THE PEACE CONFERENCE

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11748, 7 February 1919, Page 5

THE PEACE CONFERENCE

m MASSEY’S SPEECH

difficulties of mandate.

TFnited Press Association—By Elec trie lelegrapb.—Copyright. Pans, February 4.

Although Mr Massey’s main argument against tha mandatory system •was the opportunity given for German economic and locals, and ultim’tely military penetration, he also searcningly analysed the financial position, claiming that no State could vigorously develop •the country if it had only revocable mandatory rights.' Careful exami.nation ol this point resulted iu an interesting clause in the provisional League of Nations schema, •providing, in the eventof a deficit in the cost of administering tha League of Nations’ territory, that anv mandatory country can apply to the League for the whole of the deficit the members of tha League •being hound to make a proportional contribution. Difficulties mediately suggest themselves. Presumably the League would send an auditor and experts to examine the reasoni for the deficit, involving lengthy travelling and prying investigation. Some members ot the League may contenfl that the administration has been weak and stupid. The auditor may Bake a trenchant report affecting party politics in the smandatory State. The question of revision or revocation of the mandate may arise. These difficulties are being considered patiently, with a view to solution. Amsterdam, February 5. The British have temporarily suspended the Cologne Gazette and Tugeblatt owing to articles concerning Anglo-French relations. PARTICULARS OF THE MANDATE. MR HUGHES* CONTENTION Australian-N. Z. Cable Association .Paris, February 5. It is understood Mr Hughes ■ disputte the statement that the mandatory principle was accepted hy the Imperial War Cabinet in December. He stated that the compromise agreement of the mandatory policy • consist of eight articles, including provision for the populations of the Ottoman Empire to select tneir own mandatory power. The policy also insists that the mandatory for • the Pacific colonies and "West African territory shall furnish the League with an annual report.

gebek claims Paris, February 4 The Council further heard the Greek claims and a resolution was carried referring the claims to the Expert Committee, consisting of two representatives each for Britain, J America, France and Italy. The committee will reduce the questions or decision within the narrow est limits, and make recommendations for just settlement of the question. “ The Ozecho-Slovaks will be heard. ’PARTIAL WORLD DISARMAMENT. The League of Nations Societies’ Congress has concluded its • sittings and submitted further resolutions to the Powers. It urges that no clause contrary to tho"principles of President Wilson’s fourteen points should be included in the Pence Treaty and that the League should recognise the importance of education, that there should be periodical iuteruational Labour, Conferences of employers and workers for the purpose of keeping international ’regulations abreast of the times; that the Peace Conference should impose on enemy States in the Peace Treaty limitations of armaments and control of their manufacture in ■such a way as to allow the States belonging to the League of Nations to military forces immediately; that the League limit military and naval forces of its members to a degree compatible with preventing aggression by nonmembers, but Allied States should ■consider their defence sufficiently provided for for a considerable period by the arms and munitions which victory has placed in their hands; that Allied States ought to forbid sale of arms and ammunition to countries not members of the League. CONFERENCE ADJOURNMENT, London, February 4. Probably the Council will adjourn ■at the week-end for a short recess, Mr Lloyd George returns to England and President Wilson sails for America next week The plenary session may consider the League of Natiocs question before the President’s departure.