3 JANUARY 1920, Page 10

The Allies last week informed Germany that she must sign

the Protocol relating to the, Scapa Flow episode. The Allies were, they said, prepared to reduce the demand for 400,000 tons of floating docks, dredgers, and tugs if it could be proved ex- cessive. But they pointed out that Germany had recently sold some floating docks and tugs, and that no such sales could be permitted. The Allies maintained their demand for five small cruisers. When the Protocol was signed the naval officers and men interned for their share in the. scuttling of the German warships would be released, except those accused of war crimes. It is now expected that Germany will sign the Protocol, where- upon the Peace Treaty will come into force.