Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-12-07
BalfOur's Views On
Problems Facing
Coming Peace Conference

London, Dec. Shy the Associate
Press)--Arthur J. Balfour, secretary
Of state for foreign affairs, in out
lining his views on the peace con-
ference, today told the Associated
Press that he thought the meeting in
Paris this month would be merely in
formal and preliminary to the con-
ference Of the associated governments
at teh first OF the year which would
formulate all the important terms OF
peace agreements. This conference,
he added, would be the most import
ant and the longest of the series.
When 1t was finished the enemy
countries would be called in to ratify
The conclusions reached.
Mr.. Balfour said the British gov
eminent had not yet made any fixed
plans for President Wilson to visit
ENGLAND az It would be premature to
do so until more was known regard
ing the Presidents own plans. The
foreign secretary said the question of
n league Of nations was the most inn
pOrtant work imposed on the confer
ence. The prominence Mr.. Wilson
has given the subject Is valuable
contribution to civilization. de de-
clared. II think" continued Mr. Bal
four, "a league Of nations a vital ne
ccssity II this war Is to produce oil
the good we expect to come out OF 1t.
The United States would have to bear
o. larg- share in the work 1t involves.
II should be something more than a
mere instrument TO prevent war"
Referring to President Wilson
Phrase make the world safe for
democracy, MI. Balfour said. Il do
not think the world could be made
'I,ssfe for democracy merely by multi
plying the munger Of democratic
.st8tcs." Mr.. Balfour explained that
he was not thinking especially OF
Germany, but Of new states In process
VI formation in eastern Europe.
I'VE must not assume he said. that
when such a system is created in cast
ern Europe like that wrong will be inn
posed. The passions which arise be-
tween neghboring democracies make
them quite as prone TO undertake strif :
40 II under other forms of government.
IT would he intolerable IL Europe and
America made no provision against
turning Europe into a cockpit Tor fur-
1her wars. ! believe a league or ma
tions will be required TO superintend
and control not only the crimlna! ambi-
lions of great autocracies but to prevent
any rash and inconsiderste countries
from going to war. 1t is Impossible to
talk about democracy except for coun-
tries which have reached "A relatively
advanced stage OF civilization. a league
could be a trustee for those less devel-
opcd.'
Asked II Russia would be represented
at the peace conference. Mr.. Balfour re-
piled 1T H. hard to ''iuf what Russia
u now We have no rela lions with the
BoIshevist government. which is the
main defacto government in central En-
ropean Russia. But there arc many
othe- Gefacto governments. think
Russia. status will oc eettled at the
peace conference. cannot conceive
that the conference will regard any
Russian government as at present con-
. .tituted entitled TO send delegates"
! Discussing the question OF the war
damage. Germany will have to pay, he
. ysid IT think " the amount Ia 70 be
. determined by President Wilson's II
, thsse points would call for payment
p, which would strain Germany's resources
10 the utmost"