100 Years Ago Today

[Jimbuna]

23rd January 1919

Aftermath of War

Split between MM. Lenin and Trotsky.

General Milne's despatch of 1 December 1918 on final Balkan operations published.

Result of German Elections declared.

Arabian Commission to the Paris Peace Conference with Emir Faisal in center and T.E. Lawrence on his right.


Ship Losses:

No. 325 (French Navy) The torpedo boat struck a mine and sank in the Mediterranean Sea off Tunis, Tunisia.
Marguerite III (France) The cargo ship sprang a leak in the Irish Sea off the Wyre Lighthouse and was abandoned. Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

January 23, 1919

PARIS PEACE CONFERENCE
Day 5

1030: M Pichon's Hotel Suite

1. M Clemenceau opens the meeting with the question of whether the delegates have made their nominations for Commissioners to Poland. America has made nominations. France does so now. Britain and Italy say they have not, but will this afternoon.

2. M Clemenceau states that France has made nominations for the Russian Commission. Baron Makino says that Japan will list nominations as soon as possible.

3. Commissioners for the League of Nations are named.

4. Mr Lloyd George presents his draft on disarmament. During the discussion on this Baron Makino suggests substituting the word "reduction" for the more absolute "disarmament". Mr Lloyd George points out that this draft is for discussion purposes only, and not meant to be shown to former enemy nations. He believes that former enemy forces should be reduced to the absolute minimum necessary for internal order to be maintained. President Wilson suggests that Germany be given time to show what forces they really need before proceeding. M Clemenceau says he will call Marshall Foch to testify. Mr Lloyd George he cannot accept any judgement from Marshall Foch without equal consultation with British experts. M Clemenceau states that he will be glad to hear from British, American, and any other experts on the subject.

5. It is pointed out that the situation in Germany has worsened over the past few days. With the fall of the Spartacist Party German commanders have become more arrogant and German forces seem to be massing against Poland. This said, it is pointed out that while the Allies support Poland, they cannot condone Poland attacking Germany while at the same time asking Germany to disarm.

6. Mr Lloyd George brings up the subject of Allied forces in Europe. He says that the numbers demanded by Marshall Foch cannot be maintained. M Orlando suggests that the subject of German disarmament is one for the Disarmament Committee, not the Peace Conference. He therefore believes that the Small Powers should not be concerned with this question. M Clemenceau states that he was unaware of any demands made by Marshall Foch, and suggests that one general from Britain, France, America and Italy should meet and discuss this subject and report their opinions to the Greater Powers Committee. President Wilson agrees. It is decided that the Supreme War Council should be present at tomorrow's morning meeting.

7. M Clemenceau reads a draft from Mr Lloyd George concerning the International Legislation on Industrial and Labour Questions. M Orlando requests that the draft be put to a vote by the full Conference on Saturday. M Clemenceau says that it will be put up for discussion, but not voted on. The five Great Powers will have two delegates each to this Commission, with the Lesser Powers having five delegates between them.

8. M Pichon points out that Poland, probably the greatest victim in this area, has been omitted from the Reparations Committee. It is agreed that Poland should have a place there. A resolution on delegates to this committee is adopted.

9. A Committee on "Breaches of Law", i.e. War Crimes, is discussed. This will only apply to such breaches committed by the Central Powers.

10. M Clemenceau states that the Agenda for Saturday's General Meeting will consist of discussions on the Resolutions proposed in this meeting and that of the previous day.

11. M Clemenceau states that a number of Territorial and Colonial questions still remain. It is pointed out that it will take some time for all the nations involved to prepare documents for presentation on this question.

12. A committee is proposed for governance of Ports, Waterways and Railways. Rules for delegates are laid down.

13. M Clemenceau points out that many Financial questions remain to be discussed, mainly concerning who owes what to whom. A committee is proposed to address these questions.

14. Mr Lloyd George brings up the question of whether Reparations claims should take precedence over the national debt of the enemy countries. It is agreed that this should be addressed by the committee formed for that task.


Born on this day:

Bob Paisley, English football player & manager, born in Hetton-le-Hole, United Kingdom (died 1996).

Ernie Kovacs, American comedian and television star, born in Trenton, New Jersey (died 1962).

Hans Hass, Austrian zoologist and underwater scientist, born in Vienna, Austria (d. 2013)

Nina Dumbadze, Soviet discus thrower (Olympic bronze 1952), born in Odessa, Ukraine (died 1983).

[Jimbuna]

24th January 1919

Aftermath of War

Greeks fight Turks at Smyrna.

Fighting erupts between Poland and Czechoslovakia as Czechoslovak forces invade the disputed region of Cieszyn Silesia.

The Russian Central Committee of the Communist Party issues a resolution stating, “Therefore it is necessary to conduct mass terror against rich Cossacks by exterminating them to the last man.” (Around 300,000 to 500,000 Cossacks were killed in 1919-20).

American battleship USS Vermont with troops aboard in Brest, 24 January 1919.

[Sailor Steve]

Friday, January 24, 1919


PARIS PEACE CONFERENCE
Day 6

M Pichon's hotel suite, Quai d’Orsay, 10:30

1. Listing of Allied forces to remain on the Western Front while the Armistice is still in force. Between 120 and 140 infantry divisions will remain in place until German demobilization is completed. M Clemenceau asks if there are enough men available to maintain those divisions. General Weygand replies that the forces available are:
France - 900,000
Great Britain-350,000
America-450,000
Belgium-120,000
Approximate total-1,820,000

Marshal Foch points out that these numbers are combatants only, and recommends that no changes be considered until March 31. Mr Lloyd George asks why the 37 German divisions still in place should be allowed to retain their arms, when their sole purpose seems to be waiting around supply depots for food and housing. He states that the total number of Allied troops still in France is around 800,000, and they all need to be supplied. If the Germans reduce their numbers the Allies can do the same. Marshal Foch says that he understands this to mean that disarmament should be forced on the Germans. Foch also mentions a problem, that being that the Commissioners assigned this job would only see what the Germans wanted them to see, making it impossible to determine Germany's true military strength at any given time.

President Wilson mentions that it has already been stated that the German leaders have no control over their men. This means that even if rearmament is ordered it could likely not be carried out. Germany is going to have enough trouble re-establishing and economy, let alone an Army. Mr Lloyd George questions whether Britain, not being a military country at heart, might no be able to maintain the troops required. Marshal Foch's plan really means that Germany can never be trusted. Some British troops have already gone home and are obtaining good jobs, and the ones still in France are growing restless. Mr Lloyd George says he believes that all this can only be obtained when the treaties are in force, and urges that the Peace Treaty is the most important consideration, as everything hinges on it.

General Pershing, called as an expert, states that in his opinion Germany is beyond the ability to resume the war, with no navy, all her ports open to the Allies and the army mostly demobilized and disorganized. General Sir Douglas Haig disagrees, saying that until the Peace Treaty is signed the Germans are still in a position to cause a lot of trouble. Mr Lloyd George, British Prime Minister, says that he wishes to discuss British plans with Marshal Haig and Secretary of State for War Mr Churchill before making a commitment. General Diaz states that Italy is already demobilizing, and the number of German factories capable of producing arms needs to immediately be reduced to the bare minimum required for that nation's survival. President Wilson says he does not believe the German People would be willing to take up arms again, and suggests that Mr Lloyd George's statements should be drawn up as a draft that will lay all this out in unmistakable terms. In this opinion Bolshevism is the greater danger at this point.

To this end a special committee is formed to oversee German disarmament, the delegates being Mr. Churchill, M. Loucheur, Marshal Foch, General Bliss, and General Diaz.

2. The next consideration involves Allied demobilization and the awarding of medals to Allied troops. It is decided that Marshal Foch will have oversight on the creation of campaign medals for all armies involved.


M Pichon's hotel suite, Quai d’Orsay, 12:15

1. President Wilson presents a document to be circulated concerning former belligerents who are trying to use the Armistice as a cover for gaining new territories by force. The message warns that any nation using force to gain new territories will be in danger of losing consideration in the Peace Talks.


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

1. M Clemenceau asks whether the Powers had nominated their delegates for the Commission to Poland. All delegates have been nominated, but one of the British delegates, General Botha, has not yet accepted. M Clemenceau states that the Commission should not start until receiving written instructions from the Council.

2. President Wilson points out that the press will not be included, as they are fully capable of sending their own commission. To the question of whether the press may try to influence the Commission, Mr Wilson says the American Press will not be working for individual interests but for dedicated news agencies. Since very little is known of Polish politics they will likely stick to just reporting the news. M Pichon says the same is true of the French press. Mr Lloyd George proposes that each nation only be allowed to send one press member. M Clemenceau agrees. It is decided that one member of the press from each of the Five Major Powers be sent, to be appointed by the press.

3. M Clemenceau points out that most Commissions have been organized and staffed, but Financial and Economic questions have yet to be addressed. At President Wilson's suggestion this is postponed until the next day's meetings.

4. The Prime Ministers of the various British Dominions are invited in to discuss the disposal of German colonies. Mr Lloyd George proposes that each of the PMs be heard separately before discussions begin. He opines, and President Wilson agrees, that there be no question of any of said colonies being returned to Germany. M Sonnino and Baron Makino agree. The idea is adopted, with the provision that no public announcement be made at this time.

Discussion then turns to the disposition of these former colonies. It is agreed that no matter what happens concerning the governance of the colonies, the native populations must be respected and allowed to form their own economies. They will be guaranteed the right of appeal to the League of Nations. Mr Lloyd George then speaks on the disposal of the former colonies. One option is direct supervision by the League of Nations. A second involves the conquering nations taking control.

German South-West Africa is a wilderness, and unless populated by British or Dutch colonists will remain so. General Smuts says the Union of South Africa is putting in a claim for this colony. He states that it is desert, fit only for ranching, and has no real native population. He also points out the sacrificed made by South Africa during the war.

Australia already controls 1/3 of New Guinea, and no one will care if they take control of the 1/3 formerly controlled by Germany.

Samoa was conquered by New Zealand, and according to Mr Massey it should stay that way. He points out Samoa's proximity to his nation, and the hardships faced by New Zealand during the war. He also states that the native populations willingly volunteered to fight for the British during the war, and as far as anyone knew not one native had volunteered to fight for Germany.

M Clemenceau thanks the Dominion PMs for their time and promises that no action will be taken without careful consideration of their claims.


Born on this day:

Leon Kirchner, contemporary classical composer who won the 1967 Pulitzer Prize for Music 1967, was born in Brooklyn, New York (died 2009).

[Jimbuna]

25th January 1919

Aftermath of War

Czecho-Slovaks beat Poles in Galicia.

League of Nations officially recognised as part of Treaty.

Ismail Qemali, the first President and Prime Minister of Albania and considered to be the Founding Father of modern Albania, has passed away.


"An Interesting Experiment" (Clemenceau tries to persuade Russian Bolsheviks to live peaceably with their neighbours.)


Ship Losses:

E. Starr Jones (United States) The schooner ran aground off Montevideo, Uruguay and was wrecked.

[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).

[Jimbuna]

26th January 1919

Aftermath of War

At the Paris Peace Conference, delegates establish the commission on the League of Nations with President Wilson as its chair.

Memorandum issued by British War Office re: Army in transition period.

Fighting at Wilhelmshaven.

Poland conducts its first free elections since independence with universal suffrage, despite ongoing fighting against Germany and Czechoslovakia. Polish soldiers on the Polish-German front.

[Sailor Steve]

Sunday, January 26, 1919


The Paris Peace Conference has the day off.


Born on this day:

Valentino Mazzola, considered by some to be the best Italian footballer of all time, won his fame playing for Venezia. Killed in a plane crash May 4, 1949.

William Edward Nicholson, English football player and coach, had a career with the Tottenham Hotspur that spanned thirty-six years. Died October 23, 2003.

Khanmohammad Cassumbhoy Ibrahim, top Indian Cricketer. Died November 12, 2007.

[Jimbuna]

27th January 1919

Aftermath of War

General Russki and hostages murdered at Piatigorsk.

A French saleslady shows off a lampshade made from a flour bag, originally sent as food relief by the U.S. during the war. The bags were then repurposed to make souvenirs and to conserve material.


King Albert I of Belgium and Edward, Prince of Wales, review British troops marching in Brussels.

[Sailor Steve]

Monday, January 27, 1919


PARIS PEACE CONFERENCE
Day 8

M Pichon's hotel suite, Quai d’Orsay, 10:30

M Clemenceau opens the meeting with several questions that require discussion before the meeting actually starts:

1. A Chairman needs to be appointed for the Small Powers meetings. He recommends M Jules Cambon. This is accepted unanimously.

2. Protests have been raised by Belgium and Portugal concerning arrangements for the Conference. He intends to answer these but notes it will take several days. This is agreed to.

3. That the term "guarantees" be included in the terms of reference for the Commission on Reparations. Agreed to.

4. That the suggestion of M Klotz that there should be a Financial Commission to the League of Nations be accepted. It is accepted, and sent for draft amendment.

5. That Delegates for this Commission be nominated. France appoints M Klotz, Great Britain appoints Mr Montagu, Italy appoints Signor Salindra and Japan appoints Mr Mori. The American Delegate will be appointed shortly.

6. That a Commission on Economic Questions be created. President Wilson suggests that a distinction be made between immediate concerns and those that are part of the Peace Conference itself. M Pichon suggests that the Commission be given the power to make those distinctions. Wilson points out that Germany cannot pay reparations if she has no economy, therefore it is in the interest of the Allies to make sure that Germany's industrial strength is supported. Sr Orlando states his belief that the Commission should only be allowed to raise the questions, and not to offer solutions. Discussion ensues on the appointments for Committee members.

7. That a Commission be established to govern Maritime and Personal Law questions, such as the restoration of War Prizes. Mr Lloyd George says he doesn't think the Peace Conference is equipped to handle problems of this size, and suggests that this would be better left to the League of Nations. Sr Sonnino agrees, but says he believes that while this is true of most questions, there are some that require immediate attention, and these should be settled in the Peace Treaty. M Clemenceau agrees, and the Proposal that the duties be divided between a Peace Commission and the League of Nations is adopted.

8. The question of Bessarabian participation in the Small Powers talks is raised. It is decided to leave that to the Bessarabians themselves.

9. Mr Balfour raises the question of whether former Russian territories should be invited to attend the Small Powers talks. It is decided that all should be invited.

10. Mr Balfour mentions that Finland, which had been friendly with Britain but had not asked for official recognition, has now done so. After some discussion it is decided that the question of Finland's official recognition should be a part of discussions on the Russia problem.

11. It is decided that instructions for the Poland Commission should be issued the next day.

12. Procedures for reception of Small Powers Delegates by the Major Powers is discussed. It is decided that when Small Powers Delegates are called to address the Conference they confine their participation to the specific subjects for which they were called.

13. It is decided that Representatives of all Pacific States should be present when Japan makes its formal presentation.

14. A general discussion is held concerning former German colonies in the Pacific which were taken during the War by Japan, specifically which ones, if not all, should become Japanese territories. It is decided that these discussions should be ongoing, and a terminal decision is not required at this point.

15. Baron Makino raises the question of the disposition of Kiaochow, and says he would prefer that China not be a part of that discussion, claiming it involves only Japan and Germany directly.


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

M Clemenceau invites Baron Makino to continue the morning's discussion on the disposition of the German Pacific Islands, stating that the question of Kiaochow will be discussed later. Baron Makino reads a series of statements concerning the status of those islands under Germany, and states Japan's wish to continue with the same policies under Japanese influence. This turns into a lengthy speech about the situation in post-war Asia, and concludes with the Baron's promise to add specifics at a later date.

Dr C. Thomas Wang brings up the importance of these questions to China, and says he hopes the Great Powers will listen to China's views on the situation before coming to a decision. This is agreed to.

President Wilson then makes a long speech concerning The Union of South Africa and the League of Nations. This leads to another discussion about former German colonies. The consensus is that if any nation can annex these former colonies without said colonies' consent, it would undermine the very purpose of the League.

General Botha makes the claim that German South West Africa was originally part of South Africa, and was stolen from them. These lands should be returned to The Union of South Africa. They are a desert and Germany had never made any attempt to actually colonize the land there. On the other hand the few Germans living there had recently proclaimed a Republic. This discussion goes on for the remainder of the meeting, with no decisions made. It is decided that a continuation of this subject will be first on the agenda at tomorrow morning's meeting.

[Jimbuna]

28th January 1919

Aftermath of War

Bolsheviks execute the Russian Grand Dukes Paul Alexandrovich, Dmitry Konstantinovich, George Mikhailovich, and Nicholas Mikhailovich. Grand Duke Paul Alexandrovich, uncle to the late Tsar Nicholas II.


[January 28th, 1919] "History To Repeat Itself?" "WILSON: I mean to down him before I'm finished." (The hope that the League of Nations will bring an end to war.)


Ship Losses:

Reine d'Arvor (France) The schooner was wrecked at Port Quin, Cornwall, United Kingdom. Her crew were rescued by Brook ( United Kingdom).

[Sailor Steve]

Tuesday, January 28, 1919


PARIS PEACE CONFERENCE
Day 9

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

Discussion of the disposition of former German colonies is continued. Mr Lloyd George says that, having consulted his Colonial Experts the previous night, he believes that colonies conquered by other powers should be treated differently than those taken by the Major Powers, and expounds on this concept. M Clemenceau says that the French Minister for Colonies would have a statement prepared the following day. M Pichon says he believes that France will probably agree with Britain on this. Baron Makino and Signor Orlando, when asked, both state that Japan and Italy will also likely agree that the colonies conquered by Lesser Powers should be considered as a special case.

Mr Massey says that he is not opposed to the idea of a League of Nations, but reminds the Council of the Congress of Vienna (1814), which was established to bring about universal peace and failed. He points out that Australia and New Zealand are in the same boat together - if one falls the other must fall with it. He states that Samoa is of vital importance to New Zealand and if was left in anyone else's hands New Zealand would be strangled. He then gives a list of islands and archipelagos already administered by New Zealand, and the quality of the work that has been done there in education and development. He describes Germany as an "outlaw among nations" and says that unless her former colonies are firmly in the hands of other countries Germany will make every effort to get them back. He closes with the question of how George Washington would have responded if at the end of the American Revolution something akin to a League of Nations had taken charge of the unsettled lands in North America. "There was little doubt that the American settlers would have protested at this offer, and rightly so, for, had this taken place, the United States would not have grown into one of the greatest Powers of the World."

President Wilson responds by pointing out that there has never been a situation exactly like the one facing them now; certainly not the one for which the Congress of Vienna was created. He then states that there is another power operating in the area that no one has mentioned, and that is the United States. He says that no one would dare try to play the part Germany did in that region without it coming to America's attention. M Clemenceau then declares this part of the discussion to be ended.

The talk then turns to Japan and Kiauchow. Baron Makino states that since taking that region from Germany, Japan has been in possession of it. Japan and China are on friendly terms at this point, and Japan intends to restore Kiauchow to China as soon as Japan has right of disposal from Germany. Mr Koo, speaking for China, agrees to these terms. President Wilson points out that the Council has been discussing the disposal of German colonies without consulting Germany at all. Mr Koo in his turn points out that while the Council speaks for countries of a few million people, he is expected to speak for four hundred million people, or one-quarter of the human race. He must consult his government before agreeing to any proposal laid before him. He then brings up the points that Germany extracted the annexation of Kiauchow and the Kantung Province by force, and that this densely-populated area was the cradle of Chinese civilization. It would be wrong to transfer this territory to anyone other than China. Baron Makino counters by saying that when China entered the war she gave up her right to direct restitution.

At this point M Clemenceau closes the meeting.


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

Continuation of Territorial Discussions.

1. M Clemenceau asks M Simon, French Minister for the Colonies, to give the case for French possession of Cameroon and Togoland. M Simon starts by saying that of course these colonies cannot be given back to Germany. To whom should they be given? France had previously signed treaties with the two colonies, treaties that were revoked under force by Germany. The colonies had always been happy under French rule, and have asked to remain so. He believes the populations of the colonies would be better off under French rule than with any other system. France has spent a large amount of money and effort improving this area, and without that influx the area could wither and die.

2. Mr Lloyd George brings up the general principle of Mandatories (nations holding a Mandate from the League of Nations, usually to govern another country). he feels it would be better to settle on general principles before discussing the specifics of each case. President Wilson says he believes it would be wiser to have that discussion the next day rather than change the subject mid-meeting. Mr Balfour points out that while there has been much discussion of the League itself, there has been almost none concerning the powers of a mandatory nation. Mr Balfour brings up the question of whether Mandatory powers should be permanent or temporary. Mr Lloyd George reiterates the idea that the general idea should be decided on before discussing the specifics. President Wilson observes that it may look to the world as if the Great Powers had given themselves all the best parts, then created the League of Nations. The world would not accept the idea that the League of Nations was created just to support the claims of the Great Powers, and an effort must be made to ensure that did not happen. The League of Nations must the be body that determines these questions.

The question is then raised of how far Mandatory powers must extend. In some cases Trusteeship might mean nothing, while in others it might be equal to outright ownership. A lengthy discussion follows concerning all the questions involved in the League's powers to govern over the nations of the world. Most are agreed that this is necessary to a point; differences consist of where that point lies.

Finally Mr Hughes states that most of the world doesn't know the meaning of the word "Mandatory" in this context, and proposes that "Trustee" might be the better term. Mr Massey agrees.

Baron Makino asks whether the principle of Mandatory has been accepted. M Clemenceau tells him no, it has merely been postponed until the next meeting.


Born On This Day:

Francis Stanley "Gabby" Gabreski (born Franciszek Stanisław Gabryszewski), American fighter pilot and leading U.S. ace in Europe. His 28 confirmed kills there and 6 more over Korea make him one of only seven American pilots to become an ace in two different wars. Died 2002.

[Jimbuna]

29th January 1919

Aftermath of War

Fighting at Wilhelmshaven.

Bonus to British forces announced; Army Order re: transition period.

Allied again withdraw on Archangel front.

Aram Manukian, Armenian revolutionary leader and founder of the First Republic of Armenia, has passed away.


The Commodore Hotel opens in New York City (it will later be renovated in 1980 as Donald Trump’s first construction project in Manhattan).


Ship Losses:

Piave (United States) The cargo ship ran aground on the Goodwin Sands, Kent, United Kingdom. She broke in two on 31 January. At least 30 of her 90 crew were rescued by the Deal Lifeboat; The Ramsgate Lifeboat rescued 23 crew.
Sphynx (Sweden) The cargo ship struck a mine and sank east of Scotland with the loss of seventeen crew, including the master. Only one survivor.

[Sailor Steve]

Wednesday, January 29, 1919


PARIS PEACE CONFERENCE
Day 10

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

1. M Clemenceau opens the meeting saying he had met earlier this morning with the Commission to Poland to discuss their instructions. He says that M Pichon had prepared the document but British members complained it was too long and convoluted. Mr Balfour had agreed and prepared a much shorter document. The original document and the British amendment are read to the Council. M Clemenceau states that he thinks the last paragraph is unsuitable and Mr Balfour agrees. The last paragraph is removed from the amended document.

Baron Sonnino says that Italy has some Polish prisoners ready to return to Poland and asks whether Italy should wait for the Commission's report before sending them home. M Clemenceau states that they should await the findings of the Polish Commission.

2. Mr Dmowski makes a statement to the Council, after which he and Mr Erasme Piltz are invited to enlighten the Council on the situation in Poland. Mr Dmowski asks if there is a particular point they would like him to start with, and M Clemenceau tells him it might be best if he addresses the subject as he sees fit, and they can ask questions later. President Wilson says that while he would like to know the whole case he agrees that since the object of the Allies was to help Poland Mr Dmowski's views would be most helpful.

Mr Dmowski states that the Armistice has not protected the Poles to any real extent. Under Article 12 the Germans would occupy the Eastern Frontier until asked by the Allies to remove their troops. Article 16 required the Allies be given access to Danzig via the Danzig-Thorn Railway. The German Revolution had forced Germany to withdraw her troops, leaving Poland at the mercy of the Bolsheviks. Further, the disorganized German forces had taken vital railway supplies with them, leaving the Railway unprotected. The Germans were becoming more hostile to the Poles, and the Railway runs through more than one hundred miles of German Territory. Taken together this means that Articles 12 and 16 of the Armistice are pretty much meaningless.

3. Mr Dmowski now turns to the situation in German Poland. There are between four and five million Poles living in Eastern Posen, Eastern Prussia, Western Prussia and Upper Silesia, and these are some of the most highly educated people in the nation. They desire to join other Polish provinces, and this in turn has caused the Germans in the area to form a special Corps to oppose this movement with force. The Poles see this as the beginning of a conflict that will almost certainly end with the destruction of Poland. To the Poles, Germany is looking toward peace in the West, but gearing up for conquest in the East. He further states that the Germans are preparing to remove the vital rolling stock (railroad engines and cars) from Posen to build up their own supplies.

4. Mr Dmowski now brings up Russian Poland. The Government there had been established by the Germans in 1916, but with the Armistice that Government was gone. Though they stood against the Bolsheviks, it was thought that the best idea would be if they established a Socialist Government. This had been done, but that Government had started to fail. Mr Paderewski had been sent to form a compromise Government, and this was the current one operating.

5. Mr Dmowski addresses the overall situation. Departing German troops had committed many crimes, but the worst was that they had given their arms and ammunition to the Bolsheviks. This left Poland with plenty of men for defense but no weapons for them to fight with.

6. Austrian troops departing the Ukraine and Eastern Galicia had given large amounts of weapons to the people there, and between the troops and the people more than 2,000 landowners and their families had been massacred. Ukrainian band had attacked the city of Lemberg and, though driven off, were even now camped nearby.

Mr Dmowski sums up by saying that Poland is threatened on three sides. The problem is not the lack of men, but of arms and supplies. It is essential that the railways be kept open.

7. The province of Teschen in upper Silesia is occupied partly by Czechs and partly by Poles, with the Poles having a much larger population. According to an agreement made on November 5, 1918, any joint population would be governed by whichever group was larger. While the Poles had agreed to this the Czechs had not, and now there were large armed Czech groups in this region. Mr Dmowski states that the only equitable solution is that these groups should be withdrawn from the region immediately.

8. Mr Dmowski now points out that the Germans are waging an anti-Polish campaign among their population, including ant-Polish laws, confiscation of Polish property and the prohibition against teach the Polish language in German schools. A special Company of troops has been organized for the purpose of colonizing parts of Poland with German immigrants. He feels that the main purpose of all this is to disrupt and the conquer Poland.

9. Mr Dmowski finishes with the statemen that when discussing Polish territorial claims they must start with the boundaries which were in place in 1772. He does not mean that they should return to those boundaries, but that the boundaries should be the starting point for discussions on what the current boundaries should be.


M Pichon's hotel suite, Quai d’Orsay, 15:30

1. Mr Dmowski continues his statement on territorial claims. He states that any territory Germany has lost in the West has been gained in the East. While the Germans claim that only 3% of the population of Danzig is Polish, he believes that number to be closer to 40%. He suggests that a small German Republic be established around Konigsberg, with that city as its capital. he believes that one nation controlling the coast and one controlling the land would be an invitation to conquest by one side or the other, and that this way both groups will hold some of each. His desire is that the borders be set so that Poland is no longer under any threat from Germany.

2. Mr Dmowski shows that while Poland's original Eastern borders had been set in by the 1300s, large portions of the population of that area are now Lithuanians, and he proposes that those parts of Eastern Poland should remain under Russia. Lithuania and the Ukraine themselves are not sufficiently advanced to maintain themselves as independent nations, and should be under the governance of some other more stable country. As the Lithuanian population is largely Polish he feels that country should be controlled by Poland.

3. Eastern Galicia is a disputed territory with a largely Polish population, and as such should be considered for Polish governance. Mr Piltz interjects that he agrees that the Bolshevists in Russia are highly dangerous, and that aid should be sent to Poland as soon as possible. Mr Balfour restates that the first part of Mr Dmowski's statement concerns the Polish situation and the second was about territorial claims, and that they were only discussing the first part on this day. M Clemenceau states that the Czechoslovakian Representatives are there to discuss Teschen, which is disputed territory.

4. Czechoslovakian Representative Dr Benes opens with a statement concerning Bohemia, Moravia, and Eastern Silesia. Mr Lloyd George interrupts to point out that they are not discussing the entire Czechoslovakian claim today, but only one territory held in dispute between them and the Poles. M Clemenceau says he believes it is necessary to discuss the whole situation as they had already done so with the Poles. President Wilson says that the only question relevant today was the dispute over Eastern Silesia., and suggests they stick to that one point. M Clemenceau then asks Dr Benes to confine his statements to that point. Dr Benes expounds at length on that dispute.

Dr Kramartz backs up Dr Benes' claims and says he thought that Czechoslovakia and Poland would resolve this dispute privately, but then the Poles had invaded the Teschen territory and set up a Government. he points out that Czechoslovakia cannot exist without the coal fields lying within this territory. He closes by saying that Czechoslovakia now desires to place herself in the hands of the Peace Conference. Mr Balfour recommends that both countries' representatives meet with the Polish Commission at 1000 the following morning to work out an arrangement. This is agreed to.

M Clemenceau asks to hear Mr Dmowski's views on this subject. M Dmowski says that there was no invasion by Poland, but rather the inhabitants of Teschen had organized themselves and created an army and a Government; not a single soldier had been sent from Poland.

5. Mr Balfour states that the Polish Commission will meet with the two governments' representatives tomorrow to discuss the Teschen dispute, and also to address the question of supplying arms and troops to Poland. M Clemenceau summarizes that the Commission and the Representatives will meet here in M Pichon's suite at 1000 tomorrow morning, and report their conclusions at the main meeting to begin at 1100 hours.


United States: The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, having been ratified by the States on January 16, is certified by Congress, and Prohibition becomes the law.


Born On This Day:

Norman Frederick "N.F." Simpson, British playwright, radio, film and television writer, famous for his one-liners and non-sequiturs. Died August 27, 2011.

[Jimbuna]

30th January 1919

Aftermath of War

South African War losses published.

At the Paris Peace Conference, Polish statesman Roman Dmowski argues that Poland should annex Prussian lands inhabited by Poles as well as Lithuania and western parts of Belarus and Ukraine.


The menu for the ‘Welcome Home Banquet’ held for returning prisoners of war at Portadown on 30 January 1919.


Ship Losses:

Flirt (United States) The cargo ship caught fire in the Atlantic Ocean (25°07′N 56°09′W) and was abandoned. Eleven crew were rescued by City of Savannah ( United States).
Nimrod (United Kingdom) The barquentine ran aground on the Barber Sands in the North Sea off the coast of Great Yarmouth Norfolk and sank with the loss of ten of her twelve crew.