LEAVEN OF PEACE IN THE REICHSTAG

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2550, 26 August 1915, Page 5

LEAVEN OF PEACE IN THE REICHSTAG

WHAT HAPPENED AT SECRET CONFERENCE London, August 24. • Amsterdam papers, describing a secret confcrence convened by Herr von Bethmann-Hollwcg, the Germaai Chancellor. before the meeting of the Reichstaa. state that the Chancellor, in insisting on the- imperative necessity for preparing for an honourable peace, advised those present to uso their influence to soften down the bellicose inclinations and expansion policy of the Reichstag, and formulate peace proposals which would bo acceptable to the Entente. MORE ABOUT THE SECRET, CONCLAVE. .'A REMARKABLE DISCUSSION. (lieo. August 25, 9.16 p.m.) Amsterdam, August 25. . The Dutch newspaper "Tolegraaf" reports that a secrot conference was held at Berlin, attended by writers, politicians, and Cabinet Ministers, prior to the floating of the German War Loan. Helfferich (Imperial .Treasurer),- ea I

plained that the loan would exhaußt ' the nation's resources, and urged l the necessity for an honourable peace. Herr von Bothmann-Hollweg told tlio conference that the Empire's fiuancial difficulties wero increasing, and urged that the Reichstag should abandon its bellicose declarations and prepare the country for peace proposals which would bo acceptable to the Allies.. >. Field-Marshal von Moltko supported the Chancellor, and declared that those who expected Russia's complete defeat wero _ being misled, and misunderstood the, situation. Des'pito the attitude of the Chancellor, tlio conference refused to accept a resolution for moderation in the ''Rcichstag, whereupon Herr von Both-mann-Hollweg threatened to resign if bellicose proposals were pressed upon the nation, as ho might be held responsible for the disasters that might happen. LABOUR CONCRESS ON THE WAR. (Rcc. August 25, 11.50 p.m.) Johannesburg, August 25. The Labour Congress lias passed a resolution that when the enemy is driven out of all occupied territory the Allies oucht to state,tho terms of peace acceptable, including the reduction of armaments and international arbitration.