At the dawn of the 20th century, the world saw one of the deadliest conflicts in history. Contemporaneously described as "the war to end all wars", the World War I led to the mobilization of more than 70 million military personnel, including 60 million Europeans, making it one of the largest wars in history.
The Paris Peace Conference, also known as Versailles Peace Conference, was the meeting of the victorious Allied Powers following the end of WWI to set the peace terms for the defeated Central Powers. The conference lasted a little more than a year.
The Messenger (The Georgian Messenger) covered the Peace Conference each week on their front page. We offer our readers an unaltered texts from the two issues of the newspaper(March 16, 1919 (#4) and March 23, 1919 (#5)).
The Peace Conference
From the March 16, 1919 (#4) issue
The chief questions discussed at the Peace Conference during the preceding week were those concerning Germany, the demarcation of frontiers, the Russian problem. the league of peoples and the organization of armies.
Regarding Germany, the representatives of the powers present at the Conference came to the conclusion that it was essential first of all to supply Germany with provisions as speedily as possible. The representatives of France opposed this, but the necessity of the immediate import of provisions into Germany was upheld by Lloyd George and the American representatives, and their point of view won out. In connection herewith an agreement was reached on one indispensable condition, namely that the transport of supplies will be under Allied control, and the Powers of the Entente for the time being take charge of the entire German commercial fleet.
The question of the German army was likewise brought up for consideration. It was decided that the rank and file should consist of 250,000 men with 9,000 officers. The period of service of the latter should be 250,000 men with 9,000 officers. The period of service of the latter should be 25 years: that of the men - twelve. The army is to be recruited on a volunteer basis.
In connection with Russia, as is wellknown, an agreement was reached.
A proposal was made to the representatives of all the states which have been formed on the former territory of Russia (with the exception of those of the Caucasus) to come to the Prince's Islands to discuss, in conjunction with the representatives of the Allied Powers, the question as to what is to become of Russia. In case this proposal is not taken up, it has been decided to actively intervene in Russia with a view to restore order in the country. In regard to the last point., disagreement ensued among the Allies. President Wilson declared that America would not send armed forces to Russia. From the last speeches of Lloyd George it is evident that he also considers that armed intervention in the affair of Russia is not feasible. Two plans accordingly remain: either to leave Russia to herself, or else to establish an economic blockade of bolshevik Russia. The Allies are apparently inclining in favor of the latter proposal.
Regarding the question of the league of peoples, it has become clear that England and America are supporting the original project as proposed by President Wilson, while France and Italy demand that a series of alterations be made in it.
Lastly, regarding the future organization of armies, a very important agreement between the representatives of the great powers has been reached. The principle of conscription has been disavowed, and it has been recognized that the armies in all countries shall be raised upon a volunteer basis, as was the case in Great Britain before the war.
The Peace Conference
From the March 23, 1919 (#5) issue
The most interesting and important of the questions which were brought up at the Peace Conference during the past week were those of the boundaries of Greece and the loosening of the blockade of Germany.
Greece demanded that Constantinople, Thrace, the Aegean Islands, and a considerable part of Asia Minor should be handed over to her. The details regarding the discussion of these demands are unknown. As far as can be judged from the fragmentary news which has been received, the demands regarding Constantinople are not to be granted. The city and the straits are to be made neutral. Thrace, however, and a large portion of the Aegean Islands will be united to Greece. Regarding the question of Asia Minor, disputes arose at the conference between the American delegates and the others. The other nations insisted that Smyrna be handed over to the Greeks, but the Americans objected, considering that Smyrna is the natural port for the whole of Asia Minor.
Regarding the question of the blockade of Germany, the Conference decided that in the immediate future it should be loosened and subsequently entirely abolished. Germany and Austria are to receive assistance in the way of provisions: Bohemia and Bavaria are to receive their share first.
The raising of the blockade is to take place upon one essential condition, - namely, that Germany must hand over her entire commercial fleet to the Allies. The financial blockade is to be raised immediately, which will give the banks in neutral countries, where, asfor example, in Denmark, large amounts of gold have accumulated, the possibility of according Germany financial assistance.
The fundamental question regarding the League of Peoples has not as yet passed beyond the stage of discussion.During the negotiations, it came out that Wilson and Clemenceaudisagreed. During the last few days consultations have been going on between the heads of governments and the Allied commanders-in-chief regarding the final peace terms with Germany. These terms, it is predicted, will be handed in to Germany at the end of March or the beginning of April.
Lloyd George being called away by affairs of state, proposed to leave the Conference for a time. The representatives of the other powers, however, considered his presence indispensable and prevailed upon him to remain.
A memorandum from Italy has been submitted to the Peace Conference. Her demans are the following: there should be united to Italy the districts of the Trentino, the Adige and the Austrian shore of the Adriatic. The boundaries of Italy should be extended to the Julian Alps.
On their way to take part in the Labor Commission at the Peace Conference are the American women delegates, Miss Rosa Schneider and Miss Mary Andersen. They will have a series of consultations beforehand with the Women's Labor Organizations in England.
