100 Years Ago Today

[Sailor Steve]

Sunday, March 9, 1919

The Peace Conference has the day off.

[Jimbuna]

10th March 1919

Aftermath of War

Germany's Army to be limited to 100,000 voluntary engagements, etc.

Britain: Return of reductions of armies since Armistice given in House of Commons.

General Plumer's telegram on food situation (very bad) to Peace Conference.

Statement issued re: U.S.A. shipping.

3rd Congress of Soviets in Ukraine declares the founding of the Ukrainian Socialist Soviet Republic.

Red Cross workers on wharf with Rear Admiral Wood waiting the arrival of the Nebraska, Boston, Mass.


Battleship USS Nebraska arriving in Boston carrying 1100 returning troops from Europe.


An American operated Sopwith Camel aircraft on the deck of the American battleship USS Texas to be used as spotters/scouts.

[Sailor Steve]

Monday, March 10, 1919

PARIS PEACE CONFERENCE
Day 39

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


1. M Pichon has a Resolution prepared concerning a subject of Saturday's meeting, that Powers which had taken part in the War and thereby suffered damage requiring reparations cannot be excluded from Representation on the Economic and Financial Committees.

1) Belgium, Greece, Poland, Romania, Czechoslovakia and Serbia must be allowed one Delegate each on the Financial Commission.

2) Belgium, Brazil, China, Poland, Portugal, Romania and Serbia must be allowed one Delegate each on the Economic Commission.

M Jules Gambon has the task of informing the Committees of this decision.


2. M Clemenceau reads a Declaration by Marshal Foch, amending the Declaration of March 5th to read:

Article 1 is passed as written on the 5th.

M Clemenceau points out a discrepancy between Article 2 as written on the 5th, which specifies 140,000 men, and Marshal Foch's initial recommendation, which was for 100,000 men.

Mr Balfour asks how the original text read 200,000 men, which was now reduced to 140,000 and to be further reduced to 100,000. M Clemenceau replies that in terms of long-term service half the men are always in training, whereas in long-term service 140,000 men were considered sufficient. Mr Balfour asks if the American Delegates are agreed to this. General Bliss responds that he does agree in principle to a reduction in allowed German forces, but that 140,000 is the lowest number possible to still leave Germany with an effective police force.

Marshal Foch says that if the army in Germany is to act merely as a police force then 100,000 men is more than enough. If 140,000 soldiers and 15,000 sailors were allowed Germany, then the Allies would have to maintain a minimum of 206,000 total men to guarantee their safety. Even divided among the four main Allied Nations, they would still have to maintain more than 50,000 troops each in the field.

After many more points made by various members of the Council, the number of armed men allowed Germany at the national level is reduced to 100,000.

Articles 3, 4, and 5 of the March 5th Declaration are left intact with the exception of a proportionate reduction of troops reflecting the number just agreed upon.

M Clemenceau asks why an Army Staff is needed at all. France did not have one before the War, and the only purpose of such a Staff is to prepare for and plan a war. He feels that Army Corps Staffs should be maintained but a General Army Staff done away with.

Mr Lloyd George points out that Britain had had a very small army but had a General Staff. Baron Sonnino says that an Army Staff might be used to plan and prepare the defense of Germany, and not used offensively. M Clemenceau says that France had had to prepare for War, and yet had no Army Staff at the time.

Marshal Foch agrees, but says that Article 7 only allows for 300 officers, which is more than enough to organize their Army.

It is agreed to remove the words "...and one Army Staff."

Chapters II, III and IV, and all their Articles, are accepted after much discussion with some minor changes to the wording. This takes up the rest of the evening until the meeting is adjourned.

[Jimbuna]

11th March 1919

Aftermath of War

Riots in Egypt for ten days.

President Wilson and Admiral Cary T. Grayson playing shuffleboard onboard the USS George Washington while traveling back to Paris for the Peace Conference.


German women serving hot drinks to government troops in Berlin. The pro-Communist Spartacist Uprising was crushed in Berlin earlier this year, but periodic violence continue to erupt across the country.


US Supreme Court upholds a 10-year prison sentence for socialist politician Eugene V. Debs for his speeches opposing the draft (Debs runs for President while in prison in 1920 and wins 3.4% of the vote).

[Sailor Steve]

Tuesday, March 11, 1919

PARIS PEACE CONFERENCE
Day 40

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

[Jimbuna]

12th March 1919

Australian troops returning home onboard the SS Orca participating in human wheelbarrow races.


Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck, the “undefeated” German general who fought in the African theater of the war, after his return to Germany.

[Sailor Steve]

Wednesday, March 12, 1919

PARIS PEACE CONFERENCE
Day 41

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


1. Mr. Lloyd George says that a telegram has been received from the British Military Representative at Vienna: A bill will be introduced by the Austrian Government providing for the abdication and banishment of the Emperor Karl. The Swiss Government says that the Imperial Family will be allowed to pass through Switzerland, but the Emperor will not be allowed to reside in Switzerland unless the Allies agree not to pursue extradition.

Baron Sonnino says he has no objections to this, but that complications might arise later if attempts are made to separate this particular monarch from other monarchs who were responsible for starting the war. M Clemenceau says that the matter might be referred to the Committee on Breaches of the Laws of War. Mr Lansing, the President of that Committee, says that no one can be tried under that heading because the Committee has already decided that the subject is not a legal, but rather a moral responsibility.

Mr. Lloyd George says he thinks that the Committee on Breaches of the Laws of War could be asked to report whether the Emperor Charles could, in any way, be held responsible for the war. The Emperor is now being treated very badly in Austria, where the situation is looking more and more like that of Russia. If the Emperor cannot be held responsible for the war, it would be a pity if he were murdered. For that same reason, the Austrian Government would like to get him out of the country as quickly as possible.

Mr Balfour suggests that a telegram should immediately be sent to Vienna saying that the Emperor should be allowed to stay there for a few days until the matter is decided. Mr House wonders if that proposal would placate the Swiss government. Mr Lansing says the problem is not responsibility for starting the war, for which no enemy rulers should be held accountable, but rather for violations of customs and laws of war, for which they could be held liable for the failure to stop those breaches. This could also apply to the Emperor of Austria.

Baron Sonnino agrees that due to the dangerous situation in Austria the Emperor should be allowed a few days in Switzerland.

M Clemenceau asks whether the Swiss government will really refuse to accept the Emperor without a guarantee of non-extradition. Mr Balfour says he does not believe that any Allied Power will attempt to put the Emperor on trial.

The decision is made to send the telegram asking the Swiss government to provide sanctuary to the Emperor if the non-extradition guarantee is made.


2. General Duval is called to read the conditions to be imposed on Germany concerning military aeronautics. The complete text follows:

Air Terms of Peace - Conditions To Be Imposed on the German Government in Regard to Military and Maritime Aeronautics


Article I.

The effectives of the German Air Service in material and personnel shall be reduced to the following figures:

(1) Material.

(a) Aeroplanes. The military forces of Germany having to be limited to the necessary minimum to allow her to maintain order in the interior, must not comprise any military aviation.

(Mr Balfour points out that the most effective method of maintaining order is with aeroplanes. They had proved quite useful in putting down the Sparatcist revolt. General Duval says he agrees, but has no information regarding their use in that context. Mr Balfour says he will let the matter drop.)

(b) Hydroplanes. Germany can for a period not longer than 1st October, 1919, maintain a total of 100 hydroplanes or water gliders for the purpose of seeking out submarine mines, with the necessary equipment, but without armaments, munitions or bombs.


(c) Motors. In addition to the motors mounted on hydroplanes, and water gliders mentioned above, one motor may be allowed for each hydroplane or water glider.


(d) Dirigibles.No dirigibles shall be kept.


(Mr Lansing says he thinks allowing no dirigibles at all is too harsh, as some dirigibles are used for commercial purposes. General Duval points out that Article IX and the title of the proposal itself refer specifically to military aircraft only. Commercial uses are not affected at all. Mr Lansing says he is ready to accept the clause as written.)


(2) Personnel.


(a) Land Aviation. Land aviation being suppressed, no personnel is allowed under this heading.


(b) Naval aviation. Until the 1st October, Germany may maintain a total number of 1000 all ranks which will comprise all the personnel flying and non-flying of all formations and establishments.


(c) The whole personnel, excepting a total of 1,000 men mentioned in Paragraph I (2) (b) figuring at present on the control lists of the German land and sea forces will be demobilised or sent to other arms or services within one month (but the effectives provided for in the Military and Naval Statute must not be exceeded).
The objections having been cleared, Article I is approved.


Article II.

No aviation ground and no shed for dirigibles must be maintained or established:

(1) to the East of the Rhine, at a distance of less than 150 Kilometres from that river.

(2) to the West of the Eastern German frontier at a distance of less than 150 Kilometres from that frontier.

(3) to the North of the Southern German frontier at a distance of less than 150 Kilometres from the frontier of Italy or of Czechoslovakia.

All grounds now existing which do not satisfy these conditions are to be immediately placed out of use. The sheds are to be dismantled and the earth is to be ploughed up. This is to be carried out within one month.

(Mr Lansing asks whether this also refers to military aircraft only, or if civil aircraft are included. General Duval says that the question of Civil Aircraft is to be left until later, and refers to Article IX. Mr Lansing asks why Article II had been inserted before resolving the distinction between Civil and Military aircraft. Mr Balfour says this question is one worth considering. Future revolutionaries might convert civil aircraft for military uses, while the Police will find themselves restricted by the Terms of Peace from doing the same. Article IX evades the question by referring the decision to a body which has not yet even been appointed. Mr House explains that the Air Delegates had only been asked for recommendations on disarmament, and had not been asked to consider military matters.

Mr Balfour suggests that an Aerial Commission be immediately appointed to address this problem. General Foch objects that the whole point was to disarm Germany completely. Why should exceptions be made? Mr Lansing agrees, but points out that as long as commercial aircraft can be converted for military purposes there is no way to stop Germany from building machines just for that purpose. He considers it more important to simply remove the guns and bombs from all aircraft than to try to force them to build aeroplanes that cannot be converted.

After a great deal of argument M Clemenceau attempts to state the cases for both sides and then suggests that Article IX be amended to make a distinction between civil and military aircraft. Article II is then approved, with the above change in wording.)

(M Clemenceau suggests the last sentence be amended to add the words "from date of signature of present Convention". This is agreed to.)


Article III.

Germany will allow to all Allied aircraft free passage through the air, free transit and right to land on her territory until complete evacuation of German territory by the troops of the Allied and Associated Powers.

(General Duval points out that this clause only exists so the British can establish postal lines through Germany to Bohemia and Poland. Mr Balfour says that this cannot be finalized until the Peace Treaty is in force and everyone knows how long the Allies will need to fly over and land in Germany. This article is then provisionally passed.)


Article IV.

The manufacture of parts of aeroplanes, hydroplanes, water gliders, dirigibles and motors shall be forbidden in the whole of German territory until the signature of the definite Treaty of Peace.

(Mr Balfour says this means that until the Peace Treaty is signed the German motor industry will come to a standstill. General Duval suggests a change of wording to read "...and aeroplane motors". Mr Balfour asks whether inspectors could tell the difference between an aeroplane motor and a heavy lorry motor. General Duval explains how to tell the difference, and Mr Balfour withdraws his objection.

There is then a lengthy argument about whether the article should wait for a Peace Treaty or approved immediately. Finally after all this Article IV is accepted without amendment.)


Article V.

The material now existing in the German land and sea forces or in process of manufacture, in excess of the figures given under Article I shall be handed over to the Allies. In that material must be comprised in particular:

Complete aeroplanes and hydroplanes, as well as those in process of manufacture, repair, or of being put together;

Dirigible balloons able to take the air in process of manufacture, repair or being put together;

Machinery for the manufacture of hydrogen;

Dirigible sheds and every kind of shelter for balloons or dirigibles. Pending their delivery dirigible balloons are to be maintained blown out with hydrogen at Germany’s expense and the apparatus for the manufacture of the hydrogen, as well as shelters for dirigibles may, at the discretion of the Allied and Associated Powers, be left to Germany until the moment when the dirigibles are handed over.

Motors.

Cells.

Armament (guns, machine guns, light machine guns, bomb throwers, torpedo throwers, synchronisation apparatus, aiming apparatus).

Munitions (cartridges, shells, bombs, loaded and unloaded, stocks of explosives or material for their manufacture).

Instruments for use on aeroplanes.

Wireless apparatus; photographic or cinematograph apparatus.

Detached parts connected with any of the preceding categories.

(Article V is approved without amendment.)


Article VI.

Any movement of material mentioned in Article V shall be forbidden without special authorisation by the Allied and Associated Powers.

(Article VI is approved without amendment.)


Article VII.

The terms of the various Articles of the present Convention shall be carried out under the control of a Special Commission delegated for that purpose by the Allied and Associated Powers.

This Commission shall work at the seat of the Central German Government, but shall be able to send a sub-Commission or delegates to any other part of German territory.

This Commission will have every power to settle directly and without appeal any disputes which may arise in regard to the execution of the present Convention.

The German Government will immediately hand over to it:

(1) A numerical list of the personnel belonging to all the German Air Services and of the existing material as well as of that in process of manufacture or on order.

(2) A complete list, with their position, of all establishments working for aviation, and of all landing grounds and sheds.

The German Government will immediately place at the disposal of this Commission all documents relating to the German Air Service.

The German Government will give to all the delegates of this Commission every facility to carry out their mission, and in particular:

To effect over the whole extent of German territory a census of the material mentioned under Article V;

To inspect, whenever called upon, aeroplane, balloon and motor manufactories, and arms, munitions and explosive factories, aerodromes, sheds, landing grounds, parks and depots.

To take any photographs and sketches.

The German Government will immediately hand over to this Commission all the information and documents set forth in Articles V and VII, and all the material mentioned in these Articles shall be handed over as rapidly as possible, and within a time limit of three months.

(Mr Lansing asks why there is a paragraph requiring the German government to give permission for the Allies to take photographs and sketches. General Duval says it was placed there by the American Delegates and that he personally would like to see it struck out. General Patrick agrees to this and the sentence is removed.)


Article VIII.

The Commission instituted under Article VII will work until the conditions of this convention have been carried out by Germany within the prescribed period; if for any reason anyone of these provisions be not carried out within the allotted period the delegates of that Commission will immediately bring these facts to the knowledge of their respective Governments who will give them new instructions.

(Article VIII is accepted without amendment.)


Article IX.

The rules relative to the organization of a commercial air service in Germany after the signature of the definite Treaty of Peace, and to its being granted international circulation shall be determined by the said Treaty of Peace.

(Mr Lansing agrees with the Article, but feels it does not belong in a document meant for the military disarming of Germany. He feels the whole question of Commercial Aviation should be a separate document, and not related to the Peace Treaty at all. M Clemenceau says that Mr Balfour has created just such a document, which might satisfy Mr Lansing. This document is presented and approved.

As to the question of whether Article IX should remain as part of the Disarmament rules, it is decided to hand it over to the appropriate Commission, which will be given 48 hours to make a decision per its retaining, and to suggest amendments as necessary. At that time a final decision will be made.)


3. Mr Balfour raises a separate question regarding the disposal of the aircraft and equipment to be handed over. Mr Lansing says that he is worried that to the eyes of the world it will look more like taking Spoils of War rather than Disarmament. To this end he proposes that all aircraft and equipment which can be used for commercial purposes be retained by Germany, and anything not usable in that regard be destroyed.

M Clemenceau says he does not think the question can be answered quickly, and should be postponed to a later date. Baron Sonnino suggests this be discussed at the same time as the discussions of the disposal of ships and submarines.

(This is agreed to and the discussion postponed.


4. Baron Sonnino brings up what he considers an urgent matter, this being that the Czechoslovakian government has refused to pay any part of the Austro-Hungarian debt. If this is not acted upon immediately the Austrian and Hungarian governments might do the same.

M Pichon points out that all the Delegations have received the same communication. Further, while the Czechoslovakian government has refused to pay interest on the debts owed by enemy countries, they have agreed to pay interest owed to individual bond holders in Allied countries. On February 25th the French Foreign Office had sent a telegram to the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stating that an inability to pay interest due on March 1st will not influence the Peace Conference in any way.

(It was agreed to refer the question of the payment of the coupons of the Austrian debt due on March 1st to the Allied Financial Committee for consideration and report.)


5. Mr Clemenceau says the Territorial Coordination Committee will not have their report on the western borders of Poland ready until Saturday, March 15th. It is decided to postpone the next Peace Conference meeting until that date.

[Jimbuna]

13th March 1919

Aftermath of War

Armistice negotiations renewed at Brussels.

Sir William Robertson appointed Commander-in-Chief, Rhine.

Sir Douglas Haig to command Forces in Great Britain.

President Wilson arrives back in France.

General Pershing, commander of American expeditionary force, addressing U.S. occupation troops in Trier, Germany.


Vladimir Lenin chairing meeting at the People House in Petrograd (Saint Petersburg) March 13, 1919.


[March 13th, 1919] "Nearly Plucked" (Demands made from Germany at the Paris Peace Conference).

[Sailor Steve]

Thursday, March 13, 1919


The Peace Conference has the day off.

[Jimbuna]

14th March 1919

R34 airship of the Royal Air Force makes its first flight at Glasgow.


New Zealand soldiers returning home onboard the S.S. Athenic passing through the Panama Canal.

[Sailor Steve]

Friday, March 14, 1919


The Peace Conference takes another day off.

[Jimbuna]

15th March 1919

Aftermath of War

Bolshevik reverses reported in the Urals, Estonia and Kurland.

Fighting at Nikholaiev, near Odessa.

Egyptian protests erupt against British occupation of the country. In the next few days, 800 Egyptian and 60 British and other European soldiers and civilians will be killed in the violence. Demonstrations in Cairo.


African American soldiers of the 367th Infantry stand in the freezing rain to return their colors to the Union League Club after returning from Europe.


Ship Losses:

City of Gulfport (United States) The five-masted barquentine was destroyed by fire in the River Plate at Buenos Aires, Argentina.

[Sailor Steve]

Saturday, March 15, 1919

PARIS PEACE CONFERENCE
Day 42

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


1. The meeting opens with a Proposal by leading American Representative Robert Lansing. Marshal Foch is to obtain permission for any member of the Polish Commission to visit any territory east of the Vistula River at any time. The purpose is to prevent German troops departing the area from selling arms to the Bolsheviks. The Resolution is passed without comment.


2. M Clemenceau says that before the Aviation Commission can be assembled there must be Representatives from the Smaller Powers. M Pichon recommends that the Representatives come from Belgium, Brazil, Greece, Romania, and Serbia. He says that the Nations to provide Representatives have been pre-selected to prevent another incident like the one involving the nominations for the Economic and Financial Commissions.

Mr Balfour suggests that Portugal be added to the list as the Azores are important as an air station. Mr Lansing suggests Cuba also be added, as without Cuba the Allies would have had no sugar. These two nations are added to the list and the Resolution is passed.


3. M Clemenceau says he has received a message from President Wilson asking that the discussions on Military, Naval and Aerial Terms of Peace be postponed until Monday, March 17th. It is agreed upon and the discussions postponed.


4. M Clemenceau says the one remaining item on the agenda is the report from the Polish Commission. As some of the members are not yet prepared this discussion is also postponed, and the meeting is adjourned.

[Jimbuna]

16th March 1919

Aftermath of War

Germany accepts food terms (300,000 tons cereals and 700,000 tons fats per month).

Women and children in British-occupied Cologne, Germany waiting to get milk rations. Milk is only allowed for children under three and for the sick.


A French warship participating in the Allied intervention against the Bolsheviks ice-bound at Archangelsk, northern Russia.


The American Legion, a U.S. war veterans’ organization, holds its first meeting in Paris, attended by members of the American Expeditionary Force.


Ship Losses:

Nordanvind (Sweden) The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea. The crew was saved.

[Sailor Steve]

Sunday, March 16, 1919

The Peace Conference has the day off.