GENERAL PRINCIPLES SETTLED.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 February 1919, Page 5

GENERAL PRINCIPLES SETTLED.

BOLSHEVIK GUARANTEE WANTED. Received Feb. 8, 5.5 p.m. Paris, Feb. 6. The general principles of the league hav« been resolved upon, and a plenary session will probably consider the draft next week. In view of the lameness of the receipt | of the Bolsheviks' willingness to go to Marmora, the date of meeting will be fixed later on. So far the Bolsheviks have given no guarantee to cease hostilities.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assocy A GREAT ARABIAN EMPIRE. THE ARABS' VISION. A COMPLICATED POSITION. Received Feb. 9, 6.5 p.m. Paris, Feb. 7. The Arabs have a vision of a great Arabian Empire arising on the ashes of the Turkish Empire. They want to see a great Arabian confederation of Syria, Mesopotamia, and Arabia. They recog- I nise that Palestine, containing holy places, requires special treatment. French susceptibilities call for delicate handling. There was a picturesque scene at the Quai d'Orsay when Emir Feisul, on behalf of his father, presented the Arabs' claims before the democracies of the world for the disposal of the Garden of Eden. Emir pointed out that his forefather held the country before the present rulers, and that there was an Arab preponderance in Palestine of seven to one. From the Emir's remarks it is" clear he will not approve of a French mandatory over Syria or Palestine. The problem is complicated by the Arabs claiming Damascus and other towns with an outlet to the sea. Such a scheme may interfere with Syria. The French have historic claims to Syria, and though the British are in possession of Palestine and Mesopotamia, they are not anxious to extend their commitment. The Jews also have special rights in Palestine, which have been recognised. The general view is that these territories are unable to stand alone, with the exception of Hedjaz's territory, and that there must be some system for maintaining their independence and improving their position. The British do not object to a French mandatory, although the Arabs may object to any particular mandatory. Emir Feisul created an extraordinary impression in the council by his skilful answers to questions.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. A CHINESE TREATY. Received Feb. 9, 11.45 p.m. Paris, Feb. 7. The Chinese peace relegation will aslo for the annulment of the Ishii-Lansing agreement as being contrary to President Wilson's fourteen points. —Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc.