100 Years Ago Today

[Jimbuna]

17th March 1919

Aftermath of War

French and Allies evacuating Odessa; Bolsheviks advancing.

Red Cross volunteers handing out cigarettes and chocolates to returning American soldiers.


[March 17, 1919] Giant plane will carry 1000 passengers via diagonal thrust, 800ft long 200ft wide (250m by 60m) - 747 is about 225 ft (68.5m) long with a wingspan of 212 ft (64 m)

[Sailor Steve]

Monday, March 17, 1919

PARIS PEACE CONFERENCE
Day 43

M Pichon's hotel suite, Quai d’Orsay, 15:00


President Wilson rejoins the Peace Conference as the finalized Naval, Military and Air Conditions of Peace is presented. The document contains 56 Articles governing every aspect of the limitations to be placed on Germany. This is the (very) condensed version.


Section I - Military Clauses

Chapter 1 - Effectives and Cadres of the German Army

Article 1. Within two months of the signing of this document Germany must demobilize to the extent prescribed.

Article 2. The German Army must not comprise more than seven divisions of infantry and three divisions of cavalry.
Total men allowed: 100,000, including officers.
Total officers allowed: 4,000.

Article 3. Divisions and Headquarters Staffs to be organized according to attached Table 1 (I have not included the tables).

Article 4. Divisions must not be grouped under more than two Army Corp Headquarters staffs.
German General Staff to be dissolved and not reassembled in any form.
German Ministries of War may not exceed 300 men.

Article 5. Army Administrative Services consisting of civilians may not exceed 10% of the numbers laid out in the 1913 budget.

Article 6. Reserved for future use.


Chapter 2 - Armament, Munitions and Material

Article 7. Two months following the signing of this document Germany must not possess a greater amount of armaments than laid down in Table 2.

Article 8. Two months following the signing of this document stocks of munitions must not exceed the amount laid down in Table 3.

Article 9. Two months following the signing of this document stocks of ammunition for these guns must not exceed 1,500 rounds each for guns 10.5cm and under, and 500 rounds for larger guns.

Article 10. Factories manufacturing arms and ammunition and all arsenals will be specified by the Allied Governments. All others will be closed within three months of the signing of this document.

Article 11. Within two months of the signing of this document all arms, munitions and war material in excess of the numbers specified will be surrendered to the Allies for disposal.

Article 12. Import to and export from Germany of any kind of armament is strictly forbidden.

Article 13. Use and manufacture of any poison gas or liquid is strictly forbidden in Germany.


Chapter 3 - Recruiting and Military Training

Article 14. Compulsory Military Service is abolished in Germany. All enlistment is to be strictly voluntary.

Article 15. Period of service for all enlisted personnel must be 12 consecutive years. No one may leave the service before that time except for medical reasons.

Article 16. Officers currently serving who choose to remain must do so until at least age 45. Newly recruited officers must remain in service for a minimum of 25 years.

Article 17. Two months after the signing of this document there must only exist in Germany the number of military schools which is absolutely indispensable for the recruitment of the officers of the units allowed.

Article 18. Schools and Universities may not occupy themselves with military matters.

Article 19. Any kind of military mobilization is expressly forbidden.


Chapter 4 - Fortifications

Article 20. Within three months of the signing of this document all fortifications west of a line drawn 50 miles east of the Rhine must be dismantled. All other fortifications may be maintained in their present state.


Section II - Naval Clauses

Article 21. Two months from the signing of this document the German Navy must number no more than:

6 Battleships of the 'Deutschland' type.

6 Light Cruisers.

12 Destroyers.

12 Torpedo Boats.

No submarines whatsoever.

Article 22. Until all minesweeping operations are completed Germany will be allowed to retain in commission a number of minesweeping vessels to be designated by the Allies.

Article 23. Two months from the signing of this document the German Navy will contain no more than 15,000 men including officers, no more that 1,500 of which may be officers.

Article 24. As of the signing of this document all German warships not in German ports will cease to belong to Germany. Vessels now in Allied ports are considered to be surrendered. All vessels in neutral ports will be surrendered as soon as possible. All such vessels will be destroyed or broken up.

Article 25. Within two months of the signing of this document the ships listed below will be sunk (there follows a list of battleships, light cruisers, destroyers and torpedo boats). This will be done under the control of the Allied governments.

Article 26. Germany must immediately break up all warships currently under construction.

Article 27. German auxiliary cruisers and Fleet auxiliaries (a list is attached) will be disarmed and treated as merchant ships.

Article 28. One month from the signing of this document all German submarines will be handed over to the Allied governments. Within three months all submarines not able to travel under their own power will be broken up by the Germans, under Allied supervision.

Article 29. Articles, machinery and materials left over from the breakup of these ships may be used for industrial or commercial purposes only, and may not be sold to any other country.

Article 30. Germany may not build or buy any warships other than to replace ones allowed to remain in commission by this document.

Article 31. Germany is forbidden from building or buying any submarine of any type.

Article 32. German warships allowed to remain in commission will only have arms and armaments as specified by the Allied governments.

Article 33. Specifies the areas to be swept for mines by Germany.

Article 34. Enlisted sailors must serve for a minimum of 12 years. Naval officers must serve for a minimum of 25 years. Current officers who are not demobilized must remain in service until age 45 except in cases of ill health.


Additional Articles

Article 35. The fortifications, military establishments, and harbours of the Islands of Heligoland and Dune shall be destroyed under the supervision of the Allied Governments, by German labor and at the expense of Germany, within a period to be determined by the Allied Governments (a list follows detailing which harbours are to be included).

Article 36. In order to ensure free passage into the Baltic to all nations, Germany shall not erect any fortifications in the Baltic Sea area. All existing forts are to be destroyed.

Article 37. All fortified works and fortifications, other than those mentioned in Articles 35 and 36, now established within fifty kilometres of the German coast or on German islands off that coast shall be considered as of a defensive nature and may remain in their existing condition. No new fortifications shall be constructed within these limits.

Article 38. Kiel Canal (reserved).

Article 39. Wireless Telegraphy may not be used for any Military or Naval purposes. Germany may build no new W/T stations until the signing of the Peace Treaty.

Article 40. Submarine Cables (reserved).


Section III - Air Clauses

Article 41. The armed forces of Germany may not contain any military or naval air forces.

Germany may retain through October 1st 1919 no more than 100 seaplanes or flying boats, for the sole purpose of searching for submarine mines.

No dirigibles may be kept.

Article 42. Within one month of the signing of this document the German air forces will be completely demobilized. Germany may retain 1,000 men, including officers, for the purpose of aiding demobilization.

Article 43. No grounds or sheds for dirigibles may be maintained.

Article 44. Germany will allow all Allied aircraft free passage over German airspace and the right to land anywhere in Germany until all Allied troops have been evacuated from Germany.

Article 45. Germany may not build or buy any aircraft of any kind until the Peace Treaty is signed.

Article 46. Upon the signing of this document Germany will hand over to the Allies all military and naval aircraft of any type, including dirigibles (there follows a very detailed list of everything pertaining to military aeronautics).


Section IV - General Articles

Article 47. Within three months of the signing of this document German laws must be modified to conform to the stipulations contained herein.

Article 48. The Armistice of November 11, 1918, remains in force except where they are inconsistent with the stipulations contained in this document.


Section V - Inter-Allied Commissions of Control

Article 49. These clauses will be executed by Commissions appointed by the Allied governments.

Article 50. These Commissions will be charged with the oversight of the destruction of specified arms and armaments.

Article 51. These Commissions may establish their organizations at the seat of the German government. They may proceed to any point withing Germany in pursuit of their duties.

Article 52. The German government must give every aid to these Commissions. A German liaison will be attached to each Commission to aid communications. All labor and material for the work of destruction must be provided at Germany's expense.

Article 53. The cost of these Commissions will be borne by Germany.

Article 54. The Military Inter-Allied Commission of Control will represent the Inter-Allied High Command in dealing with the German Government in all matters concerning the execution of the military clauses. It will be in overall charge of the destruction of specified armaments, and the recipient of armaments that are handed over to the Allies.

Article 55. The Naval Inter-Allied Commission of Control will represent the Admiralties of the Allied Governments and the United States in dealing with the German Government in all matters concerning the execution of the Naval Clauses. It will be in charge of the breaking-up of German warships under construction and will receive the ships that are handed over.

Article 56. The Aeronautical Inter-Allied Commission of Control will represent the Inter-Allied High Command in dealing with the German Government in all matters concerning the execution of the Air Clauses. It will be charged with making an inventory of all aviation-related materials in Germany.


1. The first task of the Peace Conference meeting is devoted to going over this document and discussing dozens of revisions, mostly simple changes of wording, after which the document is approved.


2. The Polish Crisis is revisited. A lengthy discussion is held on the Ukrainian attacks on Poland. The chief subjects are getting the Ukrainian government to agree to an armistice and the ongoing problem of getting Polish troops from France to Poland. A tentative agreement is finally reached:

1) To call upon the Allied Maritime Transport Council to submit a scheme showing what should be the contribution in shipping of each of the Allied and Associated Governments for the transport of General Haller’s troops from France to Danzig.

2) To enjoin the Ukrainian Government through the intermediary of the Warsaw Commission to accept an armistice. The armistice conditions should, generally speaking, take the present situation into account and more particularly in regard to the present possession of the oilfields.

3) To authorize Marshal Foch to study the possibility of the transport of Polish troops to Poland from France and Odessa.

After this the meeting adjourned.

[Jimbuna]

18th March 1919

Aftermath of War

3 British officers and 5 other ranks murdered in train at Deirut, Upper Egypt.

Widespread protests and riots continue in Egypt against British rule. A train wrecked by protestors.


8th Congress of the Russian Communist Party is held in Moscow. Delegates at the Congress, with Stalin, Lenin, and Mikhail Kalinin in the center (11 of the other pictured will later be executed, 3 commit suicide).


Ship Losses:

Bonovento (Denmark) The barque caught fire in the Indian Ocean south of Ceylon (approximately 4°N 82°E) and was abandoned. Her crew were rescued by Martinique ( Denmark).

[Sailor Steve]

Tuesday, March 18, 1919

PARIS PEACE CONFERENCE




The Peace Conference takes another day off as certain Committees hear testimony from different parties concerning the Polish problem.

[Jimbuna]

19th March 1919

Aftermath of War

Germany's Navy to be limited to 36 ships (Order by Peace Conference).

Irish War of Independence: IRA volunteers raided Collinstown Airfield, now Dublin Airport. They captured 75 rifles and 4,000 rounds of ammunition.

Canadian Highland Light Infantry getting ready for the morning.


Ship Losses:

Conservator (United Kingdom) The steam yacht foundered off Cardigan, Wales, United Kingdom. Her ten crew were rescued by Elizabeth Austin (RNLI).

[Sailor Steve]

Wednesday, March 19, 1919

PARIS PEACE CONFERENCE
Day 44

M Pichon's hotel suite, Quai d’Orsay, 15:00


1. After some discussion it is decided that the question of maritime transport for Polish troops will be put off until Friday the 21st.


2. M Jules Gambon says that his Committee has prepared two documents. First is a telegram to be sent to the President of the Allied Commission at Warsaw, and the second is a declaration by the Allied and Associated Powers addressed to the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian troops in Eastern Galicia.

The previous day the Committee had heard from Dr Lord, the American delegate on the Warsaw Commission. It was Dr Lord's opinion that an Armistice between the Poles and Ukrainians could not be negotiated by that Commission, and that the Commission at best could negotiate a cease-fire. An Armistice would have to be dealt with by the Peace Conference itself. It is decided that Dr Lord should be heard by the Supreme Council and Marshal Foch should attend that discussion.

Dr Lord begins by stating his opinion that Military Force will not work in this situation, and that an Armistice must be negotiated by Diplomatic Means. Dr Lord proposes that:

A) The Conference send an urgent invitation to the Polish and Ukrainian leadership to agree to an immediate cease-fire.

B) The cease-fire should leave the city of Lemberg and the Lemberg-Przemysl Railway Line in the hands of the Poles.

C) If both parties agree to the cease-fire they should be invited to send representatives to Paris for Armistice discussions to be conducted by a Commission created for that purpose.

D) The Armistice agreed to by this means should be submitted to the Peace Conference for approval.

1) Since the Polish Commission has failed to bring about a truce it is recommended that the Peace Conference itself should use all the moral authority at its disposal to coerce the parties involved to reach an agreement.

2) It is recommended that this suspension of hostilities be effected through a truce based substantially on the existing military status quo but under conditions which would insure the security in Polish hands of the city of Lemberg and of the railway connecting Lemberg with Przemysl.

3) It is recommended that in case both belligerent parties agree to an immediate truce, they should be invited to send representatives to Paris to discuss with an Inter-Allied Commission appointed for this purpose the terms of an armistice which should last until the final settlement by the Conference of the territorial questions pending in Eastern Galicia.

4) It is recommended that the armistice as finally fixed by the Inter-Allied Commission after due consultation with the Polish and Ukrainian Representatives should be submitted to the Conference, and, if approved by it, should then be communicated to the belligerent parties as a mediatory arrangement proposed by the Conference.

A discussion of these points follows, with the Leaders asking questions and Dr Lord answering. One method of coercement suggested is that both parties be informed that if either one refuses the cease-fire then that party's claims will not be heard by the Council. It is also decided that the message be communicated by telegram to the leadership of the respective nations, to their representatives in Paris, and from Marshal Foch to their military leaders. It is considered vital that every possible means of communication be used to keep either side from claiming they had not received the message.

Marshal Foch says that if the Ukrainians should neglect the decisions of the Conference as they had those of the Inter-Allied Commission, the Conference might be discredited. He is not sure on what terms the Allies are with the Ukrainians. Are they friends or enemies?

Mr Balfour says that he would like Marshal Foch to explain how the Ukrainians, whose country was represented as over-run by Bolsheviks, could find troops to invade Poland which was being over-run by no-one.

Marshal Foch said that he had no explanation to offer of this phenomenon unless it be assumed that the Ukrainians were in agreement with the Bolsheviks.

After much more discussion of specifics the Council Members agree to send the telegrams.


3. M Gambon says he has been informed that the Germans wish to discuss the landing of Polish troops at Danzig. General Weygand replies that Marshal Foch has already given the order that such discussions should be refused and that the Germans should be referred to the Inter-Allied Commission in Poland.


After a short recess the meeting resumes.


4. M Gambon initiates a discussion of Polish borders, pointing out that none of Poland's borders are natural, i.e. bounded by rivers or mountains. A part of this discussion involves the giving of Danzig to Poland so they can have a seaport. Another possibility is Elbing, but the Committee has decided to leave that city as part of Eastern Prussia. While Danzig's population is mostly German the surrounding areas are all Polish. Königsberg, on the other hand, has some Poles living there, but in language, outlook, and even religion they are more German than Polish.

A discussion follows on the problem that Poland contains large German populations in several regions, and there is no division possible that will not leave many Germans living under Polish rule. To a lesser extent the opposite is also true. Eventually it is decided that the situation is so complex that it needs to be referred back to the Committee for Poland for further examination.

The meeting is adjourned.

[Jimbuna]

20th March 1919

The Royal Air Force’s R33, the largest airship in the world, at Shelby, England.


A serial killer in New Orleans threatens to kill again but promises to spare anyone who is at a place playing jazz. Every dance hall in the city reaches capacity and house parties employ amateur jazz bands. No murders are committed tonight.


37th, Engineers upon arrival from France.

[Sailor Steve]

Thursday, March 20, 1919

PARIS PEACE CONFERENCE


Prime Minister's Flat, 23 Rue Nitot, Paris, 15:00


The Representatives of the Council of Four (Britain, France, Italy and the United States) have a private meeting. The purpose is to resolve questions still open concerning zones of influence between Britain and France in helping Arabic nations sort out home governments and separate themselves from the Turks as specified in the Sykes-Picot Agreement of May 1916. This discussion takes quite some time and is mostly spent arguing over where the zones of influence begin and end.


There is a second brief discussion concerning the Polish problem and how we can expect the Germans to react to the proposals made thus far.

[Jimbuna]

21st March 1919

Aftermath of War

Soviet Government in Hungary; Count M. Karolyi resigns.

General Allenby appointed Special High Commissioner of Egypt.

Navigation of the Danube thrown open.

The Hungarian Soviet Republic is established, with de facto power in the hands of Communist revolutionary politician Béla Kun.


King and Queen of Belgium with General Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Force, in Chaumont, France.


Royal Army Medical Corps personnel handing over wounded prisoners to German authorities, 21 March 1919.

[Sailor Steve]

Friday, March 21, 1919

PARIS PEACE CONFERENCE
Day 45

M Pichon's hotel suite, Quai d’Orsay, 15:00


1. M Clemenceau opens the meeting and calls Marshal Foch to make a statement concerning the transporting of General Haller's army to Poland.

Marshal Foch says that the question of the transportation of General Haller’s army to Poland by rail has been studied, and the conclusion had been reached that it could be carried out as soon as the Conference gave the necessary authority, five or six days only being required in order to get the rolling stock together. By the land route one or two trains could be despatched daily; but conversations in regard to details were still taking place between the general staffs of the Allied Powers concerned.

The transport of the troops by sea, via Dantzig, had also received consideration, and a conclusion had been reached in regard to the tonnage which would be required.

The carriage by rail would only give very feeble results; consequently, it should be supplemented by the sea route, provided an agreement could be reached in regard to the disembarkation of the troops at the Port of Danzig, and their transportation thence over the railway lines, under proper guarantees.

After questioning by Mr Lloyd George Marshal Foch says that transportation of the army by rail could be started immediately, but would be very slow, and discussions should continue regarding transportation by sea.

Marshal Foch says he believes that both methods should be used, and asks whether that proposal will be approved by the Conference. Mr Lloyd George says no. Land transportation is too long and complicated and the Conference has only approved transportation by sea. President Wilson and M Clemenceau both say that they agree with that assessment.

Marshal Foch says that the sea route alone remained. A transportation plan had been worked out and could be brought into operation quickly. Only two questions remain, the possibility of landing at Danzig and the transportation by rail from Dantzig to Thorn.

The rest of the meeting is occupied by a very long discussion of the problem of the German Delegation at Spa refusing to deal with the Peace Conference Commission there until the supplies of food to Germany are guaranteed. It is finally decided that Marshal Foch will hand-deliver a letter demanding that the Germans allow General Haller's Polish army to land at Danzig and give a precise accounting of their answer.


M Pichon's hotel suite, Quai d’Orsay, 18:00

A special meeting is held to discuss concerns brought up by Mr Lloyd George that the conversations held on Tuesday the 18th concerning Poland have been printed in full in a Paris newspaper. His main concern is not that the "private" meeting has been made public so much as that he himself has been misquoted and misrepresented to the point where what was written has almost nothing to do with what he said at that meeting. He gives a somewhat lengthy speech detailing the article and an earlier incident of this nature that had been brought up by President Wilson.

M Clemenceau reminds Mr Lloyd George of the difficulties involved in censoring the Press. France does have laws in place but he is reluctant to enforce them too stringently. He cannot guarantee that similar incidents will not happen again in the future.

Mr Lloyd George says that his complaint is not against the press, as it is their job to report the news. His complaint is rather that some official sitting in the room at this very moment is leaking sensitive information to said press.

President Wilson asks if an inquiry could not be established to discover who had given out information about Poland. M Clemenceau agrees, and promises to do what he can.

Mr Balfour points out that this problem is not just limited to the Peace Conference itself, but is also taking place in the Committees and Councils. President Wilson says that his own sources can confirm Mr Balfour's statement.

M Clemenceau asks if a notice should be given to all members of the Peace Conference, encouraging strict secrecy. Mr Lansing notes that that the whole of the military and naval terms had been published in the press. Baron Sonnino states his agreement that a notice should be circulated to all members. Mr Lloyd George says that whoever is giving out this information should be discovered and barred entry to the Council Chamber.

In the end it is agreed:

1) That a strict and severe enquiry should be instituted by the French Authorities in order to discover, if possible, the name of the person who had given information to the Press in regard to the Conversation held at the Quai d’Orsay about Poland.


2) That a circular should be issued by the Secretariat General to members of the Peace Conference impressing on them the necessity for strict reticence in regard to the proceedings of the Conference.


The meeting is then adjourned.

[Jimbuna]

22nd March 1919

Aftermath of War

March of Guards' Division through London.

Britain: General Bulfin Commander-in-Chief in Egypt.

Canadian troops participating in a 75-yard race in Brussels.


Bhupinder Singh, ruler of Patiala in British India, with his troops in Egypt:.

[Sailor Steve]

Saturday, March 22, 1919

PARIS PEACE CONFERENCE
Day 46

M Pichon's hotel suite, Quai d’Orsay, 11:00


1. M Jules Gambon addresses the Council on the subject of the border between eastern Poland and East Prussia. This involves a note from the Committee on Polish Affairs to the Supreme Council, which says that guaranteeing Poland secure access to the sea will involve the annexation of two East Prussian areas with predominately German populations, and which have been part of East Prussia for several centuries. The conclusion of the Committe is that the need of Poland to have this access outweighs the needs of the 75,000 Germans living in the area.

After much discussion it is concluded that the original report from the Polish Committee is still the best policy, and it is decided to follow the recommendations in the note in question.


2. M Clemenceau brings up the breakdown of negotiations over the question of landing Polish troops at Danzig. The first question is whether the landings there would be in keeping with the wording of the November 1918 Armistice. If so then every attempt must be made to convince the Germans to abide by the terms of the Armistice.

The second question concerns a suggestion from the Germans as to whether it might be better to land the Polish troops at Königsberg or Libau. Mr Lloyd George suggests that it might be best to land the troops at all three ports.

President Wilson brings up the point that M Noulens, tasked with negotiating with the Germans on this subject, had asked for free passage for Polish troops and not for Allied troops. If this is true the request is not in agreement with the terms of the Armistice. Polish troops could be considered Allied troops if they had enlisted in the American or French armies, but if not the Allies might be seen as being in the wrong on this subject. This point must be made clear before discussing possible alternate landing ports.

Baron Sonnino points out that landing at Königsberg or Libau might not entail crossing German territory, but it would mean crossing Bolshevik territory. President Wilson replies that landing at Königsberg will almost certainly mean crossing German territory. It is vital to know the exact terms used by M Noulens when addressing the Germans. Mr Wilson also points out that the Germans are well within their rights to ask that the talks be held at Spa rather than Posen.

Mr Balfour reminds the council that it was the Germans who suggested using Königsberg or Libau as landing points. This makes it easier to negotiate landings at Königsberg, Libau is in Courland, a territory claimed by the Lithuanians, and the Lithuanians and Poles are not on good terms. President Wilson says that the same problem applies to Memel, another possible landing point.

M Clemenceau proposes that Marshal Foch prepare a report on the possibility of landing at Königsberg, to be presented at a private meeting of the heads of governments on Monday, March 24th, at 1500 hours. This is agreed to.


3. It is decided that the next subjects will be underwater cables and Teschen, to be addressed on Monday, March 24th, at 1600 hours, and the meeting is adjourned.

[Jimbuna]

23rd March 1919

President Wilson visits the former battlefields of the war at Soissons, France.


Benito Mussolini in Milan launches the “Fasci Italiani di Combattimento” (Italian Fasci of Combat) movement (the predecessor to the National Fascist Party).


A wounded French veteran making brushes.


"How to use Boche helmets." (Petit Journal)

[Sailor Steve]

Sunday, March 23, 1919

The Peace Conference has the day off.

[Jimbuna]

24th March 1919

Aftermath of War

Romanians defeat Bolsheviks on he Dniester River.

Charles, the last Emperor of Austria and the last King of Hungary, leaves Austria in exile, but still claims sovereignty over Austria and Hungary.


Red Flag riots – A crowd of 8,000 ex-servicemen clashed with police in Brisbane. Police officers used bayonets to drive back the mob, injuring 100 servicemen.

Igor Sikorsky flees Europe for the United States.

Ship Losses:

Cecil Fearn (United Kingdom) The schooner was driven ashore at Figuera, Cape Verde Islands, Portugal and was wrecked.