The Tabor independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1913-19??, 1919-03-20
WILSON PLANS
STRIKE FIRST
SNAG AT PARIS
French and British Object to In
Guiding League Of Nations In
Preliminary Peace Treaties
President Surprised.
BY United Press.

F HH g.
Paris, March 19.--Foreign Minister
Pichon's claim that the League of
Nations will not be included in the
preliminary peace treaty was emphati-
cally denied today in American official
circles. .-,.- SH
President Wilson and the other
American commissioners are standing
pat on Its inclusion. 1t was stated.
surprise was expressed that Pichon
should hold views to the contrary.
The president. it is known, intends to
make a strong fight for inclusion of
the League. He feels that France and
Great Britain need the league even
more than America. Hence, Pichon's
statement astounded and somewhat
piqued the Americans. IT,
An early peace is desired by Presi-
dent Wilson, it was stated, and he
holds that inclusion of the league in the
pact is vital to America. He was said
to be especially surprised at Pichon's
action In view of the fact that the
French, along with the others, signed
the pienary resolution in January for
the leagues Inclusion.
way Hestate Position.
The president planned to attend this
afternoons meeting of the supreme war
council, and those close to him believe
that a reinstatement of his position
might be forthcoming. Pichon, who
made his statement yesterday in his
weekly conversation with correspond
ents, declared that although fundamen-
tai principles of the final peace are laid
down In the preliminary treaty, the
League OF Nations probably will not be
included. He said that Wilson had not
asked tina 1t be included. The ques-
ton is yet to be decided, he said, but
inasmuch as neutral countries will be
asked to submit their opinions regard
Ing the league before final adoption OF
the covenant, he believed the prelim-
mary pact would be signed before the
league is completed.
The preliminary peace, according to
Pichon, will end the state of war, but
| will not permit Germany to resume full
relations with other countries. The
blockade will not be lifted completely
before the final treaty. He said the
question Of German-Austria has not
been taken up, but that the allies may
offer certain advantages to that coun-
try II 1t remains independent, which
will not be allowed If it persists in
uniting with Germany.
British Coincide Point.
If President Wilson insists that the
league OF nations be Incorporated in
the preliminary peace treaty the Brit
ish, 1t is understood viii concede the
| point, although they still believe thai
| the preliminary pact is not the proper
place for the Inauguration of the
league, which. they declare, should be
| included in the final peace pact. .
This attitude was indicated today
after the announcement hat the
American delegation strongly desired
| the inclusion Of the league in the pre-
liminary treaty as we'll as in the final
pact.
The British, 1t Is mad known, do
| not wish to delay the league of nations
| program in any way, but they express
the keenest desire for the Immediate
signing Of the preliminary peace treaty,
so as to alleviate unsatisfactory o n
| ditions resulting from the continue
ton of the armistice.
Final action on the military terms of
the preliminary treaty with Germany
vas to be taken by the supreme war
council this afternoon.
Treaty Nearly "FinaI."
While the forthcoming treaty with
Germany is termed preliminary. 1t is
to all intents and purposes final. it
fixes that country's military and naval
status, defines it's boundaries and dis
poses Of the questions OF reparation
and economic freedom. 1t will not be
eg.t ,,ntil ~ &c
ratified by all. or a fixed percentage
Of the signatory nations. The period
for ratification by the allied nations
may be at least 40 to 60 days. This will
give an opportunity for the calling of
a, special session Of the American con-
gress, enabling the Senate to act. Ger
many probably will be given a much
shorter period in which to accept terms,