The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-07-03
Lloyd George Gives First Def
mite Statement to Commons.
Other Officers Who Committed
Crimes VIII Face Trial.
OPPOSES POLE RULE OVER FOE
Premier Says Terms Terrible,
but So Were Hun Deeds.
German Army Too Weak To
Disturb Weakest NeighbOr.

London, July 3.-Wllllam
Hohenzollern, former kaiser Of
Germany, will be tried soon in
London by an allied tribunal,
Premier Lloyd George an
nounced in the house of COM
mons this afternoon.
This was the first official announce
ment regarding expiation of the ex-
kaiscr's crimes against civilization
since publication OF the peace treaty.
II was regarded as removing all doubt
as to the allies intention TO bring the
war lord" to justice.
VIII Try Other Officers. Too.
Lloyd George stated also to the COM
mons that other Officers who COM
mitted appalling infamies will be
tried"
THE peace terms are in many re-
spects terrible, but terrible were the
deeds which justified them" said
Lloyd George.
The premier declared the German
army is now inadequate to disturb the
peace Of even the feeblest neighbors.
He said the limit Of reparations is
"Germanys ability to pay"
Opposes Giving Poland the "Melon."
Restoration of the 100000 square
miles Of German colonies is Impossible.
he maintained, because Of former i'll
treatment Of the natives by the Ger
mans. lie said the British delegation
has taken a stand resolutely oppos-
ing putting amy predominantly Ger
man territory under Polish rule"
The peace treaty contains provision
for trial of Wilhelm, as well as all
military and civil officials for inter-
national crimes. but the impression
had prevailed in some quarters that
retribution for the former kaiser
might be allowed TO lapse into moral
rather than physical punishment.
The attitude Of the Dutch govern
mcnt regarding eXtradition of VIII
helm is now cloudy. Statements by
various officials in Holland have
shown an inclination against turning
him over to any other than the Ger
man government. but the belief has
hecn EXPIRE ssed in unofficial circles at
The Hague that when the allies de-
mand is actually presented the Dutch
will accede to it-thru fear of pres
sure from the allies. IL for no other
reason.
Fx-Kaiscr Is Moving?
Unofficial dispatches reported to-
day that unusual activities were OBJ
served al Amerongen castle. where the
former kaiser is at present interned.
This was interpreted as indicating he
intends to move. tho possibly only to
another point in Holland.
Germany is divided over trial for
Wilhelm. the military caste bitterly
opposing it and the radicals openly ad-
vocating that he be tried by a German
Socialist tribunal. The German Off
ccrs' association recently sent a COM
munication to the Dutch government
urging that extradition Of the ex-
kaiser he refused and announcing that
its members were determined to pro-
tect him from trial.
Lloyd George was given remark
able ovation when he started to speak
He Immediately announced the intro
duction of two bills to enforce the
most momeutous document to which
Britain ever affixed her seal"
Activity mt AmcrOngen.
The Hague. July 3.-Unusual move
mentS at AmeronEen chateau were re-
ported today by the Handelsblad
Commenting on this the newspaper
said IL expects the former kaiser will
attempt to depart from his home
there.
The Nieuwe Courant declared today
that the Dutch government does not
feel obliged to turn Wilhelm over to
the allies.
He is free to go where he likes, SC
long as he stays In Holland" said this
journal.
The same view was held with regard
to the former crown prince.