The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-04-18
Session of ''Big Four" Expected
To Settle Question.
Premier Orlando Planned UIti-
matum to the Powers.
WOULD WRECK EVERYTHING
Japanese Situation Is Nearly
as Bad as Italy.
''Big Four" VIII Take 1t Up
Next on Program.

NC@AS OAA Il Tvs
Paris, April 18-The Italian situa-
tion was expected to reach a crisis in
today's session of the big four
Premier Orlando, it was understood,
planned to present a virtual ultima
tum. threatening to wreck the whole
peace settlement by diplomatic sabot-
age unless Italy's territorial claims are
fully recognized. This would be ac-
complished. according to certain Ital-
ians, by refusing to accept treaty in
consistent with their aspirations and
at the same time holding the allies to
their agreement not to sign "sepa-
rate" peace.
Despite the seeming seriousness of
the situation, the delegates appeared
optimistic of an amicable adjustment
before the big four" adjourned.
Jap Problem Tomorrow.
Even if the Italian crisis is safely
passed today, the big four is expect
ed to be confronted with the Japan
ese situation" tomorrow or Sunday.
At that time, the Japanese are sched-
uled to present their claims aftecung
certain concessions in China, particu-
farly those in the Shantung peninsula.
The general sentiment appeared to IA
vor China in this controversy but
again it was predicted the matter
Indications today were that the
peace treaty would be finally ratified
by the plenary conference on April
"a, just one day before the Germans
arrive in Versailles to receive it, II the
program is followed.
Two plenary sessions apparently
will be necessary, the flrst on April
% to receive the revised covenant of
the league of nations and final re-
ports of the various commissions and
the second on the following day when
the whole treaty will be -aken up.
Threat From Italy.
Paris, April 1S.-The Italians are
reported to have threatened to block
the entire peace settlement unless thelr
claims are recognized. This developed
today when the big four again took
up ItaIy's territorial aspirations.
According to reliable information,
the Italians have now taken the posi-
tion that the pact of London, on which
their claims are based not only grants
them the entire program they are de-
manding. but pledges all the sigma
tories to stand together for stimuli
taneous peace
Washington Feels Better.
Washington, April 1S.-The situa-
ton at the peace conference ''contin-
ues to improve,Y private advices to the
White House stated today.
A message from Rear Admiral Gray
son, the presidents physician, stated
from his recent illness.
Paris, April 1S.-With every prepa-
ration being made for reception of the
German peace delegates April rs, the
Italians and Japanese continued today
to present possible barriers to com
plete agreement on the terms of the
treaty.
No Official information could bt
obtained regarding the present status
Of he r11 of fxvn RI las
but it was generally understood the
Italians were still holding out for rati-
fication of their entire eXpansionis
program, while the Japanese were pre-
pairing to reintroduce their racia
equality amendment to the league o.
nations covenant at the plenary ses
sion next week. The Italians were
said to be standing pat on their threat
to withdraw from the conference un
less their claims were granted. The
japanese. while still apparently with
out specific instructions from Toxic
were reported to be ready to announce
their refusal to accept the covenan
if thier amendment were to be agar
turned down.
Dust tile Guests.
Guests in the Hotels Vetal and De!
Reservoirs at Versailles were bein.
ousted today to make room for thu
German delegates. 1t was believed
that quarters in other hotels nigh
also be requisitioned.
According to the latest report, th
enemy representatives will be met onl,
by the big four'-President Wilson
Premier Lloyd George, Premier Gle
menceau and Premier Orlando-wh'
will formally present the treaty. afte
which the German delegation will re
turn with it to Weimar. where it will
be discussed by the German govern
ment and possibly the national assem-
bly,.
The guarantees" understood Z,
have been given France still remain ;
mystery. They are surrounded by.th
greatest secrecy and it could not be as
certained whether they will be incIud
ed in the treaty or in separate agree
ment. Aside from the tacit admission
that the guarantees are satisfactory
1t was recalled that at the last leagu
of nations committee meeting Senate
Bourgeois did not mention his amend
.ment for an international army O
general staff. He had been expecte,
to urge this to the last, and the fact h
abandoned the idea was accepted a
conclusive proof of the existence o
other assurances.
Belgians in Plans.
Taking the solution of the Saar val
ley problem as a precedent, the Bel
gians are proposing adoption of plal
for making up their country's indus
trial losses They urge that a numbe
or German factories in the occupies
area be turned over to Belgium an,
operated for the Belgians' benefit un
til the latter's plants are restored Tn
Belgian delegation pointed out tina
one factory in Biege alone was valued
at $15,000,000 and is now a total loss
the buildings having been razed an
D'Outiniattl