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.
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