ENTENTE'S REPLY TO WILSON

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2976, 13 January 1917, Page 9

ENTENTE'S REPLY TO WILSON

I'' _ - ' " . : FRIENDLY IN TONE 9' • - 3 •

;; DECISIfE IN CHARACTER . V;- /.'IIXHfD GEORGE SPEAKS f: ■. .' r ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING IN THE :- . ■ ' GUILDHALL »f ■. s V .•••;' 's' 0 • ' BATTLESHIP SUNK a . • ; ri n- " —«> ■ • v TURKS, DRIVEN OUT OF : \ SINAI' 1/ -■ ■1 . . S GREECE BROUGHT TO BOOK r : - The Allies have replied to President Wilson's Peace Note, setting v' 1 out the' main features of the terms upon, which they are prepared ,to ' .'.' end the-war. They protest strongly against his suggestion that an •analogy is ,to be drawn between the aims of the Entente and those of the Central Powers'. The Turks in the Sinai Peninsula have suffer'l ed another, heavy defeat at the hands of tho Anza.cs and other mountj' ed troops. ' Attacked: near Rafa, about 120 miles east of the Suez Canal, they lost 2300 men, mostly prisoners; An Admiralty report - I states that the British pre-Dreadnonght battleship Comwallis was torpedoed in the Mediterranean, with a loss' of thirteen lives, and that a seaplane carrier.was sunk by gunfire off the coast of Asia 0 Minor. Several reports deal with the submission of the Athens Goveminent to the Allied demands, cmauds. '* ■ : ■ '

d . . . . " I THE ENTENTE'S REPLY ITO PRESIDENT WILSON' ■

WAR TO BE CONTINUED d- A SATISFACTORY PEACE AT PRESENT IMPOSSIBLE n , -'."V; ...... 8 : ■ , (By Telegraph-Press Assboiation--CopyriEht .. >• ' • / ' ' (Rec. January 12, 8.25 p.m.) London, January 11. « f The Allied reply to President Wilson's Note the'spirit animating communication.. After supporting a proposal to create a. League.of . ; Nations to assure universal peace and justice, it expresses tho view that, it •would be- impossible at present to obtain peace which would not only secure '* reparation, restitution, and guarantees due through the Central Empires' i B guilty act of aggression, but, also enable the future of tlie . European na- ' tions to be established on a sure foundation. . Tlie Allies regret but disclaim responsibility for the losses and suffering " entailed on neutrals, as they in nowise provoked tho war. They feel it their duty to challenge in the-friendliest-iint clearest way the analogy drawn between'the opposing belligerents, which directly conflicts with the evidence of history, which haH clearly established one- fact, namely, the calculated policy of aggression whereby Austro-Germany sought to ensure tho hegemony of Europe and universal economic, dominion by tlie declaration pf war and the instant violation of Belgium and Luxembourg. The methods of warj fare adopted by Germany have proved that she systematically scorns every principle of humanity and respect due to small States. ■ . ' '' f Tlie reply proceeds. to set out and further stress enemy crimes, and Tecalls :the horrors marking the invasion of.< Belgium and Serbia, and, the atrocious treatment they are undergoing, the massacres ..of hundreds of thouj .sands of inoffensive Armenians; the barbarities in Syria: Zeppelin raids on ■ open towns', the submarining'of liners and shipping, including that of neur trals: the.cruel treatment of war prisoners;. the iudicial murders of Nurse j 1 Carell «d Captain Fryatt, and the deportation and enslavement of civil populations, etcetera.—Aus.N.Z. .Cable Assu.-Beuter. s ; Ai'iGs Determined to. Endure -' Every Sacrifice;- ' " The list of;such' a'catalogue of crimes explainsithe Allied protests at'the : analogy. - ' 1 _ . '•' The-Allies find no difficulty in meeting: President Wilson's request to state' their '.war aims. These are only, formidable in detail with all just s compensations'and indemnities for losses when-the moment' for' negotiation '" i- arrives, but-it is well known to include, primarily and necessarily, the restor-■ r' ation of Belgium, Serbia, and Montenegro,: the evacuation 1 of invaded terris tory in' France, Russia, and Rumania;..the reorganisation of.Europe on the - s .right all peoples have to the enjoyment of..full sppui-ity and free, economic !- development, also upon, territorial agreements and . international. .arrange- . r ments framed to guarantee land and sea frontiers . against unjust attacks; I restitution of provinces and'territories . formerly torn from the Allies and - forcibly or contrary to tho inhabitants' wishes; tho liberation of Italians, e Slavs, Rumanians, Czechs, and Slovaks from foreign domination; liberation y of the peoples from the lying breath and murderous tyranny of the Turks; s expulsion from Europe of t-lio Ottoman Emoire, which'has proved itself radir cally alien to Western civilisation. The reply adds.that the Tsar's.intention P with respect to Poland is shown in the proclamation' just addressed to his armies, e The Allies disclaim any intention to exterminate politically, or extinguish, the ,- Germanic nations, thougli_ wishing to resoue Europo from the .brutal encroach- '. ments'of Prussian militarism. £ 'The reply'concludes: "Tlie Allies are determined to endure every sacrifice ] in order to press to a victorious close the conflict on which depends their ■- r.wn safety and prosperity, and the very future. of .civilisation. —Aus.-N.Z. s Cable. Assn.-Reiiter. n ... . . : BELGIUM'S NOTE TO THE UNITED STATES.: J Paris, January 11. M. Briand, the French' Prime Minister, also handed the American Am- j j bassador a Note from the Belgian Government adhering to tho reply of the v Allies, and,thanking the American-Government for its generous services to (. the unfortunate Belgian people. . • / The Belgium Note to the United States protests agaiiist the suggestion . I of President Wilson's seeming belief that the objects of tho belligerents are j _• similar. German barbarity towards Belgium'does not permit of the supposi- , : j " tion that there can be any post-war guarantee of the viglits of ;weak nations. , —Renter. • ••• t . " • GERMANY HOLDS THE ALLIES RESPONSIBLE FOR THE J ' AVAR. , , ' Berlin, January 10. >■ Germany, in a new Note to neutrals, accuses the Allies of responsibility for tho war. ; It declares that history will be tho judge as to where tlie immense guilt j of th 6 war will fall. Germany took arms to defend her liberty and existence. This aim has been achieved. f On the other hand, Germany's enemies have departed from their plans, \ and now. seek the conquest of Alsace and Lorraine, the humiliation of Atit tria, the. partition of Turkey', and the mutilation of Bulgaria. This is surprising in face of tlie Allies' demand for reparation. Germany meant her l'eaco Note, and sincerely hoped it would succced.—Renter. - (Rec. January 12, 11.20 p.m.) New York, January 12. 1 ] The new German Note to.neutrals adds that Germany is ready to an- ' nounce her peace conditions when negotiations _ havo begun. It protests against tho violation of the Declarations of London and Paris, and asserts ■ that a war of starvation against Germany conflicts with tho laws of nations • and the dictates of'■humanity; that the use of coloured troons was incom--1 patible 'with the principles of civilisation, and undermines tlio prestige of ; the white race. It reiterates that Belgium before the war had not observed neutrality. ' . j " The Central Powers will continue tlie struggle until they gain peace guaranteeing their /honour, existence, and 1 iberty of development.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

ALLIES WERE MORE.AND MOE.E LOOKING TO BRITAIN. London, January 11. Mr. Lloyd George, speaking at the Guildhall, said that tho Kaiser, in order to drug those he could not dragoon, had told his people that tho Allies had rejected peace terms. We had not seon any peace terms. Wo all wanted peace, but it must he. a real peace. 'Tho Allies, afc tho Rome Conference, were .under no delusion as to tho'magnitude of the task, nor doubtful of tho result. Tho whole situation was probed, difficulties wero faced, and arrangements mado to deal with them. Tho Allies felt that if victory was difficult, defeat was impossible. (Cheers.) It was the grim, resolution to rid the world of tho everlasting menace to tho Prussian military caste, and to save Europe from unspeakable despotism that the Allies wero more and more looking towards Britain, lie was confident that their trust would not bo misplaced. Our Navy would continue to strangle tho enemy's commerce, in spite of piratical devices, whilo with proper support our gallant armies would .cleave a road to victory, in 1917. (Loud eliecrs.) A successful loan would shorten tho war, save lives, and save tho British Empire, Europe, and civilisation. The Prussian menaco at present constituted a runningmortgage. which detracted from our national security. Let us. clear that mortgage for over,, and in future let the nations comhino to punisli tho first peace breaker. (Continued cheering.)—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-R.euter. All the Allies knew we were encountering an organisation which hail been perfected for generations by the best Prussian brains for tho subjection of Europe. What struck him most during -the Conference was the increasing extent to which the Allies were looking to Great Britain. They wero trusting her rugged strength and great resources. Britain was like a groat tower iii tho deep—the hope of the oppressed and tho despair of the oppressor. ' ' . When the arrogant Prussian caste flung Britain's signature on a treaty into the waste-paper basket,- tho Prussians did not know the pride of the land they treated with such disdain; hut tliey knew it now. Our soldiers and sailors liad taught them to respect us. This is a war of equipment. Tho Germans were pressing back our gallant Allies in Rumania, though the Rumanian peasant had proved himself the doughtiest of fighters, and tho Russians with baro breasts fought for two and a half years with inferior guns, insufficient rifles, and inadequate munitions. in a heroic stru'gglo which stirred tlie world. (Cheers.) If wo helped to equip Rumania- and Russia there would bo another story to.tell. Soon, tlie armies of Britain would be more formidable and more efficient than in There was also a marvellous improvement in British industries. I'actor ics wero scrapping old machinery anddiscarding slipshod, wasteful methods. (Cheers.).—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. <• ' "WAR WAS BETTER THAN PEACE AT THE PRICE OF PRUSSIAN DOMINATION. (Rec. January 12, 8.55 p.m.) London, January 11. For the Guildhall meeting a queue commenced to lino up at ton o'clock in the morning, and the people cheerfully waited for five hours in snow and sleet to welcome Mr. Lloyd George's-first public speech. There was intepso enthusiasm at the meeting. Leading politicians,"' financial magnates, and commercial men occupied the platform, and the spectators included ex-King Manuel of Portugal, Mr. W. ]?. Masse.v. and Sir J..Ward. Mr. Bonar Law opened the meeting with an exposition of the principles necessitating the loan, and said it was the limit as regards the rate of interest. So far as he could forecast, a higher interest rate would not bo paid in future. He said tlie great German military machine was resting on an internal foundation which was crumbling irresistibly before our eyes. Mr. Lloyd- George said it would suit Germany to have peace now on her own terms. Tlie Allies wanted peace, but they decided that even war was better than peace at tho price of Prusian domination over Europe. "I have just returned from a. Council of War of the four main Allies,- upon whose shoulders most of the burden of the terrible war rests. I cannot reveal tho conclusions of tho Council, but the represenffi'tives were thoroughly businesslike, and they separated feeling more confident than ever." Mr. Lloyd George added: "We will become a more alert people, and throw off all'useless tissues. 'Wo are a nation that is taking exercise. I want to see cheques hurtling through the air. for every well-primed cheque is a . better weapon of destruction than a twelve-inch shell, and tho moro wo get tho shorter The war. A generous subscription loan will save tho greatest treasure of all, which is bravo blood. Mr. M'Kenna, -ex-Chancellor of tho Exchequer, also addressed tho gath-ering."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. IMPORTANT MEETING OF AUSTRIAN WAR COUNCIL (Rec. January 12, 5.5 p.m.) London, January 11. A Vienna message says that Count G'zorin presided at a lengthy and im-port-aut War Council of tho joint Austro-Hungarian Cabinets. Afterwards Count Czcrin went to headquarters, where ho had an audienco with tho Emperor, and conferred with numerous Generals, Ministers, Archdukes, tho Gorman military plenipotentiary, and the Austro-Hungarian Ambassador to tho IJnited States.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.

ANOTHER BRUSH WITH THE TURKS IN , SINAI

RAFA CAPTURED EXCELLENT WORK OF ANZAC MOUNTEDS AND camelry : ' V , / London, January, 11. An official report from Egypt states: —We captured oil Tuesday a strong position, consisting' of six lines of entrenchments, six main redoubt's, and a central keep, covering Rafa, north-cast of E! Arish. Tho A'nzac Mounted and the Imperial Camel Corps attacked tile position, and carried it after a fight lasting all day. After the engagement, Turkish reliefs were encountered, and were entirely destroyed four miles from Rafa. Further details will bo sent later. We took 1600 prisoners and four mountain guns. Tho enemy killed and wounded in our hands number 600. — Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. SINAI NOW CLEAR OF THE ENEMY. London, January 11. British mounted force left EI Arish on i the Btli, marched thirty miles in twelve hours, and attacked the Turkish position covering Rafa at dawn on the 9th. The enemy numbered approximately 2300. All were killed or taken prisoner, including a few Germans. Our' casualties were light. Sinai is now clcar of the enemy. _ - A Turkish force coming to tKe relief of Rafa in the afternoon was engaged and obliged to withdraw.—Renter. MAGNIFICENT* FIGHTING POWERS OF THE TROOPS. . . ; (Reo. January 12, 5.5 p.m.) ... .... ' London,. January .11. .. The_ Rafa victory was. due to the same masterly surprise as at Magd- . ■ habah, the Anz'acs. and Yeomanry Camelry participating. ' "That su;ch a strong.position was captured in twelve hours testifies to.the " ' magnificent' fighting powers of tho troops, and the skill of the commanders. It Was tho thirty-first Turkish'regiment, which suffered the defeat. It was/composed entirely of Turkish, regn lars. Two hundred Turks were buried, in addition sixteen hundred linwounded ■' andl63woundedprisoners:wcre'taken. These include the Turkish commander, twenty-nine officers, - and some German officers and non-coms. . The British losses-were: Officers, three killed and forty-one wounded; - men, sixty-eight killed and 384 wounded.—Router. THE VICTORY HAS HAD A GREAT MORAL EFFECT. (Rcc, January 12, 10 p.m.) London, January. 11. Mr. Massey, the war correspondent, in a cable message from El Arish, says the brilliant dash of the Mounteds and Camel Corps on Tuesday cleared out tho Turks completely from Sinai after two years. . Tho Australians, New Zealanders, and Imperials quickly followed up their victory at Magdhaba by_a rapid night march, reaching Rafa, a coast town thirty miles from El Arish. The garrison of 2300 was overwhelmed. The ■ fighting began,at dawn. A relief forco approaching from the north-east in the afternoon was intercepted, and with drew. The, final strong position was surrendered at five o'clock. Our casualties wero light. Tho Magdhaba and Rafa actions resulted in three thousand prisoners being, secured! The swift strokes have had a great moral effect. Our Mount:eds covered a wide radius in the action. They are in a high condition of training, and tho enemy was not given a chance to (.scape. Their desort experience, and mobility has thoroughly surprised the enemv.—"Tho Times." .

SUDDENNESS OF RUSSIAN OFFENSIVE

ENEMY SURPRISED FOUR LINES OF TRENCHES CAPTURED WITHOUT RESISTANCE (Rec. January 12, 5.5 p.m.) v Petrograd, January 11. Wounded men taken prisoners agree that the suddenness of the. Russian offensive on the Riga front completely surprised the enemy. Advanced Russian detachments noiselessly entered the trenches, captured the sleeping outposts, and found the first-lino trendies unguarded. Scouts cut tlio eutaii'demcnts, seized the bewildered enemy's positions without resistance, earned the second and tliird-iiue trenches without meeting serious resistance until they readied the fourth line,which was also seized. The Germans unsuccessfully attempted to recapturo the lost positions.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. RUSSIANS CAPTURE A VILLAGE. * London, January 11. • A Russian official report stales:—Fighting continues south of Lake Babit (west .of Riga). . , „„ "We. captured a village east of K<unsem. —Aus.-j.\.Z. Cable Assn. h

• ENEMY'S BLOW AT RUMANIA

COUNTER-ATTACK DRIVES THE ENEMY BACK London, January 11. Russian communiquo statesTito enemy captured two heights north of the Oitoz River. The Rumanians fell hack south-east of Mokestirka, and Kacliinul, and also north-east of Kempulledbus. The enemy crossed the Putna north of Focsani, but our counter-tit trick threw him back with heavy losses—Aus.-N.55. Cable Assn.-Reuter. .. . i AUSTRO-GERMANS CLAIM TO HAVE CAPTURED SQO PRISONERS. London, January 11. The Austrians and Germans won successes between fno Uz and Susita 'Valleys. We stormed heights north of the Oitoz Road. AVe captured 800 prisoners near Marasti Racoasa. —Aus.-N./. Cablo Assn.-Reuter.