The sun., 1919-06-05

ence circles, with both the German and
Austrian treaties in the balance, and
every effort is being made to obtain
early and united action.
The Council Of Four considered the
Austrian treaty in the morning for the
purpose of completing the military and
Preparations terms. which were omitted
when the document was delivered Nom
day. Later the council turned to the
German counter proposals and called in
experts.
Many private conferences ware also
going on. including one between Col
House Of the American delegation. and
A. J. Balfour, British Foreign Secretary.
all seeking to clarity the situation.
The prevailing view Of those taking
tory results. They admitted the condi-
lions were difficult and that differences
were rather sharply drawn, but insisted
there was nothing like an impasse.
Indications we're that certain general
results are already beginning to take
1
whole undoubtedly viii DO rejected. but
number of suggestions may be en-
bodied In the allied treaty, not with any
purpose Of modifying or softening tho
document, but for the purpose of MAX
ing II workable and achieving the SUI
preme end Of getting II signed and re-
storing peace
Certain concrete results also appear
to be taking form. namely. the fixing of
NnV.e., L., 49, =
$4,000, 000.0 900. instead of giving the
commission indefinite authority to assess
beyond that sum: reducing the period OF
occupation of the Western frontier from
fifteen to ten years: readjustment OF the
Silesia terms, at which Germany was
greatly aroused, so that the population
may secure self-determination, probably
through pleblscite.
With respect to the League of Ma
tons the British and American view at
first inclined toward admitting Ger
many, on the ground that 1t would bind
her to keep peace. But France would
not consider any association with Ger
many. SO II is understood that Presi-
dent Wilson has gradually come to NJ.
Clemenceau's view Of keeping Germany
outside the league.
The discussion Of the Council Of Four
is understood to be turning chiefly to
| these topics, although a number Of 9TH
| ers also are receiving attention. NJ
Clemenceau's view from the first has
been strongly against any notifications
| beyond change Of phraseology, whereas
the British Prime Minister, Mr.. Lloyd
George, is believed to incline toward the
moderate British view that the main end
| la to get the treaty signed and restore
calm to the Industrial and labor world.
President Wilson's view. as stated by
friends, has been, first, to keep the Allies
intact and second to make peace
speedily. The President also is not dis
| posed to mako notifications which would
soften the peace, but Is inclined to make
changes in the interest of fairness and
| the better working OF the terms.
| Within these broad general lines these
three statesmen are trying to shape the
| course, while the Italian Premier, Wit
torio Orlando, has virtually dropped out,
| as Italy's interest Ia in the Austrian, not
| in the German treaty.
| Concerning the details of the proposed
changes the opinion Is held that both
the Saar and Silesia conditions will be
somewhat modified. but that the political
status Of the Saar district will undoubt-
eddy remain under the League of Ma
tons. with an eventual plebiscite.
Besides making the amount Of the
reparations definite the time for the
| hrst payment may be extended The
Allies have fixed two years, the Ger
man counter proposal asks seven veas.
| The experts suggest compromise OF
four years. The German complaint tina,
they will be without merchant ships, ii
Is suggested, will be met by the Allies
chartering a limited number OF ships, 90
that the resumption OF trade will permit
the payment OF reparations. 1t was
stated tonight that decisions on all
these subjects will probably be reached
before the end OF the week
In the meantime reports reaching the
conference show the urgency OF an early
conclusion. Brigadier G. II. Harries.
United States Army. who has arrived
from Berlin, voices this view. One highly
significant private report reaching allied
officials is that the German Minister OF
| Defence has made a tour OF the German
| coast defences and has directed the
forces there to be prepared for emer-
gencies in case OF the resumption oil
| naval operations.
The treaty provides for the dismantling
OF the Notifications, but such dismantlina
has not yet been accomplished. The al
lied authorities, however, say that any
renewal Of pressure on Germany will bs
by land instead OF by sea.