THE PEACE CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 February 1919, Page 6

THE PEACE CONFERENCE.

THE PACIFIC PROBLEM. STRIVING FOR A COMPROMISE. London, Jan. 30. The Morning Post's special Paris correspondent states that the Imperial War Cabinet met Sir Lloyd George and Col. House to discuss the mandatory proposal. Sir Hughes, Mr Massey, and General Botha put the Dominions' case. Efforts are being made to reach a compromise. One of the suggestions is that a distinction should be drawn between territories captured by British and those by Dominion troops, but this would hand over Slesopotamia and East Africa to the league, and there is no evidence that it proSe acceptable to America.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assoc.

AMERICAN SENATOR'S VIEWS. Washington, Jan. 31. In the Senate the Republicans bitterly oppose President Wilson's colonies' plan, also the conquered Turkish territories' scheme.

Senator Lodge declared that the re. ports were of such an effect as to he unbelievable.

Senator Unas; described them as preposterous. Senator Johnson said he would never vote for a treaty sending American troops to Africa or Asia.—Aus.-N-Z, Cable Assoc.

Senator Lodge, speaking in the Senate, said United States' action at Paris involved the United States in difficulties with Australia and South Africa. It was apparently proposed that the United States should watch over Hottentots and other foks. Her real duty instead was to make peace with Germany and withdraw American troops. He declared that the German colonies ought to go to Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, and they should allow them to do as they liked. It was not the business of the United States to administer i them.—Aus.-N-Z. Cable Assoc.

VITAL DISAGREEMENTS. Paris, Jan. 30. As the conference gets to grips with the various problems vital disagreements become apparent. For example, Mr Henderson stated in an interview at Zurich that the foundation of society of nations must be preceded by universal abolition of tariffs and the open door. Australian and New Zealand delegates scout this suggestion, declaring that import duties are vital to growing nations.

Other difficult problems include the trial of the Kaiser and the settlement of the indemnity. It is feared there is little prospect of the British taxpayer receiving immediate relief from Germany

It is expected that Mr Lloyd George will return to London on February 10 and explain the international situation to Parliament. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assoc.

NO PEACE FOUNDED ON LOOT. New York, Jan. 31 President Wilson at Wednesday's conference referred to the Germon colonies' question in plain terms, refusing to consider a peace founded on loot. It is reported that the conference's decision on the colonial question permits self-determination of civilised territories such as Mesopotamia and government by a mandatory Power where a country is incapable of self-government. It is understood the arrangements with regard to the colonies are subject to review two years hence. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assoc.

AUSTRALIAN OPPOSITION. London, Jan 31. Australia continues its opposition to President Wilson's colonial plan. M Clemenceau promised Mr Hughes full support in respect to New Guinea. The Daily Mail say it expects Australia will not press its opposition.—Aus.N.Z.. Cable Assoc.

.WILSON OBSTINATE. Paris , Jan. 31. President Wilson holds tenaciously to the view that Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa must not obtain the colonies except from the League of Nations. It is hinted that Mr Wilson will return home unless his ideas are sanctioned in some form. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assoc. '

PRINCES ISLAND CONFERENCE New York, Jan. 31. The United Press' Washington correspondent says diplomatic advices from Paris state that the Archangel Government will send delegates to the Princes Island conferences. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assoc.

FATE OF GERMAN COLONIES.

London, Jan. 30.

y. The Central News' Paris correspondent states that President Wilson has accepted the proposition that the fate of the colonies must be decided by the Peace Conference on condition that the decisions are subject to ratification by the League of Nations. Berlin, Jan. dO.

The Vorwaerts, discussing the reported Anglo-French agreement re the German colonies, says it is evident they intend to leave the musical and declamatory part of the conference to President Wilson and to take the business part into their own hands . We Germans prefer the politics of the honest robber who says "Give that I may have" rather than fine phrases embroidering imperialitetio designs.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.

ITALTA:? CLAISIS IN AFRICA' I _ Paris, Jan. 20. The adjustment of various claims in Africa is proving difficult Signor Orlando now stated that Italy desires to secure parts of Somalilaad and Djiboutil in view of the possibility of the growth of British, Belgian and Portuguese power in Africa- —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

? (REPARATION DEMANDS. London, Jan. 30The general feeling regarding reparation is that the Belgian claims should come first Britain will probably only claim for ships sunk and damage done in air raids. The French demands are not yet formulated. Serbia's will b« heavy.—Aus -N.Z. Cable Assn. ALLIES AID TO BELGIUM Paris. Jan. 30. The Allien are advancing Belgium £ <100.000.000 to hasten reconstruction, and to be repaid bv the German b>CUjl* A&b-