TERMS OF PEACE

Wanganui Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15658, 9 November 1918, Page 5

TERMS OF PEACE

THE DOMINIONS NOT CONSULTED

DISSATISFACTION EXPRESSED

Australian and N.Z. Cable Association

LONDON, November 7.

Mr Murdoch writes: The Dominion representatives in London are satisfied that the armistice terras are severe and so and, ,but they seem deeply chagrined that the Empire is pledged tq a basis of peace without consultation with the self-governing Dominions. It is believed the destination of the German, colonies is satisfactorily assured, but the absence of the indemnity clauses (Nos. 3 and 4) of President Wilson’s programme is regarded as a serious question for consideration. A most important constitutional point is raised concerning the British Government’s action in pledging the Dominions, without consultation, to the gravest curtailment of self-governing rights, particularly freedom to make any tariffs they like, and arm themselves as they wish, but the fact remains that they were not consulted, and the British acceptance was an arbitrary act of technical sovereign power.

Concerning the economic side, it is pointed out that the Dominions were assured by the Asquith and Lloyd George Governments that the resolutions at the Paris Conference would safeguard the Empire’s fiscal liberties. Many meetings of the War Cabinet were held precedent to the Versailles Conference, and no doubt, the terms were discussed and the Empire’s attitude decided, but Mr Hughes, although most of the time in London, was not summoned, despite pledges given, and repeated at various times by Messrs Lloyd George, Asquith, Bonar Law, and Long, that though not consulted about the war, it was unthinkable that the Dominions should not be consulted about peace. Mr Hughes has now been resummoned to Cabinet. He attended yesterday and to-day, but the basis of peace has been finalised. Apart from the desirableness of the Dominions' expressing their ideas regarding proper peace terms, the question is raised whether Britain, having guaranteed the fullest expression and consideration of the Dominions’ terms, has become responsible for satisfying the Dominions’ legitimate demands? In any case, it is felt in certain quarters that neglect to consult Australia, even though the Government is certain now to make every effort to repair the mistake, thrusts Imperial machinery back into the unsatisfactory position of 1914, or, by the exercise of British sovereign powers, still further, British views of the basis of peace are merely the broadest principles, everything depending upon the definitions, concerning which the Dominions should he consulted. Legal experts say point three does not mean the curtailment of the liberty of a nation to fix a tariff, but gives the League of Nations power for disciplinary boycots in general. The disposition in London is to regard the terms as unfixed and fluid. Moreovep, it is claimed that Germany is unable to pay indemnities whatever action is taken; indeed, it will be difficult enough to get full compensation, which includes ton for ton of shipping destroyed.

Sir Thomas Mackenzie refused to discuss the cly.ises, adding: “But I do not doubt Mr Massey and Sir Joseph Ward will have some decided opinions to offer.”

DISPOSAL DEPENDS ON

ENGLAND.

BERLIN, November 7

Government circles declare that whether an understanding between Germany and the Entente is possible as regards the colonies depends principally on England.' The colonies cannot remain in the Entente’s possession. It is Dr. Self’s aim to regain the colonies, including those in the South Seas. Germany, however, accepts the cooperation of other nations in the development of common roads and the combating of sleeping sickness.

A NEW SOUTH WALES PROTEST,

SYDNEY, November 7,

In the Assembly Mr Robson gave notice of motion that no peace terms can be satisfactory to the people of the State which involve the restoration to Germany of her forpier possessions in the Pacific.

HONOURS FOR N.Z. OFFICERS

Australian and N.Z. Cable Association LONDON, November 8.

Distinguished Service Orders have been awarded to Majors T. Farr (New Zealand Field Artillery) and Hargest (Otago),—A. and N.Z. Services and

Reuter.