100 Years Ago Today

[Sailor Steve]

Thursday, January 30, 1919

PARIS PEACE CONFERENCE
Day 11

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

1. M Clemenceau opens the meeting with a discussion of the Mandatory system for determining what former colonies are ready for self-government. Mr Lloyd George says that he has handed out a document to representatives of the Great Powers that, while not reflecting the actual views of the Colonies, is accepted by them as being a legitimate attempt at a compromise. It has been decided that the Mandatory system should apply to the remnants of the late Turkish Empire as well as form German colonies.

First: Lands where the population is civilized but not yet organized for self-government, i.e. Arabia.

Second: Isolated tropical lands that are far away from any potential guiding hand, i.e. New Guinea.

Third: Lands which are almost part of an adjoining nation, which nation should be appointed as the Mandatory.

2. President Wilson brings up the question of everyday Press releases which contain more information than the Council has itself. He says the Press has called his own views "idealistic" without asking him exactly what his views really are, and says he is reaching a point where he may be forced to publish his own views himself.

3. The Constitution of the League of Nations is addressed, particularly that part referring to the League's appointment of Mandatory Nations to govern the former German colonies. President Wilson proposes a lengthy process by which each Colony is to be appraised and assigned a Mandatory govern it. Mr Lloyd George comments that with this process it could take so long that nothing will ever get done. These two gentlemen debate back and forth about what should be decided and how. Mr Lloyd George proposes a set of requirements that will be easy to follow and maintain, and Mr Wilson agrees. Much of this discussion concerns the Dominions (Nations that were formerly British Colonies).

A specific case in point is Poland. Yesterday Mr Dmowski had said that Poland must act as a barrier between Russia and Germany. This cannot mean an armed barrier, as if Germany is disarmed then there is no reason for Poland to be armed other than as a police force. Mr Wilson points out that drafting all of this into the League of Nations is the primary goal. Mr Lloyd George asks whether the League's Constitution must be settled before any of this can take place. Mr Wilson replies that no, it is not necessary to have the Constitution in place before these questions can be discussed, but it is vital to have the Constitution in place as soon as possible anyway because without it they are discussing questions to which there can be no possible answer.

4. Signor Orlando says he is pleased at the agreement reached, because it means that permanent Powers of Mandatory will be left to the League of Nations, which will become the official Administrator for the former Colonies. M Clemenceau asks what should be next on the agenda, since it is fruitless to discuss the Mandatory question further until the League of Nations is in place.

5. Baron Makino says that he is satisfied with the provisional agreement that has been reached, and he is now awaiting an official reply to the telegram he has sent to his Government.

6. Mr Hughes comments that as far as Australia is concerned he would rather see the questions settled before the League is in place, because his people trust the leaders who are making the decisions now, and the leadership of the League will be an unknown quantity and certainly not as wise nor as powerful as the current Council.

7. Sir Robert Borden also expresses satisfaction that an agreement has been reached, if only provisional. On behalf of Canada he strongly supports the League of Nations and hopes it will be capable of dealing the problems that lie ahead. He also hopes that the League be established as soon as possible as the entire world is awaiting the outcome of these meetings and is anxious to benefit from the results.


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

Mr Massey of New Zealand expresses disappointment at the agreement reached concerning the Mandatory question, because it leaves out points that he considers to be of utmost importance, mainly the last paragraph of Clause 8, concerning the trading of slaves, arms, and alcohol. He states that Australia, South Africa and New Zealand are ready to accept these terms but is not clear on whether President Wilson is ready to accept them. He also brings up the subject of direct annexation by the Mandatory powers of the Colonies in question.

President Wilson asks whether Australia and New Zealand are presenting an ultimatum to the Council. Having presented cases for annexation are they now holding direct annexation as a contingent for acceptance of the agreement they have reached? If they cannot gain this concession now are they proposing to block the whole agreement? Mr Massey replies no, that is not their intent. Mr Hughes starts to reiterate his comments of that morning's meeting when President Wilson interrupts, asking if Mr Hughes had heard his question. Mr Hughes says no, he had not. Mr Wilson repeats his question as to whether Australia and New Zealand are giving an ultimatum, and if that is not met do they intend to block the agreement that has been reached? Mr Hughes responds that he feels President Wilson has put it very well. Australia is in favor of direct annexation, and if his colleagues are prepared to go further he will not object.

General Botha asks if he can say a few words. He first addresses President Wilson's earlier comments concerning the press. He feels that articles such as the one the President referred to should be suppressed, as they give the public the wrong impression about what is going on at the Conference. He then says that he stands with Mr Lloyd George on the current subject and not with his colleagues. He will do anything he can to ensure that the League of Nations is established, and give up anything to meet that end. He trusts the League will thrive because it will be made up of many of the same people who are here today.

Mr Hughes says he wants President Wilson to understand that there was no threat implied in his earlier comments. He merely wanted to express the importance he placed on this subject, and he would gladly follow Mr Lloyd George's lead concerning the next steps to be taken. Mr Lloyd George then states that everyone's opinion on the subject is crystal clear, and suggests that any decision taken today be considered provisional, and subject to revision once the League is in place.

Sir Robert Borden asks whether certain provisions in Clause 7 are meant to encourage the establishment of military or naval fortifications. President Wilson replies that they are meant to prevent such establishment. Sir Robert suggests a revision, because as currently worded it could easily be construed as meaning the opposite. He then reads aloud his proposed revision. President Wilson says that his version does make it clearer, and the revision is agreed to.

M Pichon raises the question of France raising troops in occupied countries. This only applies to volunteers; there will be no conscripts. President Wilson asks if this will apply to Mandatories, or just current colonies. M Clemenceau answers that Germany is right next to France and if Germany was not disarmed then France would be in immanent danger from which there might be no relief. Mr Lloyd George replies that there is nothing in any of the clauses that would prevent France from doing so, as long as France did not use that power to raise large armies, but only those for defense of the colonies. This is agreed to.

The talk then turns to the disposition of specific colonies, and how each one is to be treated. This goes on for some time and includes discussions on Romania and The Congo. It is decided that the potential Mandatory Nation should be allowed time to hash this out among themselves without the Council having to exercise control.

The discussion returns to the Press, specifically a Daily Mail article claiming that the Major Powers are at each other's throats and ready to walk out of the Conference or start a new war. The account is wildly inaccurate, but still close enough in detail to show that someone inside the Conference was talking to the Press. It is decided to put out a communiqué explaining a little of what is actually going on. This will say that they have arrived at a satisfactory provisional agreement concerning Germany and Turkey.

[Jimbuna]

31st January 1919

Aftermath of War

Three British gunboats arrive at Strasbourg.

American soldiers being trained in the cold conditions of Siberia by British officers near Vladivostok.


Convoy of Red Army ambulances on the streets of Moscow.


Nimrod, the ship Ernest Shackleton used in his 1908 Antarctic Nimrod Expedition, runs aground and sinks off the coast of Norfolk, resulting in the death of 10 of its 12 crew.

[Sailor Steve]

Friday, January 31, 1919

PARIS PEACE CONFERENCE
Day 12

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

1. M Clemenceau introduces M Noulens, Chairman of the Commission to Poland. M Noulens addresses the Teschen question by stating that
Czechoslovakian troops have invaded that province, seized a railway line, occupied the mining region and taken several Polish citizens prisoner, and arrested some Polish delegates en route to Paris. When asked to explain this behavior the Czechoslovakian Delegates had stated that Teschen is a part of Czechoslovakia economically, ethnically, geographically and historically. Further, possession of this territory is necessary to stop the spread of Bolshevism. When the Commission had asked if the Czechs would be willing to withdraw their troops they had been told that the Poles were incapable of maintaining order in the mining districts. They did say that they would be willing to withdraw their troops if the Allies would place three battalions there. The Commission had then suggested that Czech troops remain in norther Teschen and control the railway while Polish forces occupied the South until the Peace Conference could reach a decision. The Czech Delegates had said there was too much danger of conflicts between the two armies, but would agree if one Allied battalion should be placed between them as a buffer.

M Noulens concludes by saying he believes the best solution would be for the Allies to send three battalions to occupy the whole territory. After much discussion it is decided that the Czechs will continue to control the northern part of the railway line and the Poles will take charge of the southern part, and that a Commission of Control will be created and sent to Teschen to report on the situation there.

2. Serbian and Romanian Delegates are brought in to discuss the territory of the Banat, which is claimed by both. Mr Bratiano reads the paper detailing the claims of Romania. Mr Vesnitch says he has not yet prepared a paper as he had only been informed of the meeting at 1100 this morning. The two Delegates then answer questions from various members of the Council. Mr Vesnitch says that Serbia doesn't want the whole of the Banat, just the parts traditionally occupied by Serbs. Discussion follows on the relationships between the various populations - Germans, Magyars, Romanians and Serbs - and the friendships and hostilities between the different groups. The history of the region as part of Hungary is also discussed. Mr Vesnitch closes by recounting Serbian resistance to Austria-Hungary during the War. Mr Bratiano then gives his views on the subject, insisting that the Banat be dealt with as a whole, going to one nation or the other.

The meeting is adjourned until the next day.


The Battle of George Square takes place in Glasgow, Scotland: troops deployed against protesters for fear of a Bolshevik uprising.


Born On This Day:

Jackie Robinson, first black major-league baseball player, is born in Cairo, Georgia. Died 1972.

[Jimbuna]

1st February 1919

Aftermath of War

New issue of British 5% National War Bonds commences.

Total casualties in British Flying Service announced.

Ship Losses:

USS Narragansett (United States Navy) The troopship ran aground in the English Channel off Bembridge, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom. Over 3,500 people were successfully evacuated from the ship. She was refloated on 17 February.

[Sailor Steve]

Saturday, February 1, 1919

PARIS PEACE CONFERENCE
Day 13


There seems to have been no General Meeting on this Saturday.

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

1. President Wilson summarizes a telegram he received from Georgy Chicherin, Bolshevik Commissioner for Foreign Affairs, about a press release announcing a Conference of Russian Delegates at Prinkipo, and asking for an official invitation. Mr Wilson wants to know what course he should take in this matter. Mr Lloyd George says that Mr Chicherin had received a notice just like everyone else. Mr Wilson replies that the announcement was made in the press and not directly. He will gladly ignore the request, but the Great Powers want to get these delegates together. For some reason Mr Chicherin wants a personal invitation. It is decided that further discussion is needed and the matter is postponed.

2. M Clemenceau says an agreement between the Czechs and the Poles concerning Teschen has been reached, and presents the documents for the agreement. The Ostrawa-Karwin mining district and the Oderberg-Jablunkau railway will be occupied by the Czechs, while the Poles will hold the southern part of the railway from Teschen to Jablunkau. The entire operation will be supervised by the Commission of Control.

3. M Clemenceau reads a note from the head of Allied troops occupying Turkey, requesting instructions on the distribution of said troops. M Clemenceau comments that the Conference had asked certain questions of the Military Representatives, and that the Military Representatives had replied by asking the same questions back again. Mr Lloyd George says that the Military Representatives ought to answer the questions asked of them. It is agreed that a message will be sent to the effect that there will be no joint occupations, there will be no new occupations outside the lands already occupied, the Military Representatives should give estimates of how many troops will be necessary for the occupation of each land, and the minutes of the January 30th meeting will be supplied to the Military Representatives, as they already address some of the these questions.

4. Instructions to the Commission for Poland need to be amended and then supplied to that Commission. One of the necessary tasks of the Commission is to create an armistice between the Poles and the Bolsheviks. The Commission will have the power to make binding agreements between the two parties, subject to approval by the Council.

5. Signor Orlando points out that the deadline for submission of documents expires today. Mr Balfour says that the time limit should not be extended, and if any documents are still not submitted then it is the issuing parties who are to blame.

6. Nominations for the Council on the Teschen question are to be submitted no later than Monday, February 3rd.

7. Romanian Representatives are admitted to the room to give their version of the Romanian-Serbian conflict. The descriptions and explanations of various parts of this question take up more than an hour of the meeting's time.

8. It is decided that a Committee will be created to draft the Naval clauses for the Peace Treaty with Germany.

The Council is adjourned until Monday, February 3.

[Jimbuna]

2nd February 1919

[February 2nd, 1919] "La Révolution A Berlin" (Petit Journal)


Troops of the Freikorps brought to Dusseldorf to suppress the Spartacists outside their headquarters. A pile of rifles taken from the Spartacists.


"Will They Get Him?" (Will the League of Nations be able to end conflict?)

[Sailor Steve]

Sunday, February 1, 1919


The Peace Conference has the day off.


Born on this day:

Lesa Della Casa, Swiss soprano, became famous in the 1940s and sang for most of the major opera companies at one point or another. Died 2012.


Died on this day:

Xavier Leroux, French composer, famous for several operas. Born October 11 1863

[Jimbuna]

3rd February 1919

Aftermath of War

General Denikin routs Bolsheviks in N. Caucasus, 31,000 prisoners.

British tanks enter Glasgow due to fears that labour unrest and riots could spread across the country. Calm returns to the city and there are no deaths.


Éamon de Valera (president of Sinn Féin) escaped from Lincoln Gaol, along with Seán McGarry and Seán Milroy. The escape was masterminded by Harry Boland and Michael Collins. All were members of Sinn Féin.

[Sailor Steve]

Monday, February 3, 1919

PARIS PEACE CONFERENCE
Day 14

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

1. M Clemenceau asks for nominees to the Council on Teschen. M Velten, already a member of the Council for Poland, will represent France. Mr Lloyd George says that the British Military authorities felt that their delegate should be a military man, and they were looking. President Wilson stated that the United States delegate had not been found, and is was difficult as there are so few Americans of proper rank in Europe. Signor Orlando says the Italian delegate will be named tomorrow.

2. M Clemenceau announces that experts have been appointed for a commission to look into the Romanian territorial claims.

3. M Clemenceau raises the question of appointments from additional Small Powers to the Commission for the League of Nations. Delegates have been appointed from Belgium, Brazil, China, Portugal, and Serbia, but the Small Powers have asked to be allowed to appoint delegates from Czechoslovakia, Greece, Poland, and Romania. President Wilson says that would make the Committee too large, and place the Small Powers on an equal footing with the Great Powers. He says that the League of Nations Committee is meeting that afternoon and that he put the question to them. This is agreed too.

4. The five delegates presented by the Small Powers for Ports, Waterways and Railways include Belgium, China, Greece, Serbia, and Uruguay. The Small Powers have requested additional delegates to represent Czechoslovakia, Poland, Portugal and Rumania. It is agreed that the matter be referred to the Committee in question, and that they should make that decision.

5. The Commission on Reparation is to have 3 delegates from each of the Great Powers and 10 seats to be divided among the Small Powers. Belgium, Greece, Poland, Romania, and Serbia have appointed 2 delegates each. Czechoslovakia requests a seat, citing their interest in the final breakup of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and because they have agreed to take over part of the Austrian debt. Mr Lloyd George says Czechoslovakia has a good case, and points out that if they are admitted then all the Powers with close interest in the liquidation of the Empire will be represented. It is agreed that 2 additional seats will be created and go to Czechoslovakia.

6. Mr Lloyd George announces the British appointments to the Commission on Breaches of the Laws of War.

7. It is agreed for all committees that if a member is unable to attend a meeting he may appoint a substitute.

8. Greek Delegates to the Peace Conference are invited to explain Greek territorial claims. These include Epirus, The Isles, Thrace and Asia Minor. Mr Venizelos says that Greece and Italy had already had private talks, and that they were working together to create an equitable situation for all parties. Signor Orlando says that he is in complete agreement, and only disagrees when Mr Venizelos calls Greece a Small Power, as he considers that country to be an noble country, entitled to an honored place in the world.

In Northern Epirus the population is mostly Greek. He admits that many of these "Greeks" only speak Albanian, but points out that while many Northern Albanians became true Turks under that Empire, Southern Albanian Christians still consider themselves to be Greek. Albanian sailors man Greek ships.

The Isles are mostly Greek already. While the Crusaders had left a lot of Latinizing influences in the Aegean Sea, these were confined mostly to architecture, and the population still spoke, looked and acted Greek.

Greece has not asked for Cyprus because they are confident that despite 50 years of rule there the British will decide on their own to give that island to Greece.

Greece is claiming all the islands in the part of the Mediterranean bordering the Aegean. These include Cyprus, the Dodecanese, Imbros, Kastelorizo, Rhodes and Tenedos.

Greece is claiming Thrace, which has a largely Greek population. While this would result in Bulgaria losing direct access to the Aegean, Greece plans to grant open access to all points anyway, so no Nation will be denied access to the prime shipping waters in the region. A discussion ensues with Mr Lloyd George asking several questions concerning the Muslim populations of the areas in question. The matter is left undecided until the following day's meeting.

[Jimbuna]

4th February 1919

Aftermath of War

The Red Army captures Kiev.

Wounded American soldiers getting a tour of London before heading back home.


Members of the 4th Corp Historical and Sketching party eating dinner next to a ruined house near Verdun, France.


Ship Losses:

HMS Penarth (Royal Navy) The minesweeper struck a mine in the North Sea off the coast of Yorkshire, United Kingdom and sank with the loss of two of her 80 crew.

[Sailor Steve]

Tuesday, February 4, 1919

PARIS PEACE CONFERENCE
Day 15

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

1. Mr Lansing brings up the point of press releases for committee meetings. He says that recently the Secretariat-General released information to the press concerning a committee meeting which he had not been present. The Committee in question had prepared their own press release, and Mr Lansing feels that the Secretariat-General should not give out press releases for committee meetings. M Clemenceau agrees, and states that in the future committees should issue their own press releases. Baron Sonnino asks whether the committees should give their press releases to the Secretariat-General and he should release them. M Clemenceau replies that this would be the proper procedure, but would result in a great loss of time. It is decided that committees will issue their own press releases.

2. Mr Venizelos brings up Greek Territorial Claims, as related to President Wilson's 12th point. How does that Article address Turkey as the major power remaining in Asia Minor following the fall of the Ottoman Empire? One of the actions already decided is that no territory shall be part of a new Ottoman Empire unless its population consists of an absolute majority of Turks. The western territory of Asia Minor, claimed by the Greeks, is both ethnically and geographically separate from the rest of that region.

Mr Venizelos goes on at length about the population and geography of the area. At the end President Wilson asks whether the Mahomdedan (Muslim) population figures come from Greek or Turkish sources. Mr Venizelos replies that the figures come from Greek Ecclesiastical sources, but he believes they were derived from official Turkish documents.

Mr Wilson asks about Trebizond, which has asked to be named an independent Republic. Mr Venizelos replies that he is opposed to this course of action as it is undesirable to have a large number of small nations in the region. He feels Trebizond should become a part of Albania. Mr Lloyd George asks Mr Venizelos what he thinks the Armenian State should consist of. The reply is the six Armenian vilayets, together with Russian Armenia and the vilayets of Trebizond and Adana. Mr Lloyd George asks whether Cilicia should be included. Mr Venizelos replies yes, he believes that territory should also belong to Armenia, as well as all the regions around Mount Ararat.

Mr Venizelos feels that Western Asia Minor has a majority Greek population, and ought to be allowed autonomy. After that they will likely ask to become a part of Greece itself. In the end it is agreed that Mr Venizelos' proposals will be referred to a Committee created for that purpose.

[Jimbuna]

5th February 1919

Aftermath of War

Guards' Memorial Service held at St. Paul's Cathedral.

Red Army soldiers in Kiev.


Serbian soldiers being treated for the Spanish flu in Rotterdam.


Ship Losses:

Caledonia (United Kingdom) The paddle steamer collided with Kalfond ( Norway) at Rouen, France and was beached.
Carmen (Denmark) The cargo ship struck a mine in the Skaggerak 20 nautical miles (37 km) south of Lista, Norway and sank with the loss of seventeen crew.
Therezina (Brazil) The cargo ship foundered in the Atlantic Ocean off Santos, São Paulo, Brazil.

[Sailor Steve]

Wednesday, February 5, 1919

PARIS PEACE CONFERENCE
Day 16

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

1. M Clemenceau opens the meeting, asking for the names of nominees to the Greek Committee. The Delegates are:
United States of America: Mr Westermann, Mr. Day.
British Empire: Sir Robert Borden, Sir Eyre Crowe.
France: M. Jules Cambon, M. Gout.
Italy:Signor de Martino, Colonel Castoldi.

2 Mr Benes of Czechoslovakia opens the discussion on his country with a speech on their goals as a nation.

i) The four provinces: Bohemia, Moravia, Austrian Silesia and Slovakia. Those provinces share a common history and are essentially the same people.

ii) Historical Considerations: The Czechoslovakian people consider themselves to be unified in their status as the Eastern bulwark against Germanic expansion and influences. They have rebelled against the Germanic Empires on three separate occasions.

iii) Czechoslovakia is exposed on its western borders to Germanic invasion, and has been invaded from that direction several times over the centuries.

iv) It is claimed by the Austrians that the population of Bohemia is largely German, but a careful census taken by the Czechs shows this to be wildly exaggerated. Mr Lloyd George asks when this census was taken. Mr Benes replies 1900. President Wilson asks how many Czechs are in Bohemia. Mr Benes replies 4.5 million.

v) Mr Benes now cites the economic considerations for consolidating the four provinces. Most of the industry in the region is located in Czechoslovak territory. Bohemia cannot survive if it is not part of the same nation. Mr Lloyd George asks what the reasons might be for that concentration of industry. Mr Benes cites the location of water, coal and minerals in that region. Mr Lloyd George asks whether the populations involved in these industries is German or Czech. Mr Benes replies that the majority of the workers are Czech, but the employers are mostly German. This is changing, however, due to the new educational movement in Bohemia. The questions and answers on German Bohemians goes on for some time.

vi) Mr Benes speaks on Teschen. The Polish population there was imported at the beginning of industrialization. A part of that population actually live in Galicia. The town of Teschen is German, but the industrial and mining districts are mostly Czech. The coal in Teschen is vital for the economy of Czechoslovakia.

vii) Moravia and Ratibor are extensions of the Teschen coal fields and belongs together with that district. Glatz, given by Austria to Germany in 1867, was traditionally Czech, and should stay there.

viii) Slovakia was always Czech until taken by the Magyars in the 900s. The people there consider themselves to be Czech and wish to remain so.

ix) The Danube frontier. Czechoslovakia has always had a riverfront along the Danube, and this had only been taken from them by the Magyars and then the Germans. Secondly, as an industrialized nation Czechoslovakia needs access to the sea, and the Danube is the only such access available.

Baron Sonnino asks what the Slovak populations are on both sides of the river. Mr Benes replies that those populations had been forcibly Magyarized. Czechoslovakia will be willing to let the Slovak population on the far side of the Danube go in exchange for absorbing the Magyar population on the near side. People on either side will be allowed to migrate if they so desire.

Baron Sonnino asks what portion of the population is Slovakian as opposed to Hungarian. Mr Benes replies that it varies by district, and that these areas were never used as districts for census purposes.

President Wilson asks whether communal statistics can be obtained and whether it's true that the Slovak population only touches the river at Pressburg. Mr Benes says the Slovak population also touches the Danube north of Budapest, but it is true that the majority of the riverside population is Magyar.

Mr Lloyd George asks if any other rivers in the area are navigable. Mr Benes replies that the Vah is, but only halfway up its course. Mr Kramartz adds that attempts are being made to render the Morava navigable, and if successful this will give Czechoslovakia access to the sea.

Mr Lloyd George asks whether, if the territories declare themselves Magyar, free access to the Danube would be satisfactory. Mr Benes replies that with most of the Czech rivers being at present unnavigable Slovakia would be completely cut off from the Danube.

Mr Lloyd George asks whether access by railroad between the two sectors would be good enough. Mr Benes replies that, one district being industrial and the other agricultural, the two districts would be effectively isolated from each other.

x) The frontier between Danube and Ung. Mr Benes says that it is vital for Czechoslovakia to control the only railway with east-west access over the mountains between these two districts.

xi) The Ruthenes in Hungary have expressed a desire to become part of Czechoslovakia. This possibility should be considered by the Conference.

xii) The Serbs in Lusatia have also said they would like to be independent but under Czech protection. Mr Benes says he has no opinion on this subject, and it might actually be hard for the Czechs to administer. He asks for the Conference to decide on behalf of the Ruthenes and Serbs.

xiii) Czechoslovakia asks for a small territory connecting them to Yugoslavia and Italy. Mr Benes says this is merely a suggestion for consideration, not a requirement nor even a request.

It is decided that a Committee will be formed to reduce these requests to a manageable size and make recommendations for a just settlement.

[Jimbuna]

6th February 1919

Aftermath of War

The German national assembly meets, away from the revolutionary upheavals in Berlin, at Weimar, a town noted for its humanism and learning rather than the militarism that has brought Germany to its knees.

Mehmed Reshid, former Ottoman governor of Diyarbekir Vilayet accused by the Allies of committing massacres of Armenians and Assyrians, commits suicide when he was about to be rearrested by police.


Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin, and D.W. Griffith (left to right) establish the studio United Artists to take more control over their own works.


Ship Losses:

Sis (United Kingdom) The schooner ran aground at Point Saint Quentin, Somme, France and was abandoned by her crew.

[Sailor Steve]

Thursday, February 6, 1919


THE SEATTLE GENERAL STRIKE

Shipyard workers have gone two years without a pay raise. They are under the impression that they would receive a raise after wartime government wage controls ended. On January 21 35,000 workers had walked off their jobs. In an attempt to break the strike Charles Piez, head of the Emergency Fleet Corporation, sent a telegram to the shipyard owners threatening to withdraw their contracts if pay raises were granted. The telegram was meant for the Metal Trades Association, which consisted of the yard owners, but was instead delivered to the Metal Trades Council, the shipyard workers' union. As many as 110 local unions all agreed that a total work stoppage in the Seattle area was justified, and on February 6th 65,000 workers went home. The strike will last five days, be completely peaceful, and be hailed as the first General Strike in America and "The most successful General Strike in American history". On the other hand many people said it was the result of "Russian" or "Bolshevist" influences.



PARIS PEACE CONFERENCE
Day 17

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


1. M Clemenceau opens the meeting with a question concerning the destruction of German submarines. He had thought that only those under construction were to be destroyed, and those already completed were to be handed over to the various Powers. Mr Lloyd George says that it would be better "to destroy as many of these pests as possible". M Clemenceau says that some have already been given to France and some to Italy, and he thought it was wrong that some should be destroyed and some given away. Baron Makino says that seven have been given to Japan. Mr Balfour says he understands M Clemenceau to desire a uniform policy. M Clemenceau says that is exactly his meaning. It is decided that more information needs to be obtained, and the question will be settled later.

2. The question of the Hedjaz (Hejaz) is raised.

A)Emir Faisal says that in his paper of January 29th he had asked for the independence of all Arab-speaking peoples in Asia, from the line between Alexandretta and Diarbekir southward. His request is based on these points:

i)This area was once the home of important civilisations, and its people still have the capacity to play their part in the world.

ii) All its inhabitants speak one language—Arabic.

iii) The area has natural frontiers which ensure its unity and its future.

iv) Its inhabitants are of one stock—the Semitic. Foreigners do not number 1% among them.

v) Socially and economically it forms a unit. With each improvement of the means of communication its unity becomes more evident. There are few nations in the world as homogeneous as this.

vi) The Arabic speaking peoples fought on the side of the Allies in their time of greatest stress, and fulfilled their promises.

vii) At the end of the war the Allies promised them independence. The Allies had now won the war, and the Arabic speaking peoples thought themselves entitled to independence and worthy of it. It was in accord with the principles laid down by President Wilson and accepted by all the Allies.

viii) The Arab army fought to win its freedom. It lost heavily: some 20,000 men were killed. Allenby acknowledged its services in his despatches. The army was representative of Arab ideals and was composed of young Syrians, Lebanese, Hejazis, Mesopotamians, Palestinians, and Yemenis.

ix) The blood of Arab soldiers, the massacres among the civil populations, the economic ruin of the country in the war, deserved recognition.

x) In Damascus, Beyrout (Beirut), Tripoli, Aleppo, Latakia, and the other districts of Syria, the civil population declared their independence and hoisted the Arab flag before the Allied troops arrived. The Allied Commander in Chief afterwards insisted that the flag be lowered to install temporary Military Governors. This he explained to the Arabs was provisional, till the Peace Conference settled the future of the country. Had the Arabs known it was in compliance with a secret treaty they would not have permitted it.

xi) The Syrians who joined the Northern Army were recognized by the Allies as Belligerents. They demand through this delegation their independence.

B) Syria proclaims Unity and Independence, and the rest of the Arab-speaking world agrees that this would be best for all Arabs.

C) Lebanon is divided, with some of its people asking for guarantees from France while others wish to remain connected to Syria. Faisal admits Lebanese independence but hopes some sort of economic ties will be maintained.

D) The Arabs realize how much their country lacks economic development They hope to become the doorway between Europe and Asia, helping their own progress at the same time.

E) Faisal believes that Arabic religious differences are being exploited, and that their first interest is to maintain a melding of all groups in the area to accomplish true peace.

F) Faisal asks for the independence of certain Arabic areas of Palestine.

G) Finally Faisal asks that the various groups of Arabs in the region be treated separately and independently concerning aid and assistance they require. He feels that treating the region as a whole will create an injustice because all their needs are different.

3. Mr Lloyd George asks how many troops the Hedjaz had put into the field during the war. Emir Faisal replies that number is impossible to ascertain, but that the Arabs as a whole had fielded about 100,000 regular troops plus an uncertain number of irregulars. Mr. Lloyd George asks whether the Arab troops had taken any part on the Mesopotamian front. Emir Feisal replies that all their operations outside the Hedjaz had been in Syria. Five of his Commanding Officers, however, and many of his men were from Mesopotamia.

4. President Wilson asks whether, seeing that the plan of mandatories on behalf of the League of Nations had been adopted, he would prefer for his people a single mandatory, or several. Emir Feisal says that he doesn't wish to assume the responsibility of answering for all his people. President Wilson asks to know the Emir’s personal opinion. Emir Feisal said that personally he is afraid of partition. His principle is Arab unity. It was for this that the Arabs had fought.

5. Mr. Lloyd George asks for a short account of the services rendered by the Arab forces in the defeat of the Turkish Armies. Emir Faisal gives a recounting of the battles for Mecca and the spread of the Arab revolt. At M Pichon's request the Emir recounts the assistance the French gave the Arabs on this front. Faisal says he does not wish to praise the French troops because to his mind their actions were "beyond praise". He gives this same reason for not praising his own troops.

6. Mr Lloyd George enquires as to Arabs living in outlying provinces such as Anatolia. Emir Faisal says there are some minority Arab populations in the Adana district; a few in the Tarsus and Mersina area; but none in Anatolia. He says these populations constitute a small minority and the Arabs are not claiming minority rights anywhere. Mr Lloyd George asks if there is any affinity between the Arabs and the Kurds. Emir Faisal replies that he would love to claim all Kurds as Arabs, but he feels he would ruin his case if he made even one questionable statement.

The Emir says he hopes he will not be penalized because he only speaks Arabic, and the meeting is adjourned.