THE COUNTER-PROPOSALS.

Colonist, Volume LXI, Issue 15075, 19 May 1919, Page 5

THE COUNTER-PROPOSALS.

INSISTENCE ON -THE FOURTEEN POINTS.

VARIOUS MODIFICATIONS DEMANDED.

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Association

I (Received May 18, 5.5 p.m.) London, Mayls. The '"'Daily Chronicle's" .Berlin correspondent says the counter-proposals will insist upon President Wilson's fourteen points and his subsequent speecli constituting a binding international agreement. Germany's eastern frontier should be settled in ac-1-cordane.e with a plebiscite. It is a I foregone conclusion that a plebiscite in Alsace-Lorraine would overwhelmingly favour France, but a historic vote should be taken. Franco is entitled to Saar coal only. Germany is ready to .pay the utmost reparation, but the' ■financial proposal is impossible unless the army of occupation is withdrawn -and economic ,stability re-established. The Treaty does not allow sufficient iroops to maintain order. The number should be fixed by agreement, the army to become practically non-existent when circumstances permit : Germany offers to surrender the remnant of the fleet and demands the return of a proportion of her merchantmen. I'".--

, The Allies' refusal to entertain these will iocee Germany to refuse to sign. ■'.-•.