AFTER THE RATIFICATION

Waikato Times, Volume 92, Issue 14261, 12 January 1920, Page 5

AFTER THE RATIFICATION

AN ALLIED ASSURANCE. GUARDING GERMAN INTERESTS. SCAPA FLOW DEMANDS MODIFIED. (Australian and N.Z. Gable Assn.) Received January 12, 9.5 a.m. LONDON, January 10. A letter from M. Clemenceau, handed to Herr von Lersner after the exchange of ratifications, records an assurance relative to the safeguarding of the economic interests vital to Germany. In connection with the Scapa Flow reparations, it states that the Allied , and associated experts think that the information upon which they founded the demands for 400,000 tons of dock material were erroneous as regards ■ 80,000 tons of floating docks at Ham. I burg. If found so, they would reduce ; the demands to 300,000, or even to a minimum of 275,000 tons if fully convinced of the necessity for the reduction. The Scapa Flow sinkings were not considered to constitute a war crime for which individuals, would be designated for punishment in accordance with the Peace Treaty. Germany must immediately hand over 192,000 tons, and a time limit will be given for the balance not exceeding 30 monthsHIS MAJESTY’S HOPES. DAWN OF A NEW ERA. Reuter. Received January 12, 12.45 p.m. LONDON, Jan. 11. Replying to a loyal message from the . citizens of London on the occasion of the exchange of the ratifications, the .King telegraphed to the Lord Mayor:— “With all my heart I reciprocate their hopes; and reverently pray that please God this day may be the dawn of a new era in which the people of the British Empire may forever live in peace with itself and all men.”