The Star. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 1919. THE ALLIES’ LAST WORD.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12670, 18 June 1919, Page 4

The Star. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 1919. THE ALLIES’ LAST WORD.

Germany Ims been given five days in which to sign tho Pence Treaty., The Allies bnvo spoken their Inst word, ftml Germany’s acceptance or refusal should be known to the world on June 21 or 22. Will Germany sign, or will Fooh order his armies to begin tho march to Berlin? We. believe that tho Germans have been playing a game of bluff, and that they have simply l>een waiting to see how far they could carry it. When it comes to the alternative of sign or light they will choose the former, not because of any goodwill, but because a country divided against itself cannot withstand an invader- It is impossible to road tho Allies’ reply to the German counter-proposals without forming a profound conviction that it has been conceived in a spirit of justice and moderation. It is passionless, but full of the eloquence of truth; it is a document of cold logic, but it has tho warmth of a generosity extended to a beaten enemy. Tho Allies insist, as they woro bound to do, that the war must bo treated as a crime against humanity, and that not merely the German rulers, but tho German people, were the instigators and perpetrators of that crime. Justice must oo dono to sufferers before mercy can Do extended to tho criminals, and when one remembers the wreck of wanton ruin and systematic outrage which awept over Franco and Belgium it cannot be said that tho peace terms are severe. Tho terms have been relaxed to some extent, so tho .German plenipotentiaries will not bo without an excuse when they have to abandon their assumed attitude of defiance, and persuade the recalcitrant section of their country that tho last ounce of concession has been gained. Tho concessions are not to bo interpreted as showing weakness on tho part of the Allies. They are designed to meet tho economic situation, which cannot bo ignored, and to secure that in certain territory the national sentiment of the inhabitants will bo expressed. An extension of time is granted for the reduction of the Gorman army, but the military and naval conditions, which mean the end pf Germany ns an aggressive Power, remain essentially the same. If there is one thing more noticeable in the peace terms than another, it is that the voice of Great Britain is expressed. Tho treaty has been shaped by great men, but it is evident that the British representatives have exercised an influence of the most powerful nature. It Contains a note of hope for the future, both for tho world at largo and for Germany. Our enemy is to Le given once more the opportunity to enter the field of scientific and industrial endeavour, and if there is capacity in the people to recover from disaster, a regenerated and liberated Germany may yet take a place in the van of the nations- That, however, is for the future. To-day there are hard facts to be faced, and a treaty to be signed.