The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1919-04-22
big FOUR HEAR
| JAPAN'S CLAIMS
These Relate Chiefly to Kiao-
Chow, Which Was Captured
From Germans.
ID EAD'L 0cK RESULTS
Over Rival Territorial Claims
Of Italy and Jugo- -Slavia on
the Adriatic.
tBy John Edwin Nevin.) )

the Adriatic.
tBy John Edwin Nevin.)
Paris, April 22.-U. NJ. S.)--A com
plete deadlock has been reached IL
the discussions over the rival. terri.
torial claims of Italy and I = Sla.
via on the Adriatic. The z pone,
ment Of the opening of II ltaliar
parliament until early M month
Twill enable Premier Orlar !? bf Ital,
and Baron Sonnino, the : an for
eign minister, to stay in S longer
than 1t was originally l. ght pos
sible. and this will be Of S terial as
sistance. FL
Officials close to Pr int Wilson
stated that he is diss : ,nted over
the trend of confereI : affairs, and
may Issue public sti ent explain
ing Americas position On the new
obstacles which are holding up prog
ress.
Japanese Claims.
The big four met today to hear
the Japanese claims. These relate
chiefly to Kiaochow, which the Japa
nese and British captured from the
Germans early in the war.
(Kiaochow is in China. Germany
secured a ninety-nine- year leasehold
on the port and built fortress there. }
The Japanese claims threaten to
precipitate further trouble, as 1t is
understood that the Chinese delega-
tion is going to make vigorous oppo-
sition to some of them.
The Echo de Paris. in commenting
today upon the latest phase of the
peace Developments, expresses the
fear that President Wilson "is apply
ing the fourteen principles arbitra-
rily."
From French semiofficial sources
1t was learned that, an alliance be-
tween the United States, Great Brit
ain and France is now completed.
According to this agreement, any
aggression by Germany in the future
will be accepted as an act of war
against the triple alliance. While
denial that such an arrangement has
been made was issued from American
headquarters, the fact was empha-
sized that promises made to Premier
Clemenceau while President Wilson
was absent in the United States have
created serious situation.
Presidents Position.
1t is learned from high authority
that the presidents position is as fol-
lows;
Before returning to the United
States for the adjournment of con-
gress, he vetoed the proposal to Gre
ate a Rhenish republic to act as a
buffer state between France and
Germany.
During his absence Col. E. M.
House, temporarily head of the
mission, accepted the plan
for a republic, with the alternative
that: If 1t were rejected triple al
lance be created with the United
Statx8 Great Britain and France
6f IT. The three aries were
TO pledge themselves 70 accept Ger
man aggressions over the Rhine as
an act of war.
When the president was informed
Of this plan he vetoed it forthwith,
out that congress alone had
the authority to declare war in the
United States.
Premier Clemenceau and other
French officials insisted that they
could not surrender their demand for
, Rhenish republic unless assured
hat the nation would be safeguarded
oy allied armies. Several days of
discussion followed.
Claims of France.
Finally the president agreed to pre- |
'ent the claims of France along this
inc to the American congress di-
ectly. He made it plain, however, !
hat he was acting only as the me- !
lium of communication but whether |
he president agreed to submit rec
along with the French |
demands, l have not been able to find |
nut as yet.
Assurance has been given from the |
cry highest authority that the presi
lent has not infringed, nor does he ,
intend to infringe, on the powers of
ongress in this matter. Nor will he !
70 a party to any secret agreement.
reports that there has been any Sc
ret agreement on the question of an
lliance are officially denied. The en-
ire matter simply demonstrates the
of certain members of the
.merican commission to compromise,
ometimes creating embarrassing sit
ations by doing so.
Attention was called today to a Sc
les of inspired British editorial ref
rences being circulated in the United
tates criticsing President Wilson
nd Premier Lloyd George and prais-
lg certain individuals on the British
nd American missions.
American officials point out that
here will necessarily be a period of
me elapsing after the treaty is
igned before the league of nations
an become effective.
Therefore. they declared, ii is en-
rely possible that it may be necos-
ary for the allied and associated
overs to take the utmost steps for
he protection not only of France, but L
ther nations, pending the effective
peration of the league. 1t is sug-
ested in some quarters that this
ondition of affairs may have been
9sponsihle for reports that the triple
liance has been effected.
Sharp Action.
Any effort by the German govern
ent to interfere with the peace con-
renee will result in sharp action by
le allied and associated powers.
his was emphasized in official cir
es today. The American commits
oners pointed out that while Presi-
mt Wilson does not want to see
bankrupt, this should no.
regarded as any indication that he
in the least friendly towards that
lnquished nation.
The contrary is just the case. The
-esident has declared many times
at Germany, being responsible for ;
e war. must accept the full respon-
bility and pay UP to the very limit
Arrangements have now been COM
eted for alternative action in the
-ent the Germans assume a defiant
titude at Versailles. For military
asons, the details are withheld
owever, l am in a position to state
at this is one point where President
ilson and the other members of the :
e four are in complete accord. :
There is now said to be q division {
opinion among the big four on 3