THE PEACE TERMS

Waikato Times, Volume 90, Issue 14023, 28 March 1919, Page 5

THE PEACE TERMS

THE RACIAL PROBLEM. JAPANESE DEMANDS AND ATTITUDE. DISCUSSED BY DOMINION REPRESENTATIVES. (United Service.) Received March 27, 8.15 p.m. PARIS, March 2(5. Mr Murdoch stales that the Dominion representatives discussed the Japanese representation to, the League of Nations. In effect t(ii? representation wfe that the Japanese would waive ''the racial question in its di>-: reel hearing upon immigration, but reservedrithe right to bring up the principle of , racial equality;': Japan’s attitude | during recent weeks lias bfcq'n one of extraordinary isolation. Hlfr policy is to leave Europe to lind its level, while she digs deeper into the Pacific and China. Thus there is anxiety about Japan. It is fell that she may use the equality incident to withdraw from Europe. This would mean she would fortify the Caroline and Marshal Islands. Sir R. L. Borden (Canada) suggested the acceptance - of some expression of racial equality as inevitable. Mr Massey (New Zealand) asked whether words could he added safeguarding immigration and labour laws, thus giving the nation the right to make whatever immigration and labour laws they pleased. General Smuts (South Africa) thought no reference to such details could be embodied in the preamble.

Mr Hughes (Australia) declared against abating one jot of the opposition to any expression in the covenant against racial discrimination. By arrangement the Japanese representatives were present during the later stages of the discussion in which'Mr Massey, Sir J. G. Ward, Mr Hughes and Mr Cook were absolutely united in opposing the proposal. The subject now goes for discussion before the League Commission at which General Smuts will be the only Dominion representative present. This League Commission is rushing forward its covenant for inclusion in the Peace Treaty; it has surrounded itself with almost impenetrable barriers, in order to avoid criticism. The discussion, and even the amendments remain uncirculated and any plenary session which'may be held before the peace tertns are presented to the Germans will not permit talking on the voting, but will be held under enormous ' internal and external pressure for ah' immediate peace. The Japanese Press Bureau explains ( that the amendment proposed to the covenant was just a .broad statement of the principle providing equal and just treatment for all alien nationals of the League without racial discrimination. AMERICAN CLAIMS. INDEMNITY OF £1,100,000,000. (Reuter’s Telegrams.) Received March 27, 8.15 p.m. PARIS, March 21. In connection with indemnities, the United Slates has put a maximum ■claim for losses on life and properly 'during the war at £1,100,000,000. 'The* life claim is based on a demand mf £SOOO for each life lost by the illegal action of Germany, naturally excluding those lost in fighting on lam? and sea. ‘‘BIG FOUR” IN CONFERENCE, IN ABSOLUTE SECRECY. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) ; U Received March 27, 8.15 p.m. PARIS, March 2G. The representative of the '“‘Eig: Four” began a conference on 'the peace terms in absolute secrecy ;without stenographers or secretaries, owing to complaints of leakage of mTormation from the Council of Ten, which at times, when matters regarding ithe small nations were under consideration caused embarrassment through the delegations of tire small States clamouring to have their news placed before the Council, Apart 'from this it was realised that the oemberous machinery was causing a serious delay in reaching peace.

LEAKAGE OF INFORMATION. FRENCH GOVERNMENT INMESTIGATES'GL (Australian, N.Z. and Reuter.) Received March 27, 11,‘20 ’p;m. : PARTS, March 12,6.. ■ Thej French Governinent is 'investigating! how a French newspaper 'gained information regarding the Supreme War Council, the leakage of "whrfrh caused] a warm -discussion in Ihe Council of Ten, culminating. In stringent orders upon those connected'vvithj tiie Gqlmcil to maintain secrecy. 'The Figaro retorts hy .-saying that the; French newspaper's go! 'the news ironi, foreign newspapers (Of the previous day. , ;