The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-04-15

Versailles, April 15.-The prelimi-
nary peace conferences will be held
on the first floor of the Trianon PAL
ace, it was learned today.
Paris, April 15.-The preliminary
peace treaty will be submitted to the
Germans April 25.
Unofficial advices have indicated
the enemy delegates will not be en-
powered to sign the pact off hand, but
will be required to return with it to
Weimar, where it will be discussed by
the German government and possibly
debated from the national assembly.
The treaty, therefore, probably will
be signed about May /, as indicated in
several United Press dispatches re-
Gently. AS the treaty must be ratified
within a period of twenty or thirty
lays after 1t is signed by the Germans,
I appears certain that President Will
on will summon congress in speclA
ssion for that purpose before June L.
For Reception of Germans.
All arrangements are going forward
the reception of the German dele
ties in Versailles. Advices from
erlin state that Foreign Minister
rockdorff- -Rantzau is making prepa-
tions for the delegations departure.
The big four" with the German
eaty practically disposed of, today
as considering Italy's Adriatic aspir-
tions. Her claims are based on Sc
ret treaties, which most of the allies
particularly America-regard as
,ullified by the armistice terms and
ourteen points.
Considerable interest was still
cvinced today in Japan's probable at
titude as the result of defeat of her
racial equality amendment to the
league of nations covenant last week.
1t is known the Japanese delegation
1=fl l-uti a
and has cabled its government for in
struetions.
Want No Intervention.
Information now in the hands of the
ahfes Indicates that all the important
political factions within soviet Russia
have aligned themselves with the Boil
sheviki in opposing intervention.
Arthur j. Balfour, British secretary
for foreign affairs, took the place at
the supreme council session of Pre-
mier Lloyd George, who went to Lon
don yesterday. The supreme economic
council is considering the question of
permitting Germany to have certain
raw materials before the peace treaty
becomes effective with a revision of
the blockade regulations to that ex-
tent, and it is understood the pros
poets are good for favorable action.
The economic council members are
also considering a plan for the con-
servation of Italian coal supply.
Belgium has been asked to name a
delegate to sit on the economic COM
mission.
For Separate Peace.
Separate treaties will be presented
to Austria, Turkey and Bulgaria with
in a few days after the Germans ar
rive at Versailles.
AS soon as all treaties are signed, a
period of twenty to thirty days will be
4 a..
governments.
When two-thirds of the govern
ments have ratified the treaties they
become effective.
The little five" (foreign ministers
counci) met today to discuss the me-
chanical details of the final peace ses-
sions. Under present plans, a plen-
airy session probably will be held next
week in which the new covenant OF
the league of nations will be present
ed. as well as the final reports of other
commissions.
Explain Treaty to Huns.
No definite decision has beer
cached regarding the work after the
German delegates arrive but it is un-
derstood a special committee, com
posed of the big four" will deal with
them. The treaty will be gone over
and various points explained. The
Germans are then expected to return
to Weimar and submit the treaty tC
their government This plan naturally
will be altered if the German dele
gates have plenary powers, as the!
will then be able to sign the treat!
without leaving Versailles.
The cleaning up of the importan
questions involved in the treaty cam'
like a whirlwind, and altho some de
tails are still outstanding. they car
be speedily whipped into shape. Th'
Adriatic question, under consideration
by the big four today will not SLOW
up the treaty with Germany. This ant
other problems can continue undel
debate while the negotiations are un
der way with the Germans.
Pact $4,000 Words Long.
The treaty to be handed the Ger
mans April 25 will be at least as .00'
words long, according to the best esti
mates. 1t probably will consist of |
general Introduction, in which all tn
principles will be set forth. and will
ering separate divisions. Among thes
protocols will be the league of nation
covenant. to which the Germans will
subscribe, altho they will not be ad
mitted to membership in the leagu
until they are voted in under the GOV
enant provision for acceptance of ney
members,
In addition to the military and nava
terms, which have already been out
lined, the treaty will cover all othe
ground completely.
Exclusive United Press dispatche
OF March % stated Germany would b
allowed an army of 100000 men,
navy of six battleships six light cruis
ers and twenty-four destroyers an
torpedo boats and no military al
force. Also that she would he ren