11 OCTOBER 1919, Page 2

Italy has, after all, been the first of the Allies

to ratify the German Peace Treaty. The King of Italy ratified it by Royal decree on Tuesday. The French President is awaiting the Senate's approval of the Treaty, which was sanctioned by an overwhelming vote in the Chamber last week. Our own Govern. ment have delayed the formal act of ratification until all the Dominions have accepted the Treaty. The Lower Houses in Australia and South Africa have yet to give their assent. When they have done so, Great Britain will ratify the Treaty. As won as three of the chief Allied Powers have ratified it and deposited the documents in Paris the Treaty will come into force, and the numerous Commissions charged with executing it can set to work. The surrender of the ex-Kaiser and of some of the many criminals formerly in his service may be required as soon as the Treaty. becomes operative.