MR. LLOYD GEORGE HANDLES THE PEACE NOTE

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2957, 21 December 1916, Page 5

MR. LLOYD GEORGE HANDLES THE PEACE NOTE

TEAKS IT TO SHREDS HISTORIC SPEECH IN HOUSE OF COMMONS (By Telegraph—P-cess Association—Copyright). London, December 19. In the House of Commons, the Prime Minister (Mr. Lloyd George) said he appeared before the House with the most terrible responsibilities that could fall on the shoulders of any living man—as chief adviser to the Crown in, the most gigantic war the country h a d ever engaged in, a war upon the events of which its destiny depended. "It is the greatest war ever waged, and the burdens are the heaviest ever cast upon this or any other country, while the issues are the gravest ever atached to any conflict in which humanity has been involved; ' Tho responsibilities of the now Government have been suddenly accentuated by the declaration of tho German Imporial Chancellor. The statement made by the la-ttor in the Reichstag had been followed by a Note presented to us by tho United States without comment. "The answer," said the Premier, "will be given by the Government in full accord with our brave Allies. Naturally, there has been an interchange of views; not upon the Note, because it has only recently arrived, but upon the speech which propelled it; and, inasmuch as tho Note itself is practically only a reproduction, or certainly a paraphrase, of that speech, the subiect matter of the Note itself has been discussed formally, and I. am very glad to be able to state that we have each arrived at identical conclusions. . "I am, very glad the first answer was givon by France and Russia, for they have unquestionably the right to give- the first answer to such an invitation from the enemy still on their soil. Their sacrifices have been greater. That answer has been already..published, and on'behalf of tho Government I givo clear and definite support to it. "Whatare the proposals? There aro none. .To enter on a, conference on the invitation of Germany, who is proclaiming herself victorious, without any knowledge of the proposals she proposes to make, is.to put our heads into a noose, with the rope's end in. Germany's bauds. Not the First Time we have Fought Military Despotism. "This country is not altogether without experience in theso matters. This is not the first time wo have fought the great military despotism ovor-. shadowing, Europe, and it will not bo tho first time we have holped to overthrow military despotism. . ■ . . "We can recall that tho favourite device of one of the greatest of these despots, when he a. purpose to servo, in working his nefarious schemes, was to appear in the guise of the Angel of Peace. "He usually appeared under those conditions when he'wished tinio to assimilate his conquests or. reorganise his forces for fresh conquests, or, secondly, when his subjects showed symptoms of fatigue and war weariness, appeal was always made in the name of humanity, and ho demanded an end to bloodshed, whereat he professed himself horrified, but for which he himself was mainly responsible. Our ancestors were taken in once, and bitterly did they and Europe rue it. The time was devoted to reorganising his forces for a deadlier attack than ever upon tho liberties of Europe. Examples of that kind cause us to regard this Note with a considerable measure of reminiscent disquietude.' "Any man or set of men who wantonly or without sufficient causo • prolonged this terrible conflict would have on his soul a crime which oceans could not cleanse. On the ether hand it is equally true that any man or sot of men who from a sense of weariness, of despair, 'abandoned tho jtrimulo withouti achieving the highest -purpose for which we entered it would be guilty of the costliest act of poltroonery ever perpetrated by any statesman. "I'would.like to quote the words of Abraham Lincoln under'similar conditions: 'We accepted this war for an object, and a world object, and tho war will end when that object is attained under God. I hope it will never end, until thatj time.' "Are we likely to achieve that object by accepting the German Chancellor's invitation? , Allies'.Terms of Peace Have Been Repeatedly stated. "Wo feel we ought to know before we can give favourable .consideration to such an invitation that Germany is prepared to accede to the only terms on which it is possible peace can be obtained and maintained in Europe. These terms have been repeatedly stated by all the leading statesmen of tho Allies. MY. Asquith has stated them repeatedly, it is important that thero should be no uistakc. It. is a matter of life and death to millions, thereforo I will repeat them again, namely: 'Complete restitution, full 'reparation, effectual guarantees.' Did the German Chancellor use a simile phrase indicating that he would be prepared to accept such peace?- The very substance and_ style of tho sneech constitute a denial of peace on tho only terms on which it is possible. Ho is not_ even conscious now that Germany has committed any offence against the right of free nations. Listen to this from tlm Note: 'Not for an instant ha vo the Central Powers swerved from the conviction that respect'of the rights of other nations is not in any degree compatible with their own rights and legitimate interests.' When did they discover that there was the respect for rights of other nations in Belgium and Serbia? That' was Foli'-sacrificc, I suppose. They were menaced by tho overwhelming armies of Belgium." They Have Not Learned the Alphabet of Respect for the Rights of Others. "I suppose the Germans had been intimated into invading Belgium, burning cities and villages, massacring thousands of its inhabitants, carrying the survivors into bondage, carrying them into slaverv at tho moment this Note was being written about her unswerving conviction as respects tho rights of other nations. Are these outrages to bo the legitimate interest of Germany? We must know. It is not the moment for peace, if excuses of this kind, for palpable crimes, can bo put forward two and a half years after their exposure by grim facts. As to tho guarantee, is there, I ask in all solemnity, any guarantee that a similar subterfuge will not be used in future to overthrow any treaty of peace you may enter into with the Prussian militarist? This Note and speech prove that not yet have they learned the very alphabet of respect for tho rights of others. Without .reparation peace is impossible. Ate all these outrages against humanity on land and sea to be liquidated by a fow pious phrases about humanity? Is there to bo no reckoning fo rthem? Are wo to grasp the hand that perpetrated theso atrocities in friendship without any reparation being tendered or given? Germany leaves us to exact damage after tho war. Not Much Encouragement for a Lasting Peace. "It has cost,us much, and wc must exact it now so as not to leave such a grim inheritance to our children. Much as wo all long for peace, deeply as wo aro horrified at tho war, this "Note and tho speech which "heralded it do not afford much oncouragement or hope for an honourable and lasting peace. What hope is given in the speech that the whole root and cause of this great bitterness that tho arrogant spirit of the Prussian military caste will not be dominant as ovor if we patch up a peace now." (Cheers.) After pointing out that tho speech in which peace proposals were suggested resounded with tho boast of Prussian military triumph, Mr. Lloyd George declared: "Wo must keep a steadfast eye upon tho purpose for which we_ entered tho war, otherwise tho great sacrifices wo aro malting will lie in vain." Allies Entorcd the War Against Prussian Domination. "Tho German Note states that it was'for tho. defence of their oxisteiico and freedom for national development that tho Central Powers were constrained to lake >ip arms. Such phrasos dofcat evoii those- who pen them. They were intended to delude the German nation, into supporting the design's of tho Prussian military caste. Whoever wished to. put an cud to Germany's national existence or freedom for their national development? We welcome their development, i=o long as it was on tho paths of peace. .

"Tho Allies entered the- war to defend Europe against aggression and Prussian military domination, and, having begun, wo must insist that tho only end is a most complete and effective guarantee against the possibility of that casto over again disturbing the peace of Europe. Prussia, since she got into tho hands of that casto, had been a bad neighbour; arrogant, threatening, bullying; shifting boundaries afc her will, taking one fair held after another from weaker neighbours, with her belt ostentatiously full of weapons of offence, and ready at a moment's notice to use them. She has always been an -unpleasant; disturbing neighbour in Europe. "It is difficult for thoso living thousands of miles away to understand what this has meant to thoso living near her. Even hero, with tho protection of the broad seas between us, wc know what a disturbing factor the Prussians were with their constant naval menace. But even we can hardly realise what it. has meant to bronco and Russia. "Now that war has been forced by the Prussian mililarv loaders upon France, Russia. Italy, and outsolvcs, it would be cruel folly not to see to it that this swashbuckling through the streets of Eurone to the disturbance of all harmless and peaceful citizens shall be dealt with now as an offence against tho law of nations. Lessons of the Fighting on the Western Front. "I should like to say a. word about the.lessons of tho fighting wi the Western front, about the significance of the whole of that great struggle. It is full of encouragement and hope. An absolutely new army—tho old had done its duty and spent itself in the achievement of that great task—this is a. new army, which but a year ago v.-as ere in the earth of Britain, yea and Ireland, it became iron—(cheers)—has passed through the fiery furnace, and the enemy knows it is jiow fine steel. This new army, new men, new officers and General, now to this kind of work, has faced the greatest army in the .'world, the best equipped, and the host trained, aiid beaten them—(loud cheers)—in battle after battle, day. after dey, week after week, in the strongest entrenchments ever devwed by human skill. They have driven, them out by valour incredible That' is something which gives us hope and fills you all with pride in the nation to> which they belong. Is the fact not full of'(significance for us and for the foe?. (Cheers.) The enemy has seen that army grow under his very eyes. They aire becoming veterans. Therefore, basing war confidence on these facts, lam convinced, as I ever was, of ultimate victory if the nation proves as steady and valorous, as ready for sacrifice, and learns to j endure as that great army on the Somme. (Loud cheers.) The Ons Dark Cloud—The Darkest Cloud. "Lot us for the moment look at the worst. 'Hie Rumanian blunder was unfortunate; but.at worst it prolongs tho- war. It does not alter the fundamental facts of the war, and I cannot help hoping may even have salutary effects in calling the attention of the Allies to tho obvious defects of the Allies' organisation—not merely tho organisation of each, hut tho organisation of tho whole. If it does that, and braces them for a fresh effort it may prove, had as it is, a blessin,g. "That/ is tho worst. It has been a real set-back. It is the oue cloud, tho darkest cloud. It appeared 'on a_ clearing horizon. "Wo are doing our best to make it impossible that tho disaster should lead to tho worst. That is why wo have taken during tho last few days very strong action in Greece. Wo_ mean to take no risks there. We decided to tako definite and decisivo action, and I think it has succeeded." t Character and Constitution of the Government. The Premier proceeded to refer to the now Government, remarking that he : was anxious to avoid all issues that excited irritation, controversy, and disunion. It .must not bo assumed that he had accepted as complete the account which fcad been given of the way the Government had been formed. Ho was convinced that the controversies of tho past would not help regarding tho future; therefore, so far as he waß concerned, ho placed them on one side. Ho proceeded to sponk of tho universal character and composition of the Government as an executive body. Tho. Houso would have : realised that there had been a separation between the funotions of the Premier and tho Leader of tho House, because those two offices'.wore more than ono man could undertake Previous Administrations had been peace structures organised for ont purposes and differeint conditions. Craft suitable for river or canal was ■ not exactly tho kind of.vessel for tho high. seas. He was not here referring to tho lato Cabinet, but k> tho old system of Cabinet, where heads of every Department wero represented inside tho Cabinet. He was convinced the new form of Government \'vas the best for war, where quick decision was necessary above everything. He declared that tho Allies suffered disaster after disaster through taii'liness of decisive action. "You cannot run a way with a Sanhedrin I"/ That was the meaning of a Cabinet of five, and ono of ,)Hs members was doing sentry duty outside.. It had been suggested' there was_ danger of lack of co-ordination,; : but he pointed out that was tho' old practice. "We have beads of pepartmentsr outside, of Cabinet, and whe&wjver anything concerned, a particular Department tho head of that Department could attend the Executive Committee and discuss tho problems requiring - solution." . He thought this a very effective practice, and inuch better, especially in time of war, than keeping the men away from their Departments ttiscussing things which did not directly concorn them. . . Ho emphasised tho fact thai, .there would be no distinction between the old War Committee and tho War, Cabinet. There was not the slightest attempt to derogate in any particular from the complete control of Parliament, which must always bo supreme. , Prodigious Profits of Shipping Intolerable in War Time. In regard to shipping, he empha..sßsed tho point that it was never so vital to the life of the nation as at bAesent. The Government felt the iime had come to take complete control of ,ajl ships in Britain and place them practically in the samo position as railyvtyys, so that during tho war the shipping shall be nationalised in the real s\e.\jse of the term. The prodigious profits mado out of freights contributed) largely to the high cost of commodities and made it difficult for tho Government to induce organised labour to five up privilegos. The undue and extravagant profits of shipping wore intolerable in war time. Sir Joseph llaolay" was conferring with the Admiralty , and Shipping Control Committee, and Mr. Uoyd George hoped soon to be ablo to inform the House of the plans not only for the more offeotive utilisation of the ships already oh ibe register, but also for the speedy construction of more ships to replace the wastage. - Regarding coal mines,- the Government feßt that it ought to assume more direct control of,tho whole industry. ~, The food problem was undoubtedly serious,' and would be grave unless the Government and nation wore prepared' to grayntfe with it courageously and without loss of time. Ho pointed out that the available harvest of the world had failed. The surplus wheat available for from Canada and the United States had diminished to a disastrous extent; the Argentine promised badly ■ Russian was not available, and Australia, meant almost prohibitive tnnsport Our own harvest was poor. It was ,invt believed that more than three-eighths of the usaial sowing had taken place.V-Aus-N.Z. Cable Association. . THE LITTLE WELSH LAWYER'S DAY OF TRIUMPH ' '. ' . (Rec. December 20, 5.50 p.m.,\ London, December 19. I Crowds in Parliament Street and Palace Yard watehed the arrival of members who arrived before noon to appropriate seats, The House was crowded in every corner, the galleries and gangways .overflowing, and the Peers' Gallery was packed. Hr. Massey and Sir Joseph \?wd were present in the Distinguished Strangers' Gallery also the representatives of France, Italy, and Belgium and neutrals, including Hr. Page,. American Ambassador la tho Strangers' Gallery there.was more khaki than, civilian dress. Women waited for hours in the corridor behind the Ladies Gallery. Tho House soon plunged into business. Dealing with ouestions, one answer declared that military punishment was not crucinxiwn, and could not be abandoned; to another question the promise was jgivon that official action would be taken to stop the slaughter of pigs. . . • Mr Lloyd George entered, looking pale, his illness haviuig not yet been shaken off He was greeted with loud cheers f.rom all sides'. Cheers also „TlM r Asnuithand Mr. Bonar Law. For the first tune in his career fir Lloyd George confronted Mr. Asquith, with whom Ctore were some it was the little .Welslv lawyer's day of triumph. He took tho floor amid renewed cheering. His early, sentences about the peace offer and his declaration that "swashbuckling tough the Tn his sneech in the House of Commons, the Prime Minister (Mr.. Lloyd George) said the Government would ask the people for further sacrifices an the matter of food, and also regarding oxcoss profits. ■ Th(Government was appointing a Director of Military, Civil, ana" National Service, and would ask Parliament for further powers if the man supPb ' The P Snet n hfd q a&ed Universal National Service, and will employ, in „nt; n n ! i'l -u-nrk all men who aro not taken for tho Army. M Mr Lloyd CW said tho time had come to more formally consult the Dominions with reference to the war. An Imperial Conference would be hold at an early date.-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. HEAVY DECLINE OE WAR STOCKS IN WALL STREET. New York, December 19. As tho result of early interpretations of brief reports of Mr. Lloyd's George's speech there was a heavy decline of war stocks on Wall Street.— Aus.-N.Z. "Cable Assn. . PEACE ON TERMS MADE IN GERMANY IMPOSSIBLE. London, December 19. Mr. Massey, speaking at a luncheon in his honour given by the Corporation of Manchester, said that peace on terms made in Germany was_ impos- . siblo. .We could not forget the barbarous and brutal methods by which Germany carried on the war. . Germany must understand that we are not goins to bo bullied or cajoled into a. promatuTe peace. Wc must avengotho death of many gallant men, and make a repetition of this terrible war impossible, and thereby secure a peace of which all would be proud.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. GERMAN PEACE NOTE DELIVERED TO FRENCH GOVERN- ; MENT. Paris, December .19. The United States Embassy has delivered the German Note to the French Government. It merely contains tho text of Herr Bethmann-Hollwcg's speech, without any concrete proposals.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn "WE WILL NEVER NEGOTIATE WITH PERJURED GOVERNMENTS." Paris, December 19. General Mangin, in an Army Order to tho Verdun troops says:—"Our i fathers of tho revolution refused to treat with the enemy while he polluted the country's sacred soil. We will never negotiate with perjured Governments who regard treaties as soraps of paper, and who assassinate women and children. We will dictate terms after tho final victory, and meanwhile reply, to hypocritical overtures with tho bayonet." Other Generals have issued similar stirring proclamations.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER DECLARES THE NOTE WASTE PAPER, .; Rome, December 19. _ Sneaking in the Chamber of Deputies, Baron Sonnino (Minister of Foreign Affairs) said that the Gorman Peace Note was merely waste paper. The Chamber endorsed the Government policy by -353 votes to 41.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn,