PEACE CONFERENCE

Timaru Herald, Volume CVIII, Issue 16801, 3 April 1919, Page 7

PEACE CONFERENCE

THE DANTZIG DEMAND. GERMAN BACKDOWN EXPECTED. Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn. Received 8.25 p.m., April 2nd. PARIS, April 1. Marshal Focb. goes to Spa to-morrow. Ho will give the German delegates forty-eight hours to accept the Allies' Da'ntzig demands. Tho German Government has given Herr Erzberger full powers. A Gorman backdown is expected. ' FRENCH CLAIMS. BECOME OBSTRUCTIVE. According to American Congressmen in Paris who are closely in touch with Mr Wilson, tho latter threatens to withdraw from tho Council and appeal ( to public opinion if certain obstructive elements do not disappear- It is im-v derstood that this refers to supporters of French claims. American correspondents, however, believe that considerable progress has been made. M. Clemenceau is greatly reducing the claims. The idea of an independent German Republic on the left bank of tho Rhino has been dropped. M. Clemenceau, backed by Marshal Foch, is now urging that th& League of Nations must occupy the Rhine districts until reparation is paid, and France has been assured of Saar Valley coal. The "Daily Express" Paris correspondent writes: It is known that Mr Lloyd George and Mr Wilson definitely oppose the annexation of Saar Valley. JAPANESE PEOPLE. EXCITED OVER, COLOUR BAR. ' TQKLO,, April 2. There is a vigorous agitation through the newspapers and- meetings against racial discrimination. Mr Shimada, ex-Speaker of the Diet, proposes that the ex-German colonies bo openel unrestrictedly, to all nationals of the Leagu# of Nations. Newspapers warn the delegates of ah' unpopular reception if they return without the abolition of the colour bar. Meanwhile correspondents report every rumour appearing to threaten the success of the Peace Confer-1 ence. " ''*"..