CONFERENCE NEARING THE END.

Colonist, Volume LXI, Issue 15041, 8 April 1919, Page 5

CONFERENCE NEARING THE END.

A BRIGHTER OUTLOOK

FRENCH PRESS MORE OPTI-

MISTIC.

(Anat. & N.Z. Cable Assn. & Reuter.)

(Received April 7. 7.20 p.m.) Paris, April 5. There are many signs of the early •termination of the Big Four's deliberations. Air Lloyd George informed the Dominions' representatives that he expects to go to London at the end of the week to present the terms to Parliament. . ' . ,'

Officials at the Qnai d'Orsay informed a French correspondent that the terms w<™ld be ready in a. very,few days. The- atmosphere is clearer, despite the new defiance of the Italians and the piteous final appeals of the Belgians ■Practically nothing is known about the 'Big Four's secret conclaves, but there 3S a predominant impression that things are going better. ' American correspondents say that President "Wilson, forced by the dreadiul condition of Europe to concentrate all his energies upon an immediate peace, is sacrificing his cherished ideals and leaving the League of Rations a mere shadow of what he had ■hoped it would be.

-The ''Echo de Paris" admits; that the Big Four's secrecy is foiling all the, journalists, and adds that there is reason to believe that the terms will be anounced to the Parliaments before iftaster.

, The whole of the French press is roore optimistic and generous towards ■Britain and America, though it is , gravely anxious concerning the general acceptance of the terms. :