ENGINEERING A PEACE MOVEMENT

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2334, 16 December 1914, Page 5

ENGINEERING A PEACE MOVEMENT

COUNT BERNSTORFF AGAIN (Reo. December 15, 8.20 p.m.) London, December 15. Tho "Daily Telegraph's" Washington correspondent says that the "Kolnische Zeitung's" denial of alleged German inspiration of the peace movement in America is not believed by the public "When," he says, "the bankers mentioned in the articles discussed the movement, President Wilson and his advisers knew that Count Bernetorff (German Ambassador at Washington) was responsible for the steps taken by those bankers. The 'Kolnische ZeitungV declarations are regarded as a preludeto Germany making some peace move through Rome. The statement that America; as a nation is pro-British is true, but the fact was' not - definitely known until President Wilson refused to fall into the trap set by Count Bernetorff to get the United States to start a peace movement."

The German newspaper "Kblnisole Zeitunp;," referring to President Wilson's desire that America should play an important role at the conclusion of peace,' declared tliat Germany had jiot inspired the peace movement in the United States. "American bankers with German names, in strongly urging the desirability of peace, render doubtful service to Germany. . Their language is likely to be interpreted tomean that Germany is exhausted, and roust tend to injure German credit with neutral States. Notwithstanding expressions of friendliness in some quarters of America, it wouid be an ostrich policy not 'to recognise that public opinion, on the' whole, is entirely friendly to Britain. It may be argued that Washington has observed the strictest neutrality, but one can be neutral in an indifferent manner, and on the whole American neutrality has been favourable to Britain. We cherish, no irritation against America because she is friendly. to_ Britain. This is natural, because Britain is America's motherland; biitfor that reason we fear prejudice, and-must, in a friendly, firm manner, .reject America as an arbitrator."