28 JUNE 1919, Page 1

NEWS OF THE WEEK.

THE German Government informed the Allies on Monday afternoon that they would accept and sign the Peace Treaty. The Germans protested and blustered to the last, but when they saw that the Allies were immovable in their determination, they gave in-or said they would give in—two hours before the Allied Armies were to .begin their march beyond the Rhine. The Treaty has yet to be ratified by Germany, the Allies, and America—a process which may not be a mere formality: When it is signed and ratified, it has to be carried out. From Germany in her present mood we cannot expect much help in the task of making the Treaty work smoothly. The scuttling of the German warships interned at Sea-pa, in deliberate violation of the Armistice terms, shows that Germany, after defeat and revolution, is still incapable of acting honourably. Such a nation, like men who cheat at cards, is ostracized by its own acts.