Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1919-04-11
lLOYD-GEOR6E SAYS PEACE TERMS WILL
Be READY BY NAY FIRST,

ing the delay in getting the peace
terms ready to present to Germany
and reported disagreements among
the Allied nations, the following in
teryiew with Lloyd-George. British
Premier, coming from Paris on the
9Th. is reassuring and will be read
with interest.
The preliminary peace treaty will
be ready by 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, de-
clared in an interview today with
Stephane Lausanne, editor of the Ma
lin.
In answer to 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-
ions were wrapped and the fear that
there was some divergence OF opin-
ION. the British Premier said: q.
Il affirm absolutely that there is no
divergence among the negotiators.
They are often confronted with tech
nical difficulties which can only be
settled after close study. Take the
question of reparations. In substance
the Allies have one common princi-
pie, which l once set forth thus:
Germany must pay up to the last
farthing of her power
But is it sufficient to draw up
bill and hand it to the enemy? Must
We not require guarantees, and must
We not study the terms. methods and
forms of delayed payments? Must
we not be able to say to our adver-
sary when he pleads inadequacy of
resources? Yes, you can go as far
as that and you must do it and you
must do that In a word. shall we
simply present a bill. or. collect the
money, ali the money possible? Well,
that is where the work comes in,
slow and difficult work complicated
by the fact that technical experts of
the highest capabilities and great
experience are not in agreement
among themselves either as to the
method Of liquidation or as to the
assets to be realized. -~- }ts.@
No. there is no divergence among
the negotiators, but, alas. there are
inevitable ones among the experts
OFTEN among those from the same
country. Who is to decide between
them. If not the negotiators. and do
you think it can always be done
quickly?"
NJ Lausanne remarked that what
public opinion could not understand
was why. before everything. Germany
was not handed full bill, no matter
what amount, and forced to admit
full liability.
And who says we shall not do
So?' replied Premier Lloyd George.
Who says we have not decided
that?"
No one the interviewer inter-
rupted, has said that you had de-
cided it,
The British Premier resumed:
Cannot the people wait until we
nave finished our work instead of al
ways wanting to Judge our inten-
uons. This conference had to meet
and discuss things under conditions
unprecedented in history. ALI eyes
are turned toward 1t and. what is
more grave all ears are glued to its
"eyhole. Enemy ears tremble with
Joy when they detect some hesitation
friendly ears half hear confused ru-
"lors which are peddled far and
quickly.
The day does not pass but what
%o'ne false news. here and there takes
It's night Nevertheless, no day pass
rs Dut what we in silent delibera-
.ioh feel approaching nearer the
great aim and experience for each
other nose esteem. confidence and af-
lection. Let public opinion wait.
le" days. 1t will then be able to
p'ohounce on facts, not rumors.'
The confident statement of the
nrltish Premier is supported by pre-
"lctlons repeatedly made by less
p'ominent members OF the Peace Con-
,I'ence and dispelled today much Of
'ne hopelessness and uncertainty in
""'cn many important problems OF
nc conference seemed to have been
enShrouded.
EVEN the announcements of serious
ho'shevik troubles in Bavaria and
ho aanser Of a break with Italy over
nn ~. adriatic problem apparently did
hu' ,oa, ahect the optimism today of the
>ueS OF the British, French and
N"erican delegations.
me Council Of Four reached an
- S3'eement yesterday on the princi-
n'oS , OF the indemnities and repara-
""s 70 be paid by Germany and ex-
,nn,'"oh "''oh OF details will begin i'm
","'eiy' nv. the newspapers say. II is
rrao' .H oe'ieved there will be any disa-
G,o,,eht as to details. and 1t is in
,"''u mat the text of the financial
"!S VIII be finished during the