Читать книгу Craven's Part in the Great War - John T. Clayton - Страница 16

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The peace treaty was signed on Saturday, June 28th, in the Galerie des Glaces, Versailles, by the German delegates and representatives of all the Allied Powers except China. The German delegates, in a statement to the Press, declared they had signed the Treaty without any reservations and in the honest intention of carrying out its provisions to the best of their ability. They hoped, however, that some of its provisions would in time be modified.

The signing was received with great rejoicing throughout Britain, a notable demonstration being made outside Buckingham Palace, where the King, the Queen, their three sons and Princess Mary appeared on the balcony and were enthusiastically greeted.

The Chinese refusal to sign was due to the fact that the Council of Four could not see their way to reserve the question of Shantung for future consideration instead of its being settled as provided for in the Treaty.

The scene in the historic chamber was remarkable for the absence of pomp or martial show. M. Clemenceau presided over the formal proceedings, and with him were the French delegation, MM. Pichon, Klotz, Tardieu and Cambon; President Wilson and the American representatives, Mr. Lansing, Col. House and General Bliss; the British delegation consisting of Mr. Lloyd George, Mr. Bonar Law, Mr. A. J. Balfour, Lord Milner and Mr. G. N. Barnes; with the following representatives of the Empire: Canada—Sir George Foster, Mr. Doherty and Mr. Sefton; Australia—Mr. Hughes and Sir Joseph Cook; New Zealand—Mr. Massey; South Africa—General Botha and General Smuts.

Subsequent to the signing the King issued a formal message in which he stated that he shared the people’s joy and prayed that the years of peace might bring to them ever-increasing happiness and prosperity.