GOOD SPECIMEN OF TEUTONIC IMPUDENCE

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2954, 18 December 1916, Page 7

GOOD SPECIMEN OF TEUTONIC IMPUDENCE

GERMAN PEACE PROPOSAL. NEW SCHEMES OF FRIGHTFULNESS PREPARED London, December IS. Tlie "Spectator" says that tlie peace proposal is a good specimen of Teutonic; impudence. If the Germans ' really expected to win they would make no suggestion respecting peace. They have probably prepared new schemes of frightfulness if the Allies refuse to negotiate. We already know that the submarines will be pushed without limitations. Holland has been forbidden to navigate ships to Dutch ports without a German escort. Germany also threatens to use bombs infected with germs broadcast in Britain in order the work of famine.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. CLEVER ATTEMPT TO DISUNITE THE ALLIES. Johannesburg, December 15. The newspapers denounce the peace offer as a clever attempt to disunite the Allies.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. JAPAN .WILL STAND STAUNCHLY BY THE ALLIES. Now York, December 15. Tie "Herald's" Tokio correspondent learns iTiat. Japan will not consider the peace proposal on a status quo antebellum basis. Japan ' will stand staunchly by the Allies until Prussian militarism is overthrown. Japanese statesmen will not consent to the restoration of Kiaoohau or the islands in the Pacific. They may approve of the return, of Kiaocbau to China, but are determined to drive the German menace out of Asia.—Aus.N.Z! Cable Assn. ' HOLLAND PREPARING FOR DANGER. . The Hague, December 15. The War Minister (General Bosboom) says it is necessary to increase the output of munitions daily, 'owing it> the danger of Holland being involved.—-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. , I LIMITATION OF ARMAMENTS IN PEACE PROGRAMME. • . _ Washington, December 15. It is stated in German official circles that the limitation of armaments, is an item on the peace programme.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.DEMAND FOR THE TERES OF THE PEACE OFFER, i London, December 15. ■. Count Karoly's party, in the Hungarian Parliament, is demanding the terms'"of the peace! offer.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ;y, i ' ~ ~ ' ' ' 'GERMAN PEACE PROPOSALS REFUSED. ■ London, December 15. Semi-official. —Statements from all capitals indicate the refusal of the Gernian peace offer.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. EXTRAVAGANT AND OPTIMISTIC RUMOURS. London, December 15. Tlie "Daily Telegraph's" Rotterdam correspondent says that there has beep ah unexpected sequel to the peace proposal in the form of a great crop of estravacant and optimistic rumours in Germany, culminating in a widelybelieved fablo that the belligerents have begun to discuss the terms. , The rumour spread like wildfire, necessitating inspired cautions in the newspapers, warning the people that nothing had' happened beyond what had been officially announced.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. HINDENBURG AND BETHMANN-HOLLWEG PLAY TO THE GALLERY. Amsterdam, December 15. Von Hindenburg has telegraphed to Herr von Befhmann-Hollweg, congratulating him upon his speech, which lio read with deep emotion and great satisfaction, as a great moral demonstration of the strength of Germany. Wo soldiers know that there is at present no higher or holier duty than prosecuting victory with our utmost energy, and living and dying for the Kaiser and the Fatherland. Hcrr Bethmann-Hollwcg replied: "The deeds of the army on land and water' cleared the way for the magnanimous decision of tho Kaiser and his Allies. If it does not please our enemies to terminate th'o war to-day, our soldiers will fight and sccuro for the Fatherland a strong and lasting peace." —Reutcr. REJOICINGS AMONG GERMAN SOLDIERS. •' Amstordam, December 15. There were great_ rejoicings among Gorman sqldiers in various Belgian frontier places. Believing that peaoo is imminent, their behaviour everywhere is that of a. victorious army.—Router. • • PRESIDENT WILSON DOES HIS DUTY AS POSTMAN. (Rec. December 17, 5.5 p.m.) Now York, December 16. It is officially announced that the United States will forward the Central Powers' peace proposals to the Entente without comment.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. UNDERWATER WARFARE TO BE SAVAGELY RESUMED. (Rec. December 5.5 p.m.) \ Washington, December 15. According to tho German Embassy peace would be worthless unless it renders pre-war armaments unnecessary. The State Department hears that Germany will commission a- new fleet of powerful submarines on January Ito savagely resume the underwater warfare, unless the Allies open negotiations for peace. UNIVERSAL LIMITATION OF ARMAMENTS. . (Rec. December 16, 6 p.m.) Washington, December 15. _ The Germsn Embassy has authorised the statement that it is certain that one of the most important subjects for discussion at the Peace Conference would be the universal limitation of armaments.—Reuter,

D.OCTOEED WIRELESS REPORTS OF HOLLWEG'S SPEECH. (Rec. Decombcr 17, 5.5 p.m.) London, Dcoember 15. German Press reports of Hollweg's speech show important discrepancies. In the wireless propaganda, reports ho indicates that Germany was not proposing terms, but would present them in the event of negotiations, and. other passages have been doctorcd to romove the gloomiucss""of iho speech.— "The Times." VIEWS OF GERMAN CONSERVATIVES ON THE PEACE QUESTION. (Rec. December 17, 5.5 p.m.) London, December 16. A wireless message slates that tho Conservatives in the Reichstag, at a. caucus, passed a resolution that pea no negotiations must not be conducted on the lines of peace 'at any price. The Conservatives firmly expect the advantages gained with the blood and brain of the troops to be the basis of a peace guaranteeing tho military, economic, and financial future of Germany.—Router. THE KAISER'S REFERENCES TO PEACE PROPOSAL. (Rec. December 17, 5.5 p.m.) Amsterdam,/ December 15. The Kaiser, in reviewing the troops at Mulhauseu, said: "I feel we are absolute conquerors, and! have offered to negotiate with tho enemy. All Tests with you if fighting must continue. If the enemy still thinks he has not had enough, then'l know." Tho Kaiser concluded with a military gesture calling forth a grim smile on the men's faces. Speaking to the officers ha reaffirmed his faith in militarism. It is believed that, Germany's terms have Been'sent to President Wilson.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable "Assn. A MEMBER OF BRITAIN'S WAR CABINET ON PEACE MUST CONSERVE THE PRINCIPLES FOR WHICH WE MADE ■ WAR. " '" " " . (Rec. December 17, 5.5 p.m.) London, December 16. Mr. 'Arthur Henderson (Labour member of the War Cabinet), speaking in London, said" the Government did riot yet know 1 anything of the 'text of the German proposal's. 'Germany's intiivei remained a matter of speculation, 'but, 'judging by recent events, they probably would not'err on"the"side"Qf magnanimity. He Added: "Britain, from love of peace, 'was anxious" to appreciate the real meaning of the proposals. If any are put forward "they will be examined .with the greatest care. \Ve must remember that Germany desired peace with Britain in August/ 1014, but on conditions fatal to oiir honour and'loyalty. The same spirit of loyalty to our fcravei atfd loyal Allies woiJd determine the spirit with which we will' examine the fresh proposals. The proposals must be'sorutinised by the light of our obligation not to .conclude a 'separate peace. We must" remember the greater sacrifices of France, Belgium, Serbia,, and Poland'. Any peace must be just, and permanent, with' the'suprome condition that it conserves the principles Tor which we entered the war. There musVnot only be'reparation- for the past and security for the future, but also/guarantees for tha "duration of peace; Germany might have such'a peace if she furnished proof of good intentions, "but if this overtures' were merely a' pretence, if she seeks an armistice for a breathing space in. order "to lay fresh plans of aggression, the people"of these islands,'however, tempted, 'must "set faces'" like steel a,gainst tho_ proposals: The Solicitor-General, Mr. G. 'Hewart, speaking at Leicester, said they Government would'consider the proposals and (negotiate on the subject on two conditions—that our aims and iaeals of the war remain unchanged, and secondly that we act.i'n concert with our Allies. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable. Assn. LEADERS OF THE ALLIES EXCHANGE MESSAGES. (Rec. December 16, 6 p.m.) London, December 15. Mr. Lloyd George has exchanged messages with" M. Trepoff, Signer Boselli, and M. Debrocqueville,. who have given mutual assurances of "strengthening friendships arid 1 unflinching efforts to secure victory for the common ideals and adherence of pledges to Belgium:—Router. APPEAL TO THE EMPIRE TO RESIST A PREMATURE PEACE. (Rec. December 16, 6 p.m.) London, December 15. A crowded city meeting carried a resolution, moved hy Lord Beresford,' demanding the elimination of all trace of enemy influence in Britain, the immediate closing of all enemy banks, and business houses, and the carrying out of the resolution of'the Paris Conference, and appealing to the'people of the Empire to resist a premature peace. —Reuter. '''' i NO PEACE UNTIL THE GERMANS ARE DRIVEN BEYOND THE RHINE. (Rec. December 17, 5.5 p.m.) London, December 16. Mr. Massey, speaking'at the Hotel Cecil, said whether the proposals were serious or not, peace negotiations should r,ot be entered into until the Germans were driven beyond! the Rhine and expelled from all occupied terri-tory.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn., PEACE WILL COME WHEN THE ROBBER DEN OF EUROPE IS WIPED OUT. (Rec. December 16, 6 p.m.) London, December 15. The "Times" correspondent at Petrograd says Germany's latest, attempt to divide the Allies has fallen absolutely flat. The Russian view is that peace will come only when the enemy is expelled from the occupied ter : ritories, Belgium and Serbia liberated, all Polish land united, Rumanian and Italian national aspirations realised, and the robber den of Europe wiped out—"Tie Times." ' " ■ ~~ ' STATEMENT BY RUSSIA'S FOREIGN MINISTER (Rec. December 17, 5.5 p.m.) Petrograd, December 15. In'the Dijma the Foreign Minister said that German's offer had jiot surprised the Allies/ Previously, she had put out feelers for a, separate peace, and now, recognising her powerlessness to break the unsHafceable alliances, she officially proposed negotiations. The real meaning was an attempt to. profit at the last moment from fleeting territorial conquest's before her domestic weakness was revealed. ' Russia indignantly repudiated the mere idea of suspending the struggle against the enemy, whose forces wero ' shaken but not broken, and who are seoking breathing space, by a deceitful offer. The inflexible decision of Russia, in complete agreement with the Allies, is that no subterfuge shall prevent the carrying on of the war till tho enemy is crushed.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. RUSSIAN DUMA REFUSES TO ENTER INTO NEGOTIATIONS. (Rec. December 17, 5.5 p.m.) Petrograd, December 16. The Duma unanimously resolved against entering into any, peace negotiations whatever at the'present time.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. TERMS OF THE ANTI-PEACE RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE DUMA. (Rec. December 17, 5.5 p.m.) . ' Petrograd, December. 16. The anti-peace resolution adopted by. the Duma expresses the belief that the peace proposals were a new proof 'of the enemy weakening, and. a hypocritical attempt to shift the responsibility of the war. on to others, and declares that a premature peace would not only, be short, hut would also raise the danger of'a new bloody war. A real peace was only possible after the enemy's military power' was decisively broken and Germany, definitely renounces her aspirations which renrered ljer blamable for. the present 'struggle,—Renter. ■ MR. W. J. BRYAN POSES AS PEACE ADVOCATE. (Rcc. December 17, 5.5 p.m.) New York, December 15. Mr. W. J. Bryan has appealed to Mr. Lloyd George, urging him to enter into peace negotiations, maintaining that all international disputes were capable of adjustment by peaceful means, and adds: "Do not, I pray you, by refusing to exchange, views, assume the responsibility for a continuation of this unspeakable conflict. Your decision may mean life or death .to" millions."—Reuter. PAPAL CHRISTMAS PEACE PROCLAMATION. (Rcc. December 16, 6 p.m.) ! Copenhagen, December 15. The "Tageblatt" says tho Pope is issuing a Christmas peaco proclamation.—"The Times." WHAT THE MOVEMENT IN GERMAN EXCHANGES REVEAL. (Rco. December 16, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, December 10. The famous political economist, M. Thery, points out the fact that the German exchanges on New York and Amsterdam improved on the mere possibility of peace negotiations, closely shows that neutral financiers do not believe in the victory of Germany, up on which Dr. Hellfferich depends for the payment of German's debts.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. WILD DISORDERS IN WALL STREET ON PEACE RUMOURS. (Rco. December 16, 5.5 p.m.) . i New York, December 15. . Stocks continue to decline three to ten points. There were wild disorders following upon rumours that peace was possible. The market was slightly stronger at the close. —Aus.-N. Z. Cable Assn. '. ' GERMANY READY, TO SUBMIT DEFINITE TERMS. (Rec. December 17, 11.30 p.m.) Washlngton, December 17, Count Bernstorff has interviewed M r. Lansing. Bernstorff stated that if the belligerents agreed to meet in conference Germany would submit definite piano and terms.—Reuter,