The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-04-07
TREATY SOON,
SAYS PREMIER
Lloyd George Expects Ger
mans to Be Called to Sign
Near May I.
EXPERTS DELAYING PACT
They and Not the Big Four
Are Haggling Over Rep
aration Terms.
EXPERTS DELAYING PACT

Pe"Sc ticdts VIII De Teduy Dy Easter
and the Germans will be asked to
come and sign it at the end of April
or the beginning of May, Premier
Lloyd George Of Great Britain de-
clared in an interview to-day with
Stephane Lauzanne, editor of the
Mdtin.
The confident statement Of Premier
Lloyd George is supported by predic-
tionS repeatedly made by less proml-
nent members OF the Peace Conference
and dispelled to-day much Of the hope
lessness and uncertainty in which
many important problems of the con-
ference seemed to have been en-
shrouded.
Even the announcement OF serious
Bolshevik troubles in Bavaria and the
danger Of break with Italy over the
Adrlatic problem apparently did not
affect the optimism to-day of the lead
ers Of the British. French and Amer
lean delegations.
Paris Grows More Hopeful.
All Paris seems imbued to-day with
the idea that Easter will fnd the con-
ference ended, either successfully or
unsuccessfully. and many newspapers
and leaders who have been doubtful
about the successful outcome are ap-
parently less gloomy about the pros
pect.
The sSh shiny weather for tn. last
four days has undoubtedly made a
considerable change in the psychology
OF the conference, the members OF
which have been greatly distressed by
a month of rain and cloudiness.
The Premiers held no formal meet
ings to-day, but there We're several in
formal conferences. Col. House re-
ceived Premier Orlando, Lord Robert
Cecil and Baron Maxine and conferred
with them on the location OF the seat
Of the League of Nations.
NJ. Padercwski the Polish Premier,
called on Col House at the Hotel de
Crillon. but Col. House was at the time
attending a conference of the Ameri-
can delegates with President Wilson.
Divergence of Opinion Feared.
In answer TO a remark by NJ. Lau-
zanne that what troubled public opin-
ion was not so much the delay as the
secrecy In which the peace negotia-
tions were wrapped and the fear that
there was some divergence OF opinion.
Premier Lloyd George said:
81 afiirm absolutely that there is no
divergence among the negotiators. They
are often confronted with technical diff
ficulties which can only be settled after
close study. Take the question OF repa-
ration. In substance the Allies have
one common principle, which ! once set
forth thus: Germany must pay up to the
last farthing OF her power
But Is it sufficient TO draw up a bill
and hand II to tho enemy? Must We not
require guarantees and must We not
study the terms, methods and form of
delayed payments? Must We not be able
to say to our adversary when he pleads
/ inadequacy OF resources Yes, you can
go as far as that and you must do it.'
In a word, shall we simply present a bill
! or collect the money. all the money pos
sble? Well. that is where the work
comes in. slow and difficult work. compli
Gated by the fact that technical experts
OF the highest capabilities and great ex-
perience are not in agreement among
themselves either as to the method OF
liquidation or as to the assets to be
realized.
NO. there is no divergence among the
negotiators, but, alas there are in
evitable ones among the experts, often
among those from the same country.
Who is TO decide between them II not
the negotiators, and do you think 1t can
always be done auickly?'
Wants Germany TO Get Full Hill.
NJ. L.auzanne remarked that what pub
lie opinion could not understand was
/ why, before everything, a full bill was
not handed to the foe, no matter what
amount. and Germany forced TO admit
4 full liability.
/ And who says We shall not do so?"
/ cried Premier Lloyd George Who
/ saws we have not decided that?"
/ mo one" the interviewer interrupted,
has said that you have decided it,"
/ The British Premier resumed:
Cannot the people wait until We have
I finished our work instead of always
WaTtiHs " .uuse WI '.e"'oiS inns
conference had to meet and discuss
things under conditions unprecedented
| I'm history. All eyes are turned toward
| II and, what is more grave, all ears
are glued at its keyhoe Enemy ears
| tremble with joy when they detect some
hesitation. Friendly ears half hear con-
! fused rumors which are peddled far
and quickly.
"The day does not pass but that some
false news here and there takes its
flight, Nevertheless. no day passes but
that We in silent elaboration feel ap-
preaching nearer the great aim and ex-
perience for each other more esteem,
confidence and affection Let public
opinion wait a few days. 1t will then
be able to pronounce on facts, not
rumors." q