The Topeka state journal., 1919-03-07
PEACE WITH FOOD
Bohemia and German Austria
ON Verge Of Starvation, Plea.
Early Terms and. Quick Relief
To Stamp Out BOlsheyism.
CATASTROPHE NEAR, CLAIMED
Marquis Lansdowne Would
Stop "Turning the Screw"
Famine in Central Europe
Would Be Crime of History.
CATASTROPHE NEAR, CLAIMED

Paris, March THE big five" of
the peace conference today took up
the proposition OF sending food into
Bohemia and German Austria. Means
of getting supplies into the districts
which most urgently need them were
to be discussed. The populations of
these territories, it is felt, must be
kept from going hungry if the spread
of Bolshevism is to be preveated.
Naval terms which will be incor-
porated in the final peace treaty have
been thoroly gone over by the big
five" and, it was learned. the decision
to destroy the German submarines
stands. Decision was reserved. how
ever, with regard to the proposal that
the kiel canal be destroyed and the
Qualifications of Heligoland reduced.
The fate of the German fleet is also
still undecided.
Premier Lloyd George, since his re-
| turn to Paris. has added his weight to-
speeding up proceedings. not only to-
ward an early signing of the peace
treaty, but also toward quickly meet
ing the food situation in central Eu
rope.
Starvation in Austria.
British reports regarding conditions
in Germany and German-Austria are
similar to the reports reaching the
Americans. Conditions in Austria are
described as being most critical the
ton. The delegates appreciate that
this situation may become so serious
that Germany will break up, making
the signing of any kind of peace inn
possible.
LIE Temps has raised an objection
to the allies feeding German Austria,
voicing a widespread French sentf-
ment against it. However. it is gem
orally looked on by peace delegates as
a necessary step in bringing about
world peace and tranquility. 1t is
pointed out that the work of the food
administration in rushing supplies to
Poland, under the greatest difficulties,
was all that saved the situation there
and prevented the country from disin-
tegrating: incidentally. the feeding
of Poland was carried out in spite of
persistent obstructive tactics by the
German authorities at Danzig. r.
Approach a Catastrophe.
London, March 7.-Discussing the
food situation in central Europe in
the house of lords today. Marquis
Lansdowne asked how long the pro
cess of turning the screw was 70
continue. He said he regarded the
position of central Europe with dis
may. - Ii
1--WE seem to be rapidly approach-
ting catastrophe which may pr5xe
! the most disastrous in the history of
the world" he declared.
IF the blockade is not relaxed" :"
SdIu bdfOn IaTHlOOr, famine Will
seize the peoples of central Europe,
and that would be the most fearful
crime in history. The Earl of Craw-
ford, chancellor of the Duchy of Lam
caster. replying for the government,
said that the problem is in the hands
OF the supreme economic council at
Paris, which has taken steps to send
food to Germany.
1.-The tonnage demanded from Ger
many by the allies has not been forth
coming, however" he said. land this
is significant"
He made no attempt to explain the
failure of Germany to turn over the
ships asked for, but said he hoped that
within few weeks measures sHill be
taken to stave off the impending dis
aSter