THE SPA CONFERENCE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 12101, 9 July 1920, Page 8

THE SPA CONFERENCE.

. THE TURKISH TREATY. United Press Association—-By Elec trie Telegraph—Copyright. Received July 9, noon London, July 8 An official communique states that the Spa conference in the morning examined the Turkish observations on the Peace Treaty and agreed that it is impossible to modify any of the principal clauses as requested by the Turkish Government, but appointed a small expert committee, empowered to consult military anthorfties, and to draft a reply. This will deal with certain minor points whereon the Turkish memorandum established a reasonable case, and will require signature of the Treaty within ten days of presentation of the reply. DEMANDS ON GERMANY.

The conference noon to receive Germany’s reply regarding the surrender of material and reduction of effectives under the Treatv. Von Simons repeated the extreme difficulties facing Germany in satisfying the Allies and the dangers threatening her,, nevertheless he recognised the necessity of furnishing precise data regarding existing material and the dates whereon, in the German Government’s opinion, the arms and effectives might be reduced to the Treaty figures. He concluded by calling on Von Seckt, Chief of the German General Staff, to speak. , Von Seckt handed in a detailed | note regarding material. Pie proposed that a proportional reduction of material and effectives he carried out within fifteen months. Mr Lloyd George, in"replying, described the anxiety which existed in Germany, according to the German Minister’s statement, caused by the conference. Several millions of rifles still remained in the hands not only of the troops, but of thepopulatiou, and in addition thousands of machine guns, trench mortars and gnns. Over a million soldiers were under arms under various forms and pretexts. It was beyond comprehension that such a dangerous abnormal situation should be tolerated by any Government. The Allies could not permit prolongation of that situation for * another fifteen months. It must be settled by vigorous effort in the shortest practicable time. Military, naval and air experts would meet to-night to investigate the Allied and Yon Seckt’s figures, i after which the Allies would to- j morrow announce their final decision. !