1919-05-17 — Page 1

SHERWIN WILLIAMS" PAINTS

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Hongkong Telegraph.

82+7 六拜禮七十月五英港香

REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.

PRESENTATION OF THE PEACE TERMS.

THE GERMANS IMPUDENT AND AGGRESSIVE.

CHIEF DELEGATE DEMANDS ENQUIRY AS TO WAR GUILT.

Versailles, May 7. Thousands of spectators arrived from Paras afternoon, but were not allowed to approach the Trianion Palace, where a crowd assembled, mostly of journalista.

The Guard of Honour at the Matin entrance was composed of the famous Blue Devils. Cinematographers and photographers were very busy taking pictures of the arrivals, many delegates posing in groups inside the park.

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(ESTABLISHED ~1881),

SATURDAY, MAY 17-19

SWALLOWING THE CONTENTS.

Versailles, May 8,

After dinner, at which barely a word was spoken, Rantzau ordered that the translation of the Peace Preliminaries be begun, The work was completed at three o'clock in the morning, when a copy of the translation was taken to the room of Rantzaü,, who im-- mediately proceeded to study it, nos finishing until after daybreak. A number of copies of the Treaty was despatched to Berlin last evening by diplomatic courier.

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GERMAN PRESS OPINION.

SINGLE COPT: 10 CTS.

BɅ+ 36 PER ANNUM,

London, May.9.

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To-Day's Exchange.

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LEST WE FORGET.

To-day's comment on the Ferce Treaty emphasisaa riper con- sideration and confirms that the Treaty is great beneficient The closing rate of the dollar charter. Satisfaction is expressed at the optimistic tone of the French on demand to-day was Sa 67-16d. Pres which is attributed to the Anglo-American undertaking to stand by France in the event of German attack. It is generally agreed that the Germans, despite the loudness of their protests, will not refuse to sign, though they may declare the terms impossible of fulfilment and throw the onus of applying them on the Allies. It is urged that the Allies must stand by the whole document and not allow the Germans to inveigle them in the process of picking it to pieces. The opinion is expressed in Paris that the Treaty will be signed within a month.

POSSIBLE DATE OF SIGNATURE.

- The torpedoing of the Belgian relief ship Lars Kruse, a Daninch vessel, is substantiated by a message to the Foreign Offics. The crew evidently received no warning, and only the chief engineer Was mcident has caused a sensation rescued Thai

Berlin, May & The Berlin Press publishes this morning Renter's summary of the peace terms, which all the papers condemn For example, the

London, May 9. Tageblatt says the Treaty far surpasses the worst expectations. It

A Paris message states that in French Peace Conference circles is a product of thoughtless, intoxicated brutality. If it is impos-it is generally believed that the Germans will reply to the preliminin ⚫ shipping circles. The sible to alter the Draft Treaty in the course of negotiation, then only ary Treaty in a fortnight with definite counter-proposals which pro- Copenhagen says: We owe it one word can be used, nämély “No.”

bably will be examined by the Allied Commissions. This may to our dead compatriots to feclare occupy at least another week, after which the Germans will be that such a deed will never End allowed four or five days to finally accept or refuse the Treaty in its an excuse. The starvation of present form or as amended. Thus a period of twenty-five to thirty England, which is aimed at by days must be expected to slapse before the signing of the Treaty.

The Lokul Anzeiger publishes a summary under the heading Crushing conditions Other Conservative, newspapers speak of

the unfulfillable conditions.

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The Independent Socialist Freiheit says from the standpoint of Imperialistic policy, exemplified by the Brestlitovak Treaty, the terms must be regarded as quite moderate, but things are different The Germans and their secretaries and correspondents were when they are examined from the viewpoint of future world peace... brought to the Trianon in five motors through, the park, thus not Forwaerts, under the heading "A Peace of Annihilation", says: coming in contact with the public. The latter were very quiet dur--"If we sign this peace, it is because we bowed to force, but in our the proceedings, but grew impatient after half an hour. as the sit-hearts we resolutely reject it”. "ing was expected to last a quarter of an hour but was protracted by Count Rantzau's speech. and a rumour was spread of trouble inside. Eventually the arrival of the motors relieved the tension.

The enemy delegates departed first and salcted nobody, the Guard of Honour retiring a distance when it was known the Ger-the mans were coming out.

The Allied delegates' departure was in groups. only the Big Four tarrying. Their departure singly evoked the first cheers of the day, which were especially warm in the case of M. Clemenceau and Mr. Lloyd George.

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PRESS COMMENT.

London, May 8.

The Daily Chronicle says the British Government has secured redemption of its election pledges. The Achilles heel of the Treaty may prove to be the fact that Poland's future is unsettled.

TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE.

A well-

the Germans, does not. nécessari- ly imply the killing of neutrál sailors."From the ** Times *** Correspondent at Copenhagen, February 10, 1917.

London, May 8, A Berlin message states that all classes of the people resent any suggestion that the Treaty should be signed. Everyone is discussing the probable consequences of the refusal to sign. Nobody even considers the possibility of accepting the published terms. known publisher is of the opinion that the German delegates should THE SHAMEEN TRAGEDY. immediately present counter-proposals or return without discussing M. Glemenceau's mad conditions. The workers are noticeably INQUEST ON MR. BORGEEST. disappointed at "the impotence of the international proletariat to prevent Germany's destruction/

(From Our Own Correspondent)

Shameen, May 15.

AMERICA CAN GO TO HELL!"

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The Daily Telegraph opines that it is not a weak peace but rigidly Peace with Justice, since the German militarists have been completely destroyed. The Danzig scheme will constitute a envere test to the authority of the working of the League of Nations.

The Daily Graphic thinks that the omission of the question of the freedom of the seas makes the Treaty unsatisfactory.

The Morning Post says that the conditions regarding the Peace Treaty in its present form as quite impossible and no Germen (B), of the Chinese Maritime.

Mr. Hughes, interviewed by Reuter, 'described the attitude of Rantzau, speaking seated, as an intolerable result of the confer- eace, but despite the intolerable arrogance of the Germans we could see that this day of humiliation had entered their souls".

indemnities are unsatisfactory, but altogether the Treaty is better Mr. Massey, interviewed by Reuter, said: The Germans were than might be anticipated. The only possible guarantee of the more impudent and more aggressive than anything I have ever ex-fulfilment of the conditions is the retention by the Allies of sufficient perienced "

armed power to enforce them. HOW THE DELEGATES WERE SEATED.

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The Daily Express says that ample security for the future is just reparation for the past.

Berlin, May 19. The Bourse has closed for three days as a result of the crushing impression made by the peace terms. The Zeitung Stag learns that all German Parliamentary Parties, without exception, regard the Government could sign they rosny.

The Daily Chronicle Cap interview by General Lide following message →→ If these can go to Hell"

Barin was declined an gent the correspondent the Peace Terms, then America

GREAT DIVISION OF OPINION,

afternoon at the H. B. M. Con-

An inquest was held yesterday. sulata into the death of Mr. Louis J. Borgeest, Assistant Examiner

Versailles, May 1.- Instead of fifty-four Allied Plenipotentiaries, the German dele gates were faced by eighty, as it was decided at the last moment to include all nations, great and small, who had declared war or broke off relations with Germany, thus impressing the delegates with the disarmament of all the nations. As regards. reparation, it is intimated that there is considerable division of opinion aman enemy | Municipal Police Force, at the

tremendous coalition which their ex-rulers had evoked.

Five American delegates sat on the right and five British on the teft of M. Clemenceau. Two Canadians, two Australians, one New Zealander and Eve Japanese sat among the delegates outside the tong table on M. Clemenceau's left, inside of which were two South Africans and two Indians, while two Siamese, one Hedjaz and two Chinese were accommodated inside the table on M. Clemenceau's right.

anywhere.

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The Germans sat apa table barring the horse-shoe of the Allied tables, thus completing the rectangle. There was no crowding Reuter's correspondent says:-The Conference impressed me as "more dignified than the previous plenary sitting. The Germans entered accompanied by a French officer, bowed in silence and took their places. All were sombrely garbed in black morning coats and dark neck-ties, Landsberg's flaming beard being the only note of colour. Practically the whole sitting was occupied by Kantzau's speech, to which no reply was made, M. Clemenceau declaring the sitting finished when Rantzau ended. It was noteworthy that M. Clemenceau spoke standing up, whereas Rantzau read his speech seated

THE PROCEEDINGS.

Versailles. May 7.

The Peace Treaty was presented to the German delegates at the Trianion Falace Hotel shortly after three o'clock, in the presence of all the Allied and Associated nations. The sitting closed at 3.51 p.m. President Wilson and the American delegates arrived at the hotel at 2.50 p.m., followed by Mr. Lloyd George and other Britishers: The Anglo-Americans were orated.

The Germans arrived in three motor cars on the stroke of three o'clock, their reception being a cold one. A number of Allied Officers on the steps of the hotel saluted the Germans

M: Clemence an opened the meeting. He said they were ready for peace on their own conditions. The time had come to settle accounts. Everything would be done with courtesy, but this second Treaty of Versailles had cost them too much not to take all necessary precautions and guarantees that the peace be a lasting ne. The German delegation would be given a maximum period of fifteen days to present in English and French their written observations on the whole Treaty. Before the expiration of this period, the Germans would be entitled to send replies on particular headings of the Treaty or to ask questions. The Supreme Council, after examining these observations, would reply in writing and determine the period in which the Germans must give their final SIETOT.

The Dealy Neur says that it is the severest sentence ever passed on a great nation. No fault can be found with the disarmament prisions but the disarmament of Germany must be followed by the bardly an exaggeration to say that Germany is first stripped naked and then told to turn out her pockets.

The Daily Herald says that the world has not been made safe for democracy. The Treaty means the beginning of a new war.

The Daily Mail says that the provisions are good on the military and naval side but dangerously full of loopholes on the financial side. The only real security is close and continued union between Great Britain, the United States and France.

Paris, May 9. Count Brockdorf Rantzan requested permission to confer with Austrian delegates on the arrival of the High Britis, Authonitis Plenipotentsiries. Count Obendorf of the Armistice Commission, who, with eight more Germans arrived at Versailles, bears the creden tials of Minister Plenipotentiary. He is expected shortly to parti- dencipate in future proceedings.

ALLEGATION AGAINST AMERICAN FOOD COMMISSION.

Berlin, May 9.

Herr Erzberger in a Note to the Armistice Commission at Spa, protests against the transport to Poland via Dantig of certain alleged war material by the American Foodstuffs Commission for the Polish Army. The Note states the German Government will prevent further despatches.

TACTLESS GERMANS.

Paris, May 3.

Customs. Canton.

Mr. E. G. Jamieson, Acting H.M.B. Consul General, presided and the Commissioner and Deputy- Commissioner were also present

Various letters were read. which had been taken from the body when first seen by Inspen--- tor William Read of the Shameen

residence of the deceased. These contained indictments against the Commissioner & also Deputy Commissioner who respectively cited events leading to the deceased being suspended from his duties

Mrs. Borgeest also told how The Times expresses satisfaction that the ton for tan principle

her husband had been writing has been recognised, but says that the vessels allotted to Great

letters on the afternoon of the Britian cannot put her in the splendid position secured by the

14th inst., and left the room for a American Mercantile Marine if the German ships in American

a moment and returning, bade perfect harbours are assigned to the United States. It is not a

her good-bye and then laid on his peace. The closer union of the peoples of France, Britain, and

bed in on unconscious condition. Dr. W. Graham Reynolds, America is the sole way of enforcing the provisions.

The Financial Times says that any extravagant expectation of Rantzau's speech is the chief topic in Conference circles, the relief of taxation by large indemnities may now be definitely tone of which surprised all the Allied Delegates, including President M.R.CS. (Eng.) L.R.C.P. (Lond.), abandoned.

Wilson. The fact that Rantzau delivered his speech sitting was gave evidence of how he was The Financial News opines that the scheme of economic restita-criticised on all hands, especially as no public or private explana- called by Mr. D. Willis, of the tion will not satisfy the British taxpayer but the Allied peoples tion was accorded. The distinguished personages present summed Asiatic Petroleum Co. of Can- have two years to educate the Reparation Commission to the proper up the Allied plenipotentiaries' views as "we are unanimous that to, to attend the deceased pitch of pressure with Germany.

the speech showed the Germans are the most tactless people on the and had used every available The Manchester Guardian criticises the Saar and Danzig arrange-face of the globe. It proved the Germans do not understand means of resuscitation to no end. ments and opines that it would have been better to fix an indemnity human mature and was on a par with their policy throughout the Life was extinct. which Germany might fairly hope to pay within a shorter period.

It is noteworthy that men like Mr. Barnes and Sir Joseph Ward were more exasperated than most of the others.

The Pall Mall Gazette and the Erening Standard regard the tarmis as satisfactory but say that Rantzau's speech shows that Germany is unrepentant, thus untiring vigilance by the Allies as regards the execution of the terms is essential. The Star and Westminster Gazette say that it is impossible to predict how the terms will work out but both pin their faith to the League of Nations.

The French papers state that more important than any other views from Paris is the official announcement that President Wilson and Mr. Lloyd George have given France their pledge that they will move in the American Senate and the British Parliament to sanction the undertaking to hasten to aid France should Germany make an unprovoked attack.

war."

THE NEXT "MOVE.

Versailles, May 9 The German Delegation received the first instructions of the German Government and met to frame a Preliminary Reply to the Entente. It is reported that it will submit a draft counter Treaty. Moreover, Rantzau may request a personal meeting with President Wilson for the purpose of oral negotiation.

GERMAN. PRESS BITTER.

- EAST AND WEST PRUSSIA EMBITTERED.

Mr. D. Willis then said that' he was passing along the Avenue on the Shameen is Hart Terrace when he saw Mrs. Borgeest, who called frantically for him to come into the house, se husband had taken poison.

deceased a dose of mustard and Mr.Willis forthwith gave the

water, sending for the doctor meantime, and upon the arrival of the doctor, rendered what little assistance' he could under the doctor's orders.

Berlin, May 9. The Tageblatt, referring to the comment of the Freiheit that In is admitted in Paris political circles that Germany's power to Peace must be signed, says if this is the view of Independent

Inspector W. Read gave wags future war, at least theoretically, is now taken from ber. In Socialists they may have an opportunity of carrying out their views, evidence to the effect that he was Paris.circles it is stated that there are powerful reasons to believe as the present Government cannot sign.

sent for about 4.30 p.m. and that Germany will sign the Peace Terms, the most couvincing

proceeding at once to Hart reason being that Germany has nothing to gain by refusing.

Terrace found the doctor and Me The Petit Journal says that the Treaty is sa bopourable

Versailles, May 9. Willis already in attendance. He. compromise.

The Tageblatt's Bromberg correspondent says the population of searched the body and found The Action Francise says that measures to ensure the execu-East Prussis is embittered and determined to prevent the sccept-papers from Shanghai also sever- ance of the Treaty. There were great demonstrations at the entry al letters, the same having been of frontier troops at Oppeln.

handed over to the Consulate The soldiers were beflowered. A proclamation of the People's officiala. He rendered the doctor Council of West Prussia anticipates a passionate outbreak of assistance and performed artifici

al respiration for some time popular excitement.

at the Doctor's order, TO ACQUAINT BERLIN.

While the speech was being translated into English, M.tion of the Treaty are inadequate. Dussus, the Secretary General of the Conference, quietly walked The Matin urges & Government statement as regards guarantees. across to the Getmans and handed to Rantzau, who rose to receive The Gaulois says that the Treaty is the summit of all our desires. it, the bulky khaki-bound volume containing the text of the Treaty The Figaro expresses absolute confidence in the sovereign

Rantzan, speaking in German, which was translated into guarantee of the Anglo-Faranco-American alliance. French and English, said they were not illusioned as regards the Commenting on the Peace Treaty, the Malin points out that extent of their defeat. They knew the power of German arms was France remains saddled with war costs of about 170 milliards. broken. He refused to confess that they were the only ones guilty | The Petit Parisien says the terms are fast and France, can be

the war. Germany admitted a certain share of the responsi- satisfied. "bility, but all Europe shared the guilt, as the Imperialism of all the The Homme Libra says nothing is forgotten which could European States of the past fifty years had poisoned the inter-consolidate peace and satisfy the demands of prudence and legitimate national situation. He was likewise ready to confess guilt, as aspirations of all the nations which have been the victims of regards war crimes. He repeated the declaration of the Reichstag | Germany.

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Versailles, May 10. After Rantsan had examined the first part of the Treaty, of which a translation is proceeding as rapidly as possible, he will leave for Berlin to confer with the Government.

NO BARGAINING.

Paris, May 10,

In summing up the case the Coroner said he was under the impression that the late Mr. Borgeest was financially in diffi culties and he brought in the ver dict that death was due to poison (oynside of pottasium) self-udmin istered during temporary insanity. The Allies' reply to the German Notes of May 18 is of a digni- Dr. Reynolds wished to put on fled tone and reminds the Germans that the Allies have formed the record the able assistance givan terms of the Treaty with constant thought of the principles upon by Inspecter W. Res whiphe Armistice Peace negotiations were proposed. The Allies Consul can admit & discussion of their right to insist upon terms of ed to the Sham practical, suggestions as the Germans may submit.. The Allies further intimate that the German programme of the League of Nations be referred to an appropriate committee. They point out

matter of admission of additional members to the Leag en overlooked but is specifically provided for in the soo Thof Article 1 of the League Corenent

in 1914 that wrong had been done to Belgium, and they were willing The Echo de Paris deprecates exaggerated satisfaction and urges 10 repair it. He pleaded that the crimes of the war were due to the untiring effort to strengthen the Anglo-Franco-American Alliance. conscience of the peoples being blunted by passion. He declared The Victoire says the Peace terms are generous, unrevengeful that the non-combatants who had perished since November 11, owing and just. ́ ́ to the blockade, were killed with cold deliberation, He demanded The Socialist organ France Libre says the Treaty appears to an impartial inquiry to opportion war guilt, and declared that they secure to the Allies, especially France, a certainty of Peace. were not wholly unprotected, as the Allies are pledged to a Treaty The New York morning papers declare that Germany is upon President, Wilson's fourteen points, which the whole world overtaken by a fate deserved by a country, which outraged the substantially as drafted. They can consider only such Fol supported Germany was committed to the reconstruction of Hel-world. The New York. World says that German world power is gium and Northern France, but the worst method would be the now obliterated and that the Treaty is the death certificate of using of German war prisoners therefor, owing to the hatred it German Militarism and Imperialism. It also points out that no around. He added that without an Immediate solution of this attempt has been made to dismember Germany or Impose damag question we cannot come to a durable peace. Concluding, he urged comparable with the damages / crested The New York Ta All must join the League of Nations and said the Treaty would regards the terus sa lantent compared with what Germany. examined in a murit of goodwill.

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