THE PEACE TERMS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3143, 28 July 1917, Page 7

THE PEACE TERMS

MOTION TO ENDORSE RESOLUTION OF

THE REICHSTAG

BRITISH LABOUR RESOLVED

ON VICTORY 1

(Rcc. July 27, 0.50 p.m.)

London, July 26. Jn the House of Commons Mr. Ramsay Macdonald, on behalf of a quintet of pacifist members of tlio House, moved it resolution asking the House to endorse the sentiments of the German Reichstag rosohitiou and restate tho peaco terms; also that the forthcoming Allied Conference on the war aims include democratic representatives.

Mr. Asquith declared that over-much importance was attached to the Reichstag resolutions. Peace was of supreme Importance to mankind, but the allimportant condition was that we must not defeat tho purpose for which the great nations had made war. Ho welcomed the forthcoming Allied Conferenco initiated by Russia, because of new facts with a practical bearing which had recently emerged, namely, the cessation of tho autocracy of Russia. and the entry into the war of the United States. Meantime wo should not bo helping on the advent of peace by giving an impression that we were faltering in our determination, or doubtful about carrying the burden we had taken on. Mr. G. J. Wardle (Labour) associated himself with Mr. Asquith in the desire for a peaco based on the achievement of the. war's purposes. Mr. Macdonald's ieeolution was a great mistake. The British Labour forces wore inflexibly resolved on victory. They realised tnat their object was obtainable only by fighting. The German people were not seeking to. destroy their own shackles, but to imposß them on other peoples.—Renter. RESOLUTION REJECTED BY LARGE MAJORITY. (Bee. July 25, 0.5 a.m.) London, July 27. Mr. Bonar Law asked what was the good of basing anything on a resolution by a. body which did not possess the smallest power. Tho Roichstag resolution demanded tho freedom of the seas, which meant that tho nation with tho naval power must not use it, while ono with tho military power was unrestricted. Germany must bo disabused of her pre-war convictions that national greatness and development depend on the readiness to plunge the vcorld into war. He had not despaired of the part Russia was going to play, even under the present conditions. Ho concluded that he had confidence in the ability of tho Allies ta acliiovo their object. Mr. Ramsay Macdonald's resolution was rejected by 148 votes to 19.—Renter. The Copenhagen correspondent of tho London "Times" on July 10 tho redrafted and final peace formula of tho majority of the Reichstag. It is:— (1) Germany is fighting for freedom, independence, and tho maintenance of her territory. (2) Tho Reichstax desire 6 a lasting peace secured on the good understanding of all peoples. The forced acquisition of territory, political, economic, and financial disabilities are inconsistent with such a peace. (3) The. Reichstag protests against all plans for economic blockades and demands freedom of the seas after the \<ar. It advocates the establishment of an International Court. (4) Whilst enemy Governments do not accept such a peace the German people unanimously agree to continue the fight.