[Sailor Steve]

Saturday, January 25, 1919


PARIS PEACE CONFERENCE
Day 7

Second General Meeting, 1500

1. President Wilson makes a long speech opening general discussion on the League of Nations. This is followed by a speech from Mr Lloyd George of Britain, Mr Orlando of Italy, and M Léon Bourgeois of France, followed by short statements from Mr Hughes of Australia, Mr Lou of China, Mr Dmowski of Poland and M Hymans of Belgium. The first point of order is the appointment of delegates to the Commission for the League of Nations, specifically for examination of the Constitution of that body. At this point Mr Calogeras of Brazil raises an objection to being told what has already been decided, and demands to know who has done this deciding. Mr Robert Borden of Canada attempts to explain the difficulties of having each and every point discussed by the Council as a whole. Then come statements from Mr Venizelos of Greece, Count Penha Garcia of Portugal, Mr Benes of Czechoslovakia, Mr Bratiano of Romania and Phiya Bibadh Kosha of Siam (Thailand).

M Clemenceau responds to these members by reminding them that the 'Big Five' were the ones who decided there would be a Peace Conference in Paris, and that the others were there by invitation. He points out that no rights have been denied any nation, and that all preliminary decisions are open to discussion and dissent, as is happening right now. He then states that if every question were left for the general body to decide, nothing would ever be decided. All decisions taken in private by the 'Big Five' are subject to a vote of approval by the General Committee.

M Klotz of France then presents the proposal for the Economic Commission for the League of Nations and the Commissions for Punishments and Reparations. M Clemenceau proposes that these appointments be made on January 27. This proposal is adopted.

Annex 1. That the League be considered a vital part of the Peace Conference.

Annex 2. That a Commission be appointed to deal with the responsibilities for the war, and that a War-Crimes tribunal be convened.

Annex 3. That a Commission be appointed to deal with the question of Reparations to be paid to nations which were invaded.

Annex 4. That an International Legislation on Labour be drafted and a Commission appointed to deal with it.

Annex 5. That a Commission be appointed to deal with International Control of Ports, Waterways, and Railways.

Annex 6. That the Minutes of private meetings of the 'Big 5' be made public.

Annex 7. List of all the Commissioners appointed to the above Commissions.


The Hotel Pennsylvania opens in Manhattan. At the time it is the largest hotel in the world.


Born This Day:

Edwin Newman, American journalist & author, is born in New York City, New York (died 2010).