1919-02-15 — Page 12

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EARLIER TELEGRAMS.

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE.

LAUR LEADER SPEAKS OUT.

London, Feb. 11.

In the debate in the House of Commons on the Address, Mr. Adamson declared that the working classes declined any longer to be treated as cogs in a machine for more proft making. The industrial situation was menacing. His revolation or unofficial party would never encourage

action, which was favoured by only a very small section of Labour who would have very little influence unless they could exploit the genuine grievances. Unfortunately there were many such grievances, such as wages, hours, unem- ployment and the fear that the Government were encourag ing monopolies which would prevent a speedy reduction in the cost of living. He called on the Government to deal effectively and satisfactorily with these questions.

The Premier, who was loudly cheered, alter paying a tribute to Mr. Asquith and welcoming the assurance of Mr. Adamson and Sir, Donald MacLean, leader of the Asquith- ians, that they would support the Government in every honest endeavour to solve the social difficulties, said the people were entitled to expect that the country would see that they suffered no privation owing to war sacrifices, but there must be no undue competition in the matter of run- ning up charges against the country, which must bear a wery crushing barden certainly for some years.

Referring to the Peace Conference the Premier aid thas progress had been made beyond the most sanguina anticipations in approaching agreement upon the most delicate questions. He pointed out the extraordinary difficulties attending the labours of the Peace Conference a compared with previous Peace Conferences where differ- ences of opinion between two belligerent countries only had to be considered. The diffenties had ineluded the ques tion of representation of the Dominions and India, who were represented for the first time in a conference of ca tions (Cheers) The whole energy of the delegates was devoted to effect a pesce settlement at the earliest moment because until that was obtained there would always be a feeling of unrest throughout the world. “

The Premier said that the recent strike disturbances which had been daily reported to him in Paris, involving the overthrow of Trade Union leaders and the repudiation of bargains, were promoting the very evils they were sup- These disturbances were posed to be intended to wipe out.

We know the making peace more dißßcult of achievement perils and cost of dealing with the trouble but if the people were prepared to face the peril and cost with the courage and endurance they exhibited dating the war, if every class was ready to make the necessary sacrifice for the security and stability of industry whereon the future of the country and happiness of the people depended, he was prepared to say with full knowledge that no section of the community, however powerful, would be allowed to hold up the whole nation. Lend cheers Nevertheless the Government would devote the whole of its strength to redressing legitimate grievances

Concluding the Premier appealed to all sections of d'e commasity to see that the tiny met so largely by the heroism and veracity of the great nation in the years of sacrifice would not be wantonly Houpated in a les grà et frenzied strife. Cheers

IRISH AND WAL, NHL TESTUONS.

lo the Hane of a lamdas debate to the dates Mr' Devlin urged that if the Irish polio vas dit geing so, be changed the Irish should either be given self determination er allowed to submit their eas to the Peace Loafersson

Mr. Lloyd George, referring to the German Crissies, said the Peace Conference quite early and rlearly decided that whatever happened the German Colonies should not be returned to Germany. All the delegates"agreed that in the interests of the security of the world and by her ill- treatment of the natives Germany had forfeited all right to them.

Mr. Gainners asked whether the Premier was prepared to press to the utmost for reparation from Germany also make Germany pay to the full extent of her resources.

Mr. Lloyd George replied that that was the election pledge given by the Government after careful cabinet con- ideration. The Government stood by every word of this plodes.

THE PREMIER'S REPLY.

Leadon, Feb. 13.

Mr. Lloyd George, teplying to the debate on the Address, emphasised that the Peace Conference was striving to get peace at the earliest. Informal discursiona were dow proceeding as regards Germany's western boundary and he was most sanguine that complete agreement would be achieved as regards the demands to be made against Gee. many. Our demands respecting eastern territorial read- justments must be delayed until the Commission going to Poland returned, as Aliace Lorraine was suficient warning of the dangers of any mistake.

The Premier deprecated some members' slighting re ferences to the League of Nations. The little nations were eager for a Leagan while new nations like the Czecho Borake and Yugo-Slava, which were being created, depend ed upon the League for their lives. The Premier pointed eat that American opinion was not divided as regards the desirability of a League of Nations. Mr. Taft was the pioneer thereanent, going further than President Wilson. On the mandatory question the Premier agreed that no nation. ought to be committed to war by the League without an opportunity of considering the responsibility.

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH.

The proposal to recognise the Bolsheviks or that they attend the Peace Conference was never made. Nevertheless. without peace in Russia 11 would be malom for the Com färence to dissolve claiming to bays made the place of the world. Sams advocated intervention, but no sane man after seeing the figures thereby involved would approve of the” enterprise. The Bolshevik military power had grown strong and both wa and Germany were too secupied to attack ik The second courta suggested was support against the Bolshe- vika. The Allies had already furihed guns, ammunition and equipment and giver mural support; but the burden of sending men would devolve upon the Anglo-French sa America refused to send men, money or materials. The third course, a brutal policy, was to let the fire burn itself our Hence, after all the suggestions were considered, the experiment of Prinkipo was being tried, which the Premier dofonded on the ground that parlaying with brigands and even assassina was well-known on the Indian frontier sa the alternative so despatching a costly expedition.

In conclusion he mid that Bolshevism could not last for STRI. Britain would do her utmost to restore order and good_government in that distracted country.

Mr: Peace, miners' representative, moved the official Labour amendment regretting the King's speech did not mantion definite proposals for securing better conditions for Labour. He declared there would be serious industrial unrest as long sa land, railways and mines were not nationalised

LORD CURZON'S SPEECH.

London, Feb. 11.

In the House of Lords in the course of the debate on the Address Lord Curzon said that cordiality and goodwill had characterised the proceedings of the Peace Conference and there did not appear to be any prospect of a breach. The Dominions for the first time had been admitted to the world conference, an admission that these countries would henceforth be regarded as separate states, a position of which they had shown themselves worthy by the part they had played in the war. The adoption of the mandatory system by the Conference was merely the recognition by the world of the principles of colonial administration that we had practised for half a century. It would raise the world and it was by its adoption that the Conference had moved more quickly than anticipated in the direction of a League of Nations.

LABOUR UNREST.

MINERS REJECT GOVERMENT TERMS.

London, Feb. 12,

At the Conference of the Miners' Federations at South- port the Chairman, Mr. Smillie, said the Committes, un- animously decided against the acceptance of the Govern ment's terms, cabled last evening.

The Mizers Federation Conference subsequently rati fed the Executive Committee's decision to reject the Gov- ernment terms and has instructed, the Executive. to submit a proposal regarding the next step with the object of pressing the demands.

The Conference of Miners' Federations of Great Britain at Southport decided by a two to one majority to exclude the press, hence the discussion on the Government's terms was held in private. A communique was subsequently issued merely stating that the Federation had passed a resolution "The Government's terms are not a reply to our demands," and raided the rejection.

STRIKE PROPOSALS.

London, Feb. 13.

The Miners' Federation Conference decided to take a ruike ballot The vote is returnable on Feb. 22 Strike notices terminate on March 13 if the ballot favours a strike. The Executive, recommended the minera to vote in favour of a strike.

BELGIUM'S CLAIMS.

Paris, Feb. 12.

M. Hyman, Belgian Foreign Minister, presented Bel- gium's claims before the Peace Conference Committee. Belgium desires abrogation of the treaties providing for an. attitude of neutrality, demands rectification of the Dutch Belgian frontier, freedom of navigation in the Scheldt estuary from Antwerp to the sea by restitation to Belgium of the Dutch zone on the left and west of the Scheldt, also portion of Dutch Limburg along the right of the Meuse from Maastricht to Roermonde; also return of the German districts of Mout Joie and Malmedy of which the popula tion is purely Walloon and which was Belg until 1815. M. Hymans submitted that Luxemburg should elect to join France or Belgium in order to guard against repetition of the German invasion. He did not refer to the Belgian Congo question.

INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONFERENCE.

London, Feb. 12.

A communique from Paria (Feb. 19) says that the In- ternational Labour Legislation Commission has adopted an article from the British draft providing that at the proposed International Labour Conference representatives of Govern- ments, employers and workpeople will be entitled to speak and vote independently regardless of the views expressed by other representatives of their nation. It was felt that in dealing with labour legislation employers and workers must be given the fallest opportunity of free expression. Another article carried provides that the International Labour Conference shall meet at the capital of the League of Nations unless it decides by a two-thirds majority to meet elsewhere.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15. 1919.

THE ARMISTICE RENEWAL.

TWO OPPOSING VIEWPOINTS.

Paris, Feb. 11.

The renewal of the armistica continues to be the absorb- ing topic. There are two currents of opinion, one favouring sterner terms and the other deprecating the humiliation of Germany. The decision must be taken soon as the armistice conditions will be handed to the Germans on Feb. 17th A now lactor may arise in consequence of statements of the Germans that they will not sign a renewal without the sanction of the National Assembly, which will mean that power is taken out of the hands of the present German plenipotentiaries. It is expected that agreement will be reached shortly assuring quicker compliance with terms by the Germans while avoiding steps likely to hinder progress towards peacO.

THE GERMAN DELEGATES.

Copenhagen, Feb 11. A message from Berlin states that Herr Erzberger and members of the German Armistice Commission are proceed- ing to Treves for the purpose of new negotiations.

GERMANY'S MERCHANT FLEET

Paris, Feb. 1. The Allied Commission of Inquiry into the number and condition of merchant ships has arrived at Hamburg.

WAR COUNCIL'S DECISION.

Paris, Feb. 12 It is understood that the Allied War Council has come to the conclusion firstly that it should be made militariy impossible for Germany to recommence hostilities, secondly that it should be impressed upon Germany that the Allies are victors and that it is not a "paix blanche" that ther are going to impose upon her. If Germany yields with good grace possibly the Entente will facilitate Germany's resuming normal peace work.

ECONOMIC QUESTIONS.

London, Feb. 12 A communique from Paris (Feb. 1) states that the Supreme Economic Conseil, which the Supreme War Council on Saturday agreed to establish, will decide immediate economic questions during the armistice period and should not be confused with the proposed Economic Commission which will advise the Peace Conference regarding treatment of economic questions affecting the pesce terms. ·

THE ARMISTICE RENEWED.

London, Feb. 12.

A communique from Paris (Feb. 12) states that the Supreme War Council today decided on conditions for renewal of the armistice.

A BIG STEP FORWARD.

Paris, Feb. 13. Complete agreement has been reached respecting the terms of the renewed armistice. The discassions of the past three days aimed at making the armistice terms an integral part of the peace terms and the agreement is regarded as a great step towards the conclusion of a general stable peace. The Allies have endeavoured to lay down naval, military and air conditions along lines to be adopted in the final peace terms. The Commanders-in-chiel are meeting to-day to draft conditions based on these principles. The conditions will be presented to the Germans with a short time limit for acceptance.

The Supreme War Council passed a resolution renewing the existing armistice for a very short period subject to immediate termination if the Germany fail to execute clauses including those hitherto unfulfilled; also an additional clause requiring immediate cessation of German bostilities against Poland and undertaking not to cross a certain line. This armistice will be shortly substituted by a new armistice which a special commission is drafting. The most striking feature of this new armistice will be that it is intended to operate until peace preliminaries are signed instead of being in the nature of a provisional modus vivendi as heretofore. It has been considered that this step is preferable as likely to render relations between the Allies, and, Germany lesi precarious. The new decision consequently necessitates the Allies demanding more stringent conditions proportionats to the lengthened period covered by the armistice. The Allies have applied President Wilson's principle, rendering it impossible for Germany to re-start the war and, taking into consideration France's strong desire to be protected against surprise, the conditions will include demobilisation and disarmament of Germany under the Allies control.

JAPAN'S THREAT TO CHINA.

London, Feb. 1L

The Associated Press correspondent at Washington telegraphs that according to official diplomatic information arriving at Washington Japan virtually threatened war if China makes public the secret Sino-Japanese treaties and Esila to carry out the agreement to make Japan successor to Germany in property and concessions rights held by Germany at the outbreak of the European war. The cor respondent adds that Japan's attitude is causing grave apprehension among the representatives of the other as- sociated Powers Chins is seeking to obtam support from the United States and Britain. It is stated that when the Chinese delegates arrived in Paris they reported that copies of the secret treaties were stolen from their baggage while passing through Japan. Consequently they were unable to make them public at the Peace Conference.

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ARMY OF POLITE SOLDIERS.

ADVANCE TO THE RHINE

Our advance to the Rhine has destroyed a longcherished Ger- man illusion-born during the war and fed by Prussiani- about the character of the British soldier, writer Percival Phillips, the war correspondent.

Villages through which the troops passed this week dis covered that "Thomas Atkins". neither plunders nor runs amok among women; they found him quiet, well-behaved, and devoid of the personal hate which wreaks itself on helpless civilians.

TOMMY'S ADAPTABILITY. They are not only astonished of the discovery, bat very relieved, and, I think, a little ashamed. Blundering attempts at apology have been forthcoming from same local officials awkward express- ions of regret at having mis- judged the character of the troops. They may be partly due to desire to conciliate, but andoubtedly there is real satisfaction at find- ing the English private soldier is so different from the picture held up to the population of the Rhine- land during the past four years.. Soldiers have settled down in German billets in the most amaz- lag way. I see them silting be- side the road surrounded by grave hule chikiren or walking through village streets saluted by all the men without evoking the hostility one might have expected.

Doubtless there is bitterness in the hearts of many inhabitants in the oecupied provinces, but I do not think the average peasant encountere between the Belgian frontier and the valley of the Rhine mistes much time private hate. Some women of the better class raber stenta- tiusly ignore passing soldiers, but, men of all classes are openly placative, and the children are reelly friendly.

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There is no fraternization for all that. The British troops are strictly beging the Commander- in-Chief's onler regarding their conduct in ocvapil territory; they are polite, but to intimate, taking no liberties and allowing mone. nerer forgetting for a mement that "the war is not vet over.

The plenitude of food in some places puzzles us after hearing so many stories of famine in Ger- many and among the German troops in the field. I want into the biggest tea shop in Duren this afternoon and found it well filled

wostly woman with their chil.... dren and young girls on the way home from school, eating currant and apple tartlets and drinking large cup of rich chocolate.

• THE GREAT LACK OF FOOD, It was just such a scene as could have been witnessed in the cafes in any German town before the war; yet the bargomaster of Duren says the poor are in dire straits from lack of food, and is very anxious to learn what mess- ures for "relief will be taken. by the army of occupation, Our troops have had some hard marches this week. The roads to the Rhine from Montjoie and Malmedy Crawl пр steep mountains and slide dizzily into deep valleys; they are cursed by lorry drivers no less than by the foot Bloggers, panting through the churned-up mad. Magnifi- cent scenery surrounds them, but a panorama of fir forests and lofty hills, hardly compensates for a long day's weary march.

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