Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1919-01-18
Britain and y. S.
In Accord on League

Paris. Jan. i7.--Careful invcstiga-
tion here has made 1t possible to give
more concretely than previously al,
outline of the war claims Of Great
Britain and her general desires re-
gardinE the making of the peace.
The British aims are regarded as IN
general coinciding with those Of the
United States delegation. There are
some minor differences Of opinion be-
tween America and Great Britain re-
garding the final adjustment OF the
worlds affairs. on the whole. how
ever. the aims Of the two nations are
considered by British commentators as
identical.
Great Britain believes first. 1t is de-
clared in these sources, that n league
OF nations is desirable and attainab'e,
and that none OF the British war aims
will be considered practically unless
they conform with the tenets OF such
league as IL contemplated to realign
and govern the affairs Of the universe.
She also believes that things should he
so adjusted that the war sims Of ev-
cry country will conform with tl /, of
the others-in orders words thef here
As to indemnities. Great Britain cx-
poets to enter pool with other ma
tions. Her claims are comparatively
small, il is said. but she wanto her air
raid damages and her shipping losses
paid for.
In addition to the league Of nations.
one OF the great things which Great
Britain hopes will grow out OF the
peace conference. it Is apparent is a
thoroughly good working agreement
with the United States. Great import
ance Is attached to this section.
Great Britain. 1t is declared by the
interpreters OF her views, has no in
terest on the continent Of Europe 9TH
er than that the permanence Of peace
and justice be maintained. She thinks
that the principle OF self determination
should be given full play and that with
freedom of transit both by rail and wa
terways should be kept. She desires.
it is stated, to see countries Such as
Switzerland given access to the sea.
and she holds that there are numerous
ports which should be made free. In
cluding Constantinople. AS to the free
dom Of the seas, Great Britain, it IS
maintained. will. in the future as in
the past, aim at securing the greatest
possible freedom for commerce to all
nations in times of peace. This. it is
said. is what she means by the freedom
of the seas.
Great Britain desires the greatest
she expects a league Of nations to
guarantee this. 1t IS stated.
The British consider that Germany
abused the privileges offered and
that each German tradesman was Il
potential spy and Great Britain has no
desire to return TO this condition Of af-
fairs.
Great Britain does not wan to be-
come protectionist power, 1t is de-
clared. but she does not wish free
trade to put her at a disadvantage.
In Asia NsAgr. notably in Arabia and
Mesopotamis,f; Great Britain has ceg-
tain commitments. In Arabia the
people asked ner for protection against
the Turks and she requested that they
be not left under Ottoman control. As
surances Of protection were given by
Great Britain. In this part Of the
WITH lueIc are TIoISh itdildi' Diil
ish. Russian and Turkish interests to
consider
AS far as Arabia Is concerped. Great
Britain will be largely guided by the
wishes of the Inhabitants. Arabia was
recently organized as sovereign BET
ligerent power, and Great Britain de-
sires the principle OF self determina-
ton to work itself out as far as pos
sible in these districts. Undoubtedly
1t is said, she expects to supervise ar
fairs in some parts Of Arabia and this
is also true of Mesopotamia, where
Great Britain is represented as feeling
that she should hold the rudder
The question Of the Bagdad railway
must be disposed of and as to whether
It is regarded as a railway or not is a
matter for the peace conference to de-
eide. A part Of the railroad may be
internationalizfd 1t is said, but the
part toward the Persian gulf at Basra-
should, it is felt. remain in British
hands.
The presence Of delegates from India
at the peace conference has It's sign'-
fcanceGin connection with the >dispo-
sition at Mesopctamia. Should the
peace conference appraye. 1t is possible
that the greater part OF this territory
would be placed under the supervision
,vvSA