The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1919-04-30
Not in Position to Interfere.


Not in Position to Interfere.
lnasmuch as conditions regarding
the Shantung peninsula are different
from those at Fiume. where the se-
cret treaty (pact of London), does not
cover the disposition of the city,
President Wilson was not in a po-
eition to interfere, it was pointed
out.
The concessions secured by Japan
would be extremely material to
China, 1t was said, whereas. under
the old regime, they would have been
exploited by Germany.
Situation Relieved.
The reported conciliatory sction by
the United States is believed to have
relieved bad situation. For, IL vote
had been taken, Japan probably
would have had the support of Great
Britain, Italy and France, leaving
America standing alone.
The compromise makes it possible
for a unanimous agreement, thus re-
moving big obstacle which stood in
the way of submitting the treaty to
German delegates on Saturday or
Monday.
The big three-President Wilson,
Premier Lloyd George and Premier
Clemenceau, met again today and the
Chino-Japanese situation was given
further consideration.
Japan is promising to relinquisn
eventually any rights she may have
acquired in the Shantung peninsula
to China. 1t is possible, however,
that this phase of the situation will
be passed upon by the league Of ma
tions.
May Not Sign.
he German delegates, who have
j.st reached Versailles, have been
pointing out the possibility that they
may refuse TO sign the treaty.
IN answer TO this propag ganda,
French official circles are inquiring:
''What them"
But despite this propaganda, 1t Is
believed certain that the Germans
will sign ION the dotted line" with
out any quibbling.
Racial Equality.
That Japan will bring the question
of racial equality UP before the league
of nations, was predicted today by
the Matin.
This action, it was said, may be
taken in spite of the opposition 10
the measure, because Japan wants
a unanimous vote to go on record.
Australia and America have been
leading the opposition to the Japa-
ncse claims Of equality Of nations.
The finishing touches were being
put on the peace treaty today. Tne
pact probably will be handed to the
German delegates Saturday or Mon
day by Premier Clemenceau in the
presence of President Wilson, Pre-
micr Lloyd George, and other con-
ference leaders. 1t is not believed
that the Italians will return to Paris
in time for the ceremony. The ltal-
ian delegation will not be read out OF
the conference unless they read
themselves out, Thus the responsl-
hility for their failure to sign. the
treaty will rest solely with them
selves.
The impression is that the Germans
will be given two or three days 10
read the treaty and then permitted
fruther time to ask for interprea-
tions. They will then be allowed two
weeks in which to communicate with
Wcimar. In the meantime, the dele
cation will be held at Versailles.
French officials declare that II the
Germans attempt to return to Wei
mar after receiving the treaty. their
sct will be regarded as breaking on
peace negotiations.
The foreign ministers met again
today to take UP the right of Jewish
minorities in countries involved IN
tbe neace treaty, as well as the ques-
ar-r1r ~
s-ipne for Schleswig, after peace is
signed, The Polish commission also
met today to make definite settlement
of the boundaries of the new nation.
,r.o Irkrainian-Polish boundary COM
mission is now meeting mere out IL Is
.,.derstood that the boundary COM
mission will not hear arguments oS
+to IT<rainians unless they agree to
sign an armlstlce.
president Ador. of Switzerland. eX-
,,aine5 today that his country wants
= ;oir the league of nations, but at
~ eane time is not willing to ac-
con, RESPONSIBILITIES which might IN
tbs future jeopardize Swiss neutral
i,v In this connection the question
- arisen whether Geneva will be
,,,tained as the seat Of the league Of
n.tions. if Switzerland does not be-
come memter.
The presidents closest advisers to-
dav described the japanese negotia-
tions as having reached 'an encour-
.~fnr' stage. One American dele
Sste said that the only question re-
r,aining to be settled was the exact
form in which the japanese guaran-
Sc would be made. and that the
whole Japancsc question probably
viii be settled before nightfaIl.