THE PEACE OFFERS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 82, 31 December 1917, Page 5

THE PEACE OFFERS

LABOUR'S WAR AIMS MANIFESTO ADOPTED BY NATIONAL CONFERENCE POLICY OUTLINED BY MR. A. HENDERSON (Rec. December 30, 5.5 p.m.) London, December 28. The National Conference of the Trade Union Congress End the Labour Party, held at Westminster to consider ilio Labour manifesto on war aims, was at. tended by 900 delegates. Mr. Arthur Henderson, in moving the adoption of the manifesto, declared that Labour's policy was: — 1. To secure a settlement as speedily as possible, founded upon principles of democracy and security. 2. That territorial adjustments must not be dictated by annexationist or imperialistic designs, or by reason of military strategy, but in the interests of progressive civilisation and iho peace of the world. 3. The trado policy after the war must not-be founded upon the economic oppression or commercial isolation of the German people. No settlement, said Mr. Henderson, could bo satisfactory unless it completely discredited aggressive militarism and substituted for it a higher conception of international responsibility'. Every nation in tho proposed league of nations should pledge itself to make common cause against any nation which broke the pledges of tho league. Mr. Henderson concluded by asking that military efforts should he supplemented morally and politically. Mr. Havelock Wilson, representing the seamen, in moving the rejection of tho manifesto, reiterated that the seamen would never sail in ships with Germans until Germany had repented of her foul murders.

Mr. Wilson's motion was rejected by 343 to 12. The congress by a show of hands adopted the manifesto practically unanimously. The official framers of the memorandum of the war aims stipulated that it must bo accepted or rejected, and referred bade -unamended. Mr. F. Ogden, M.P., voicing the official view, said a world-wide issue might arise. The congress was one of the most important in tho history of tlio world. Mr. R. Smillie, president of tho Miners' Federation, declared that the workers of tho world were anxiously awaiting the result. '• Mr. Havelock Wilson, 'commenting on the clause referring to food and raw material, said that Germany had practically invited our house to sharo her supplies. Ho added: "Get on with the war!"

Mr. Walsh stated that he represented 80,000 miners, who had had no opportunity to consider the proposals. The conference, after carrying the manifesto, adjourned to the following day.—Reuter. LABOUR'S MANIFESTO. The draft statement prepared by the Parliamentary Committee of tho Trade Union Congress and tho Executive- of tho Labour Party, for submission to the National Conference, says that, whatever caused the war, the fundamental purpose of the British Labour movement in supporting tho continuance of the war is that the world may bo safe for democracy. Tho most important war aim is that henceforth, there shall bo no inoro war. In ordor to aohiove this object tho morenient relics upon, the complete democratisation of all countries, the frank abandonment of every form of Imperialism, tho suppression of secret diplomacy, and the absolute responsibility of the Foreign Minister to the Legislature.

The manifesto demands the universal abolition of compulsory military service in all countries; the common limitation of armaments, and the abolition of profit-making .by armament firms. While repudiating a war of conquest, it insists on tho necessity for restitution and reparation, and oertain territorial readjustments. It emphatically insists that tho foremost condition of peaco must be reparation by Germany under the direction of an international commission, of tho wrong done iu Belgium, and tho restoration of Belgium's independence. Moreover, a supranational authority or League of Nations must be established, composed of the present belligerents, while neutrals should also join. All disputes must bo submitted to an International High Court. All States must enter into a solemn agreement to make common cause against any State whic'n fails to adhere to this agreement. It is impossible to ignore the fact that certain territorial readjustments will be required if the renewal of armaments and war are io bo avoided. It was a crime that Alsace-Lorraino was forcibly torn from France in 1871: Tho inhabitants should bo allowed to freely decide their political future. Tho people of tho Balkans and Poland should decide' their own future, irrespective of Austrian, Turkish, or other foreign dominations. '' The Labour movement, the ' manifesto continues, has the warmest sympathy with the people of Italian blood and speech left outside the Kingdom of Italy, but has no sympathy with the far-reaching aims of conquest of Italian Imperialism. Tho Labour movement hopes the Jews will form a free State in Talestine. While Armenia, Mesopotamia, and Arabia cannot be restored to the tyranny of tho Sultan and his pashas, these countries should be placed under the League of Nations, which should also control Constantinople.

The Labour Party disclaims, sympathy with all imperialist ideas. The colonies i» tropical Africa should not be the booty of any nation, and exploited by capitalists. All the belligerents should abandon dreams of an African Empire, and transfer the present colonies to tho League of Nations, which would form a permanently neutral African State. In cases where the sovereignty of other territories must bo transferred, they shou)d_ he the subject of amicable bargaining, with an equivalent exchange in money or otherwise

The Labour Party declares _ against an economic war afar peace is made. It considers that Customs duties should be limited strictly to revenue purposes for the restoration of devastated areas in France. Belgium, Italy, East Prussia, and Poland. Tho Labour movement will not bo satisfied unless there is a full, free, and judicial investigation of all acts of cruelty and theft for wliich there was no justification in tho ordinary usages of war. The peace conditions should set up_ a court to hear accusations, which it would investigate, and for which it should award damages.

BRITISH GOVERNMENT'S WAR AIMS

DECLARATION ASKED FOR. (Rec. December 30, 5.5 p.m.) London, December 28. Replying to a resolution of tho Parliamentary Committee of tho Trade "Union Congress ahd National Executive of tho Labour Party, suggesting that tho Government should make an early declaration of its war aims, Mr. Lloyd George, in a letter to the Labour Conference, says: "Such a statement can only be mado in conjunction with

our Allies. 'Die question of issuing a joint declaration is one which the Allies have constantly kept in view, but in the absence of a Russian consultation the subject is impossible." He had stated tho British aims in a speech on December 20. lie was never more .convinced than to-day that the only purpose wherefor the Allies had entered the war was not imperialistic or vindictive, hut the achievement of our aims was essential to the future freedom and peace of mankind.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. [In tlio speech referred to by Mr. Lloyd George, ho said that a great deal had been made of tho complaint that the Government had not fully stated its war aims. He would repeat the points of his Glasgow speech, and ask those critics if they would challengo any of them: First, the complete restoration of the territories Germany had conquered, and the reparation of tho damage. If Russia decided to enter into separate negotiations she must look after her own territories. Her action also disposed of tho question of Constantinople. _ Secondly, the question of Mesopotamia must be left to the Peace Congress, provided Mesopotamia and Armenia wero never again subjected to the blighting and blasting influenco of tho Turks. Tho third point that tho great International Peace Congress must settle was tha question of the German colonies, having regard to the wishes and interests of tho inhabitants. He stood by that principlo, which ho had already laid down, that the congress must_ settle all those questions, upon the principle of respecting tho desires and sentiments of tho people themselvs, the confidncn which German rule inspired,_ and whether tho colonists desired their former masters or to entrust themselves to others. The wishes of tho people themselves must be the dominant factor in settling their future government. Wo had conquered no country in which the population belonged to a ruling race.]

DEPUTATION TO PRIME MINISTER WIfOTP.!? (W FRENCH GOVERNMENT MUST BE RESPECTED. (Rec. December 30, 5.5 p.m.) London, December 28. Mr. Lloyd' George to-night received the members of the Joint Committee of the Trade Union Congress and Labour Party. There was a frank discussion on tho war aims' memorandum. The deputation was pleased at _ the Prime Minister's reception of their proposals. The Prime Minister insisted, regarding Alsace-Lorraine, that the wishes of the French Government must be respected, and not those of any section of tho French people. The wording of Mr. Lloyd George's letter, coupled with tho invitation to the executivo of tho congres's to discuss the position with him, is interpreted to mean that the Government is under no illusions as to the importance of Labour's decisions.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

STRONG STAND BY FRENCH MINISTER

RESTORATION OF STATUS QUO IMPOSSIBLE (Rec. December 30, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, December 29. Tho Chamber of Deputies unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the Government, following on tho reply of M. Pichon (Foreign Minister) to S'ocialist interpellations charging the Allies with imperialistic aims and the practising of secret diplomacy at the expense of the peoples. M. Pichon said that after the heroism of the soldiers and the misery suffered by tho destruction of towns, it was impossible to accept Germany's latest hypocritical proposals for a lying peace on the basis of the status quo, including the pre-war economic regime. France demands an indemnity and reparation. The Allies were in comploto agreement regarding their aims. Al-sacc-Lo'rraine was for Franco the very symbol of right. M. Pichon said it was impossible to onter into official relations with _ tho Bolshoviki. Their latest acts constituted a violation of tho Allianco and of tho , most sacred international obligations. Tho Allies only desired to obtain a guarantee of a durablo peace by international agreement. "We consider tho war will be won only when the German people tell us that, they nro roady to accept a peace hascd upon justice and renaration for the wronss done." The French Government, he said, to negotiate on the terms offered by Germany to Russia. It was impossible to accept such conditions as the restoration of the status quo without indemnity or reparation, and the maintenance of the economic regimn existing before tho war.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

ENGLISH PRESS OPINIONS

"AUSTRIA AND GERMANY IN SORE STRAITS." (Rec. December 30, 5.5 p.m.) London, December 28. The English newspapers emphasise that the Austro-German offer was nominally addressed to Russia, but was intended for the Allies. Already Russia is out of the war, but Austria and Germany are in sore straits. Their own newspapers admit that thousands must die this winter of starvation, therefore the peace offer is genuine, but is unsatisfactory. The Allies are thinking about victory, not peace, flie enemy accepts restitution, but refuses reparation, and clouds the other vital issues. The "Daily News" says: "If tlio Russians seek the Allied views, the Allies should seize the opportunity of making a candid reasoned statement of their war aims and their peace terms." The "Daily Express" says: "An authoritative Allied reply might demonstrate to tho German people that the Allies do not wish their destruction or to hinder their development or threaten their independence. When they one" understand what is the Teal Allied intention, the people themselves will complete the destruction of militar- -, ism."

Tlio "Daily Chronicle" says: "Germany, by demanding the return of her colonies, doubtless hopes to cnpane Russia in a joint pressure noon Tlnglnnd. The offer was intended foV the Allies, and especially for America, at a time when wore threats pud warnings of tremendous German efforts on the West front, but it was probably, only the forerunner of mom formal pro-posals."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

AMERICA'S ATTITUDE

'"PRFSSTAXTRM HfTTRT MR FOR ! - EVER RENOUNCED." (Rec. December 30, 5,5 p.m.) Washington, December 28. Count Czerniu's offer is regarded ns a war feeler, and the Administration does not modify its attitudo in refusing to deal with the German Government. The New York newspapers unouimoußly reject the proposals. The Now York "Times" says: "The first condition of peace is that Pnissianism must for ever bo renounced. Germany must cease to be an international peril. The Allies' determination is irrevocable." The "New York World" says: "Germany makes the offer while hiding behind her vassal and the Pctrogratl mob. It is tantamount to an acknowledgment of temporary defeat." The "Now York Herald" refers scathingly to tho farco at , Brest Litovsk."—Aiis.-N.Z. Cable Assn,

STATEMENT BY SWEDISH MINISTER

ALLIED STATESMEN 'SHOULD

REVISE THEIR WAR AIMS, Stockholm, Decomber 2fi. Horr Brantiiig (Swedish. Socialist loader and Minister of Finance), in a remarkable article in the "Social Democraten," says :t is out of thoqi'estion that the Allies will reject the AustroGorman poa«o offer, outright. Tho Allies in the past year have given too much rein to imperialistic influences. It is high time this, was corrected. Allied statesmen have neglected revision of their wur aims, which ought to have been their self-eviflent duty, demanded by the whole of revolutionary Russia after the unmasking- of tho secret treaties. If 'the Allies coldly reject the- offer, the peoples i of the world will regard it as a. critical and foolish act. Once discussions have begun the world's opinion will demand them to he followed up—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

SPEECH BY GERMAN SOCIALIST

THE FUTURE OF GERMANY'S COLONIES. •:-.. (Rec. Dccembor 30, 5.5 p.m.) '' Amsterdam, December 'M. Dr. Fcnsch, a Majority Socialist, in a speech, said: "Germany's colonies will remain in Britain's hands oily if the Allies win such a series of victories on the land, on the sea, and in tho air as will break Germany's military might for nil time, and also break the national heart of her people. We are an imperial nation like the Fronch, the British, tlio Americans; and tho Japanese. There are seventy iriflions of us. Where shall our.emigrants go? lo Canada, tho Capo, Australia, or the United States? Never h They wcnld be treated as pariahs in those countries. We will compel our'ensmies to yield our colonies and more besides. '— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.