THE PEACE CONFERENCE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 1175, 19 February 1919, Page 8

THE PEACE CONFERENCE.

Second Edition

LEAGUE:OF NATIONS. MR MASSEY INTERVIEWED (Per Proßß Aflaool atlon.l Wellington. February 19.' Official: Both the New /ealand Ministers attended the third plenary Son of the Peace Conference, at to Inch the draft covenant oi the League of Nations was submitted aad expounded as a new charier ■world peace and unselfish co-opoi-TtiSn It was an historic occasion of which the oustunding feature •was the manner in which covenanting signatories sought to impart their optimism to thejeonfereno*-, ot wbiSb many members do not accept the charter as the beginning of a new heaven and a new earth. The draft was not generally discussed. Fall discussion is expected later. The Hon W. F. Massey, interviewed, said that no exception could he taken to the principles and aims of »he League but opinions must differ as to its practical effect as machinery *to end the i,war since many vital problems connected with the scheme are still unsolved. There was nothing definite, for example, as regards disarmament, Freedom of the Seas, for numerous mandatories and lorcet required to enforce tha League will, on unruly unscrupulous nations, Who are not disciplined by prevnos ideals alone. Then the arbitration scheme was nebulous and gave no guarantee of security, though exhaustive consideration of disputes might have some influence on averting war. The proposals as regards disarmament called for careful consideration and scrutiny. No oneJJ could challenge the , fact - that the war would not 9 have been woajj without the British'Navy, which today was the world’s most potent influence for peace. It had been a giant whose strength had been exercised not for oppression and aggressien but for world peace and freedom. Was this Samson to be shorn of bis strength, withont due regard for results or without careful ex amination of snlslitutes for strength It was by far the best m atrument for peace and the proposed interference must be keenly examined. Then there was the question of the Central Powers. Were they to become members of the League before they had given proof of their regeneration or had mtde reparation for their crimes against the world. Immunity from punishment would not discourage crime nor would it tend to end an aggressive war. ihe peace of the world depended not alone on the League of Nations but also upon the conditions which would bo imposed upon eremy countries not only financially, but also military and naval. The conference must do its plain duty in these respect# as well as make a genuine effort to prevent a recur renca of tho horrors that humanity experienced during tho past five years.

FRENCH PRESS COMMENT. mmsuMm London, Feb 17 French newspapers’ comment, on the League Indicate that President Wilson, after facing the realities of the European situation, abandoned his plans far an idealistic League and modified his views to harmonise with his European colleagues, especially the French, by which his idealistic aream was transformed into a League of the live Great Powers who conquered Germany, and are determined to consolidate victory into peace. AUSTRIA’S POSITION. Washington, Fob 17 The Chicago News’ correspondent at Vienna interviewed Geor«e Gunther, head of the largest Austrian Mining and Finance Company, who said that Austria cannot remain alone. As she does not produce food and raw materials she should not join Germany, because Germany would send us manufactured goods while our need is raw materials. It would ha batter if we join the Cssecho-Slevakia. THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY. COMPLAINTS BY HANTZAU. Received Feb 11), noon. London, Fob 1(5 Continuing, Herr Kuntzun said: It must be apparent that ttie lemDorery differentallon against Ger many in trade and traffic was not acceptable to us. There was no reason to quarantine Germany if nheJcompUes with juiljjpeuce conditions, giving reasonable guarantees mto their fulfilment. The bureaucratic staff of our foreign service is responsible for past mistakes in the trade policy lie Into alrtsuly begun to place practical eipeifenced bus! ness men in the foreign ee rvice with a view to correcting our narrowminded economic methods. He feared that their enemies were desirous of robbing Germany of their whole mercantile tiset. Any attempt le compel Garuiiity to enter the League without a mercantile fleet would be violently suhsrsive of the economic development of the freedom of trade, The presupposed freedom of Ihe seas was one of the most important Wilsonian points for Germany, nor copid she enter the League of Nations without colonies. Germany was prepared to negotiate regarding cession of ibis and that sok>uy, hut only as a legitimate owner- Their future colonial pdicy must he one of more humane treat ment of the Natives. He admitied f that Germany hud made mistakes ,in that direction. Her activity and her missions must guarantee that the interest of the Natives most ha .assured. He agreed wnh the idea of | international control in the tropical iooluuies provi led all colonial Powers iWore st bject thereto and Girauuy |y/Uh given a proportionate share Vinitnittrution and profits of the pplonies. Alsace ami Lorraine were >ntttlsd to consultation regarding their future status. He concluded |}i protesting tywinst the French Resigns against Saar hasitV