LATEST THE PEACE TREATY

Waikato Times, Volume 90, Issue 14025, 31 March 1919, Page 5

LATEST THE PEACE TREATY

DISPOSITION OF GERMAN SHIPS.

AMERICANS FAVOUR SINKING. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received March 30, 11.50 p.m. ' PARIS, March 29. Admiral Sir R. Wemyss (Britain), Admiral Benson (United States Navy), and Mr J. Daniels (American Secretary to the Navy) conferred regarding the disposition of German warships, but no decision was reached. NEW YORK, March 29. A New York Times Paris message reports that an American memo, regarding the disposition of the German navy will be presented to the Peace Congress, and will probably be adopted. The Americans tacitly favour the sinking of the German ships. They declare that an increase of the naval strength in European waters is unnecessary, because the German naval menace has been removed. They also oppose the distribution of the captured navy, pointing out if the distribution is based on naval losses, the largest share would be given to ■ Britain, which would necessitate greatly increasing the United States naval outlay to enable the United States to maintain a navy' equalling Britain’s. The Americans contend that it is essential that the United States should have a navy - equal to Britain’s, because the League of Nations must be strong enough,, if necessary, to restrain its strongest' member. The American view is that any reduction in the United States naval strength would weaken the United States influence in world affairs, and limit her ability to render service to the League of Nations. ’ It is also asserted, that the submarines of all nations must be destroyed. The memo, adds that high British’ officers have justified Germany’s U boat warfare on the grounds of military necessity.

AMERICAN DELEGATES DISSATISFIED. LITTLE PROGRESS MADE. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received March 30, 11.50 p.m, I '■ • _ PARIS,, March 29. The American delegates are dissatisfied with the continual abandonment of positions on the question of reparation and other problems before the Premiers’ Conference. They allege that little progress was made during the entire week. PREPARATIONS FOR SIGNATURE.

(Australian and N Z. Cable Assn.) Received March 31, 8.50 a.m. PARIS, March 30. Preparations are now being made at the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles with a view to the signature of the Peace Treaty at the end of April.