OILY HYPOCRISY

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3199, 25 September 1917, Page 5

OILY HYPOCRISY

THE TEUTONS' REPLY TO THE POPE

SITUATION LEFT WHERE IT .WAS . SARCASTIC COMMENT Amsterdam, September 23. I'uller details of Germany's voplr to the Pope's Note show chat Germany claims that for' twenty-six years the Kaiser has proved hie desire to preserve peace. Germany did not start -tlie war, which throughout hns been waged for the defence of Germany and her allies. From the first she showed a disposition to terminate hostilities. Tho German nation stands firm behind the Emperor, and is anxious to participate peacefully in Dconomic competition with all nations. Tho Government has carefully i>xaimne<l the Pope's proposals, and has discussed thoin. The people's representatives welcomed condition that the moral force of justice should replace the might of arms. From this reform there would result a system of International, arbitration and the gradual reduction of armaments. Germany entirely agrees with the suggestion of stipulations Mid guarantees for tho simultaneous limitation ot armaments, with true liberty for all peoples and ,the freo use of the seas. Theso ideals should form the basis of international relations in the future. There would then be left the tusk of salving international disputes in accord with the new spirit of the times. The German Government will therefore support y every proposal compatible with the- vital intercste of the German Empire and people. Her geographical situation makes Germany dependent on peaceful communication with her.neighbours and with countries overseas. No nation has more reason than Germany to desire the replacement of the present general hatred I by a spirit of reconciliation. It will then not be difficult,'to settle outstanding matters of dispute. Germany hopes that her enemies will find, a suitable oasis in the Papal proposals for preparing for peace on conditions in agreement with a spirit of justice and the situation in Europe—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. WHAT TURKEY AND BULGARIA WANT (Rec. September 24, 7.45 p.m.) Copenhagen, September ?3. The "Tageblatt's" Vienna correspondent states that Turkey's and Bulgaria's replies to tho Pope were delivered yestenlny. Turkey demands that her territory shall not be violated; Bulgaria demands the regulation of her frontiers.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. / BRITISH OFFICIAL OPINION j INDIFFERENT I —■ 1 London, September ?3. Little importance is attached in official circles to the reply of the Central Powers to the Pope. The newspapers describe it as vague and. hypocritical, and as leaving the situation unaltered. The most notable feature is the omission of auy reference to the restoration ana restitution of tho invaded countries.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. HOW, AMERICA READ THE, REPLY PRESS OPINION DISTINCTLY . UNFAVOURABLE. New York, September 2,1. The New York "Sun", satirises tie German reply, and re-writes it "as Av.ilhelm would if deprived of, his ability for iy The New. Tort "World" says that tho United States has already answered the reply by publishing the details of the German plots. The replies of the Central Powers do not change the ntiiation. , The "World's" Stockholm correspondent ' says that Maximilian Harden, in a speech ' in Berlin, said he was oonvinced that peace can be had this year if Germajiy declares she will not subjugate Belgium in any form. The New York "Tribune"-says: "The deviTquotes Holy Writ when it suite his purpose. The Kaiser cynically misjudges tho capacity of the civilissd world for righteous indignation." . The New York' "Herald" Tephw: "Scraps of paper are valueless to anyone but-a Junkerman. A Note of unconditional surrender must come. lno New York "Tribune's" Washington CCTrespondent says there will be no further discussion of pence unless it is forced by a fresh appeal from the Pope. Umcials comment on tho apparent sincerity of the Austrian reply. The Herald states that there is still a directing CPnhiß in the German propaganda in the United States, with unlimited funds.— Aus.-N.2i. Cable Assn. COMMENT IN FRANCE ENEMY'S REPLY DEVOID 03? SENSE. Paris, September 23. The general tenor of the comment in French newspapers is that tho rnem/s reply to the Pope is devoid of renso, and contains no distinct or concrete iii- , dications of any sort.-Aus.-N,Z. Cablo Assn. •'' . PEACE MEEnNGJN HUNGARY ATTENDED BY LEADING MEN. (Rec. September 21, 7.45 p.m.). • Berne, September 24. A tireless message states that tho Cardinal Archbishop of Budapest presided at a pneifist meeting there to-day. Herr Erzberger (Leader of the German Centre Party) was the principal speaker. Count Karolyi and other Hungarian politicians were present. The ttrieeßSs resolved in favour of a peace on the basis of the Papal Note.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. ■ POPE CONTEMPLATES A FRESH EFFORT FROM A POSSIBLE BASIS OF AGREEMENT Rome, September 23. Tho Popo contemplates sending a i'cw Note to tho belligerents after the Allies' replies have been received, saying that the questions on which all agree should represent the foundation of a new order of worldly things, and a new era of peace , for humanity. Secondary problems can easily be adjusted through goodwill and friendly discussion. Cardinal Gaspaxri favours the suppression of conscription and a boycott against any nation which attempts to restore it. ■ Unofficial reports indicate that tho Vatican has received private conimunications from Vienna and Berlin for the Pope's personal guidance. On these will greatly, depend any, future pontifical

pence action. It is believed in Vatican circles that the replies of the Central Powers have, to a peat extent, been framed for particular home consumption. —Aue.-N.Z. Cable Assn. DIVERGENT YIEWS_AT THE VATICAN (Eec. September 21, 10.5 p.m.) > Rome, September 24. The Italian newspaper, "Giorntfle d'ltalia" states that the Austro-German, replies to the Pope's Note have created two different views at the Vatican. While Cardinal Gaeparri considers them to be wholly unsatisfactory, the Pope regards them as adhering to the Pontifical suggestions. It is believed that the Holy See will reply by verbal Notes, hoping to obtain more specific state-ments.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.