WHY AMERICA WENT TO WAR

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3108, 12 June 1917, Page 5

WHY AMERICA WENT TO WAR

PRESIDENT WILSON'S NOTE TO RUSSIA GERMAN INTRIGUE CATEGORICALLY CONDEMNED (By Tolograph-Press Assooiation-Copyright). President' Wilson's Note to Russia (briefly sunimarised aS in"a t °iato JU raessa{'e yesterday) states that America will not consent to a peace with Germany ™cL merely restores the status that existed in Europe before the war ft nrL the Russian Government to stand firm with the world-forces of democracy. Ameriea 13 determined to continue the war until Germany's great "Mittel-Europa" dream of empire is shattered beyond nil peradventure. Regarding the phrase "no annexations and no indemnities," President Wilson says: "No people must be forced under a sovereignty under which it does not wish to live. No territory- roust change hands except for the purpose of securing the inhabitants a fair chance ot Jite and liberty; and no indemnities must be imposed except tho-e constitnr. mg a recompense for manifest ivrougs. ' \ America's Aims. i • " Th o delegation to Russia ia designed to express the deep friendship of the American people for Russia, and to discuss the best and most pi"! tical means of co-operation between the two peoples for carrying on the struma tor freedom to a successful consummation. It is, therefore, opportuno and appropriate to state in tho light of the new partnership the objects of the TJiuted States in entering the war. The objects are much beclouded by uiistaken and misleading statements, but the issues are too momentous and too tremendous and significant, to permit misunderstanding or misinterpretations to remain nncorreeted The war has begun to go against Germany. In a desperate endeavour to escape the inevitable defeat, those in authority in Germany are nsmg every possible iiisrrnment.»Uty They are even using groups mid parties in Germany to whom they have never been just or fair to promote propaganda on both sides of the sea m order to preserve their influence at homo and their power abroad. Americas position is clear. She does not seek material profit"or aggrandisement; she is not fighting for advantages or selfish objects, but for the liberation of peoples everywhere from aggression by autocratic force. Net of Intrigue Must be Broken. . "The ruling classes in Germany have begun to profess similar liberality and justice of purpose, but their real object is to preserve their powor for further selfish objects. Prom Berlin to Bagdad, Government after Government has bv German influence, been linked in a net of intrigue directed against the lilWfv and peace of the world. The meshes of that net of intrigue must be brokenwrongs must be righted, and adequate measures taken, to' prevent the net of intrigue ever being row oven or repaired. Germany ie seeking pledges so that the war will result in restoration of the status quo ante-bellum. It was this status quo from which the iniquitous war began-namely, the power of the German Government within the Empire and its widespread influence and domination outside. The status must be so altered as to prevent such a hideous thine recurring. When peace comes it must give liberty, self-government, ■ and undictated development to all peoples, wrongs must bo righted, and safeguards provided to prevent their recurrence. Phrases will not accomplish results. These questions must be settled by practical means and effectivo readjustments. The free people's of the world must meet in a common covenant that will lead to "enuine practical co-operation, which will combine their forces in order to securo universal peacn and justice. Tho brotherhood of mankind must not be an empty phrase- it must be given structure, force, and reality. For these things America can "afford to pour out blood and treasure." A Warning to Russia. The message warns Russia that: "If tlio forces of autocracy divide us, thev will 'overcome us. Tf we stand together, victory is certain. We can then 'afford to be generous; but wo cannot afford now to lon weak or Id omit a singlo cuarantee of justice- and security.-"—Aus.-N.Z. C'ablo Assn. A PAN-AMERICAN COMMISSION „ •, , tt,-, ■ -, • t, . Washington,' June 10. President Wilson is considering a Pan-American Commission to encourage co-operation between South and Central America for the (successful prosecution of the war economically. Some diplomats predict tho eventual co-operation of all the armies of tho Western Hemisphere.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. AMERICAN TROOPS FOR THE FRONT m>. - r . ,<m ,„ •> -,tt i- , '* New York, June 10. The New fork World e Washington correspondent states that America will not stop with General Pershing's division. Troops will go to Europe much sooner and in greater numbers than has been supposed.—Au's.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE "PEACE-LOVING" KAISER! DECLARES FOR RUTHLESS PAN-GERMANISM. „„ ... . ~,...,, , Amsterdam, Juno 10. Ihe Kaiser, in a epecch to the brandonburgors, declared that the German Army would dictate peace. This declaration is regarded as an indication that tho Kaiser has definitely adopted tho policy of the pan-German anneiationists. ThouEands ot copies of a pan-German pamphlet demanding waa- until Germany can annex all tho occupied territories are being circulated among tho troops and this in regarded as evidence that you Hindeabiirg a-pproyea of the vast propaganda.—Aus.-N.Z, Cablo Assn.