THE PEACE TERMS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VI, Issue 1641, 19 May 1919, Page 7

THE PEACE TERMS.

GERMAN PROPOSALS.

(A. A N.Z.) . LONDON, May 18. The Berlin correspondent of .the "Daily Chroncile" gives an authoritative" outline of Germany'scounterrproposals, which will insist on Mr. Wilson's Fourteen Points: and subsequent speech constituting a binding agreement. Germany's' eastern frontier should be settled in accordance with a plebiscite. It is a foregone conclusion that a plebiscite in Alsace-Lorraine Would overwhelmingly favour France, but an historic vote should be taken. France is entitled to the Saar coal only. Germany is ready to pay the utmost reparation, but the ' financial proposals are impossible unless the Army of Occupation 'is withdrawn and economic stability re-established. The Treaty does not allow sufficient troopstb maintain order. The number should be fixed by agreement, the Army to become practically nonexistent when circumstances .permit Germany offers to surrender the remnant of fhejfleet, but demands the return of a proportion of her merchantmen. The. refusal of the Allies to entertain these suggestions will force Germany fo'frefuse to sign.

WILL ACCEPT THE BASIS. (A. &N.Z.) ... : PABIS,May.I7. The journal "Des Debats". states that a member of the German delegation, questioned as to whether the Treaty would be signed, replied that Count Rantzau could not believe his eyes when he read "the text, and hesitated for 24 hours whether to .start for Germany. He is now studying the details, and intends to accept the basis of the Treaty, i AMERICA DOES WELL. : (A. &N.Z.) PABIS, May 17. It has been decided that 600,000 tons of German, shipping, seized in American harbours, shall remain American property. America pays; its value into the repatriation pool. The. result cast a temporary cloud over Anglo-American relations. The British claimed that the ton for ton, class . for class,, formula, -should govern the decision, particularly as the vessels were driven to shelter in America by the British fleet. It is pointed out that America gets; 258,488 tons more than she lost,; whereas Great 1 Britain lost 7,638,020: tons in war time, and holds only 480,000 tons of enemy shipping, PERVERSION OF FAIRNESS, '< (A. A N.Z,) ... LONDON, May 10.:. The "Pall: Mall Gazette" saysV Surely the American sense of justice and chivalry will riot sanction an arrangement by which America receiyes German ships Amounting to twice the American tonnage sunk. Great Britain uwned three-fourths of the total vessels sunk. It Will be_a strange perversion of fairness if British shipping is clipped for many years, while America receives, .an endowment increasing her lqnritigc above its pre-waj level. ~_., ■■:'"".!■ PROMISE TO ; FRANCE. • (A. & N.Z.) ..' NEW YORK, May 10. • The Washington correspondent of tho '"New York Times" says it is officially announced that Mr Wilson promised France that he would propose to the Senate the adoption of an agreement by which the United subject to the approval of the League of Nations, would agree to go to the aid of France in the event of the latter being attacked by Germany without provocation.. . italian~l:laims. (A. & N.Z.) PAWS, May 17. It has relinquished her claims to the Dodecanese Islands. REPLY TO RANTZAU. (A. A N.Z.) / PABIS, May, 17. M. Cleriienceau's reply to Count Bantzau's responsibility Note points out that Germany did not protest against Mr R. Lansing's Note of November 5, 1918, which formally made Germany responsible for aggressions. M. Clemenceau also replies in advance to any argument arising out of the change of Government in Germany. He points out that Germany knew how to make tjhe French Republic responsible for the Empire's deeds, adding that the change of Government in Russia did not cause Germany to modify her. behaviour towards 'a conqifered country.

AUSTRIAN TREATY. (A.&N.Z.) PARIS, May 17. \ The Treaty for presentation to Austria fixes the - indemnity at £250,000,000. DELEGATES ARRIVE. (A. & N.Z.) PARIS, May U. The reception of the Austrian delegation at the station on (he outskirts of St. Germain, was in marked contrast with that given to the Germans. The Prefect greeted them with courtesy in accordance with French tradition. M. Renner apologised for being unable to reply in French. He said: We come among you with pleasure. It is the first time I have been on French soil. T hope I will go away equally cheerful at heart. The entire party, which included M. Lammarsch, his wife and daughter, M. Klein, and M. Slatin, were evidently in good spirits. All are handsomely quartered in the Henri Quatre, and adjacent villas, With a beautiful outlook over the Seine valley.

LEAGUE OF NATIONS. (A. & N.Z.) . : PARIS, May 10. A wireless message from Geneva reports that under the scheme for building a home for the League of Nations, it is proposed to erect offices and residences for the delegates in a large enclosure on the outskirts of Geneva on the edge of the lake. This will form an international enclave. The construction of the buildings cannot be completed before 1921. Preparations are being made to improve communication with the world's capitals, including wireless and aeroplane services, and a tunnel through the Jura mountains, shortening the journey from Geneva to Paris to. six hours.