tricolor cockade. It is also stated that several hundred Slavs have been murdered.

BUILDING A NEW COUNTRY. ROME, September 21. The Venetian newspapers publish d'Anmmzio's extraordinary message to the Venetians summoning them to cast of£ their shameful yoke. He adds : " I am absolute master of Fiume. We shall build there a new country." The Roman Newspapers deplore this in* vitation to destroy the unity of Italy. September 22. A report has been received in Milan, which states that d'Annunzio will not allow the Italian regular troops to leave Fiume. He is convinced that only the presence of Italian troops there prevents the Allies from regarding Fiume as a rebel town and bombarding it.

D'Annunzio's adventure is attributed to his belief that Jugo-Slav irregulars intended to occupy Fiume as soon as the Italian troop 3 had gone.

ITALIAN NAVY *OT RELIABLE. ROME, September 22. A foodship reached Fiume. The crew of a destroyer which took the Government delegate to Fiume refused to return, and the destroyer joined d'Annuiizio's fleet. Admiral Cagni has refused the Adriatic command, because he could not trust the fleet to act against dAnnuuzio.

THE GOVERNMENT TOTTERING. ROME, September 2-3. Tho difficulty over Fiume is critical. The Government is tottering, and tho King has convened a Grand Council of the Presidents of the Chambers, ex-Pre-miers, leaders of parties, and army and navy commanders. Such a convocation 59 unprecedented. A new Ministry under" Tittoni. (ex-Foreign Minister), as Premier. is suggested, in an endeavour to conciliate President Wilson. Meanwhile d'Annunzio has made enlarged claims, declaring that Italy must have the port and the railways, in addition to the city of Fiume. " Even King Emmanuel," he says, " would not bo allowed past my /sentries unless he pro sented himself as King of Fiume." Milan newspapers condemn d'Annunzio'a grotesque manifestations to the Venetians of Lombardy in which he savs that, if half the people of Italy we're like those of Fiume, Italy would be mistress of half the world.

II Corriere Delia. Sera, says: " Italyneeds to be mistress .of her own army. Preaching mutiny is very dangerous. < The army may to-day answer to the Nationalist appeal and to-morrow to Bolshevist incitement." II Secolo _ denounces d'Annunzio's coup as the fruit of his delirious vanity. A RUMOURED AGREEMENT. ROME, September 23. It is understood that France and Britain are willing to recognise Fiume a 3 part of Italy, reserving control of its docks and railwavs to the League of Nations in the interests of the Jugo-Slavs. The general impression in Italy is that this solution only awaits President Wilson's acceptance.

PARIS, September 23. Well-informed Italian circles state that President Wilson has accepted the views of M. Clemenceau and Mr Lloyd George, regarding Fiume, the Allies thus recognising Italy's sovereignty over Fiume.

CIVIL WAR IN MONTENEGRO. LONDON, September 21. _ Montenegro is torn by guerrilla civil warfare. Sections of the police are objecting to the Transiberian Confederation. Objectors take refuge in the mountains, and descend on pillaging expeditions. It is officially admitted that Belgrade is unable to deal with the rebels, and officials assert that the ex-King Nicholas and Italian agents are supplying them with munitions. Ex-King Nicholas, who is still refuging in Paris, in an interview, declared that he has never been treacherous to the Allied cause. He intends to fight to regain his kingdom. PARIS, September 13. A Montenegrin communique states that the rising of the Montenegrins against the Serbians grows daily more serious. The rising about Cattaro is spreading, and in a fierce encounter at Zealsnika 60 Serbians were killed. MISCELLANEOUS. Sir Eyre Crowe has been appointed a British " representative on the Supreme Council. A wireless message states that owing to Belgium withdrawing her ambassador from Holland the latter has retaliated. Mr Lloyd George, Mr Bonar Law, Lord Milner, and Mr Churchill were heartily greeted at Victoria Station when returning from France. The Premier is well bronzed.

M. Paderetv-ski has ijresented the Sutrreme Council with a demand for Poland's definite annexation of Galicia instead of provisional annexation and a sub* sequent plebiscite. Officials of the United States Department of Labour believe that the first International Labour Conference will be post* Eoned, since less than half a dozen nations ave ratified the treaty.