Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1919-01-19
BRITISH POSITION
 DEFINED
Outline of Position Great Britain Will Assume at Peace Conference.

Paris, Friday, Jan 17.-Careful in- vestigation here has made it possible to give more concretely than pre- viously, an outline of the war claims of Great Britain and her general de- sires regarding the making of peace.
 The British aims, the unofficial representation of them shows, are re- garded as in general. coinciding with those of the United States delega- tion at the peace conference. There are some minor differences of opinion between Great Britain and America regarding the final adjustment of the worlds aaffirs. and these differences remain to be reconciled On the | whole. however, the aims of the two nations are considered by British 1 commentators as identical.
 Great Britain believes first, it is in- dicated in these sources, that a league of nations is desirable and attainable, and that none of the British war aims will be considered practicable unless they conform with the tenets of such and govern the affairs of the Universe. a league as is contemplated to realign She also believes that things should be so adjusted that the war aims of every country will conform with those of the others-in other words, that there hsould. be a compact of give and l take.
 Will Pool Indemnities.
 As to indemnities, Grdat BtAtain expects to enter q pool With other na- tions. Her claims are comparatively small. it is said, but she wants her air raid damage and her shipping losses paid for.
 In addition to the league of nations, one of the great things which great Britain hopes will grow out of the peace conference, is apparent, is a thoroughly good working agreement with the United States. Great import ance is attached to this.
 Great Britain, it is declared by the interpreters of her views, has no in terest on the continent of Europe other than that permanent peace and justice be maintained. She thinks that the principle of self-determina- tion should be given full play and that freedom of transit should obtain both by rail and waterways. She de- sires, it is stated, to see countries such as Switzerland given access to the sea, this not only in the interest of the trade of Great Britain, but of the world, and she holds that there are numerous ports which should be made free, including Constantinople. "
 Favors Freedom of Seas.
 As to the freedom of the seas, Great Britain, it is maintained, will in the future, as in the past, aim at securing the greatest possible freedom for commerce to all nations in times of peace. This. it is said, is what she means by the freedom of the seas. The question of the rules of warfare by sea she considers quite separate and as requiring discussion, but she hopes that the causes of war will be
 removed.
 Great Britain desires the greatest freedom of trade on land and sea and
 she expects a league of nations to
 guarantee this, it is stated. Before . the war, it is poointed out, British col onies were open to the world.
 The British consider that Germany abused the privileges offered and that
 each German tradesman was poten- tial spy and Great Britain has no de- sire to return to this condition Of ar' fairs. She wants to rid trade of the political element which Germany ih-
 jected into 1t.
 Great Britain does not want to be- come a protectionist power, 1t IS de- clared, but she does not wish free trade to put her at disadvantage Unless the peace conference elimin' ates the obiectionable features exist ing before the war it is probable thai Great Britain would be forced to de fend herself by special laws.
 Arabia Asks For Protection. Il Tn Asia Minor, notably in Arabia
 and Mesopotamia. Great Britain has
 certain commitments. In Arabia the people asked heS for protection against the Turks and requested tha , they be not left under Ottoman con ] ltrol Assurances of protection were p given by Great Britain. The expedi tion into Mesopotamia was due part! , to the same condition, it is added. II f this part of the world there ar'
 French, Italian. British, Russian ant
 Turkish interests to consider. Grea < Britain is prepared for an amicabl' 7 adjustment with her allies and ex : poets the league of nations to act al g steadying power.
 VI As far as Arabia is concerned. Grea : Britain will be largely guided by tn g wishes of the inhabitants. Arabia wa e recently recognized as sovereign bel : liperent power, and Great Britain de e sires the principle of self-determina }. tion to work itself out as far as pos a sible in these districts Undoubtedl. e lit is said, she expects to supervise al e fairs in some parts of Arabia and tnl | >~~~~N~~~s~s~~>~r>><~~~ | Continued on page six)