BRITAIN'S PART.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16154, 7 March 1918, Page 7

BRITAIN'S PART.

BASIS OF PEACE.

ANOTHER LANSDOWNE

LETTER

(By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.)

(Received March 6th, 7.50 p.m.)

LONDON, March 5. Lord Lansdowne, in a letter to the "Daily Telegraph," says:—

"Count von Hertling's speech is unsatisfactory in many points, but it marks a perceptible advance."

Lord Lansdowne agrees with Mr Balfour that it would not be wise to begin negotiations unless some measure of potential, preliminary agreement existed, and suggests that preliminary conversations are necessary to secure such agreement.

Count von Hcrtling's references to Belgium certainly imply condition? which would prevent her having an independent place among the nations of Europe. if, however, Count von Heitling merely requires a guarantee that Belgium shall not become a juir ping-off ground for enemy machinations it should not be difficult to satisfy hiin. Lord Lansdowne suggests that ;he dialogue should be continued and not allowed to lapse into an indeterminate discussion. He further suggests that questions regarding the occupied portions of France. Alsace-Lorraine, the Turkish Empire, and Italy's claims in Austria should l>e remitted to an International Peace Conference. SIR AUCKLAND GEDDES ON PEACE.

(By Cable. —Press Association.—Copyright.) (Australian arid N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON. March 5.

Sir Auckland Geddes, Minister of National Service, in a speech at A!dershot, discussing the German war aims, said that the most dangerons time would be when Germany, for her own purposes, desired to open peace negotiations on the understanding that it was a drawn fight. Then *.ho pacifists, who were not numerous, but very vocal, would redouble their efforts! Peace under such conditions would mean that the world would sleep by its bayonet, \dth its rifle bv its side. Seeui ity was impossible until the Germans were convinced that their doctrine of superiority was false.

FURTHER PAPER RESTRICTIONS. ("Tho Times.'') LONDON. March 5. In the House oF Commons Mr fJ. Wardie (Parliamentary Secretary to tho Board of Trade)' stated that the Paper Commission was considering more drastic restrictions in view <,f the increasing scarcity cutting down the newspaper issues. SHIPPING CONTROVERSY SETTLED. (Reuier'a Telegrams.) (■Received March 6th, 0.-5 p.m.; LONDON, March o. Tho '"Daily Chronicle" states that the shipping controversy between Norway and Britain has been settled. MILITARY HONOURS. NEW ZEALAND AWARDS. (Australian and X.Z. Cablo Association.) iKeuler's Telegrams.) LONDON. March 5. A bar to the Distinguished Service Order lias been awarued to Lieut.Colonel V. McCanoll, New Zealand Mounted Rifles. The Military Cross has been awarded to Lieutenant J. R. Foley, a New Zealandcr. Twelve Distinguished Conduct Medals have been awarded to New - Zealundcrs.