ONUS OF THE NEXT MOVE ON THE CENTRAL POWERS.

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 89, 8 January 1918, Page 7

ONUS OF THE NEXT MOVE ON THE CENTRAL POWERS.

(Rcc. January 7, 10.45 p.m.) London, January 7. Some political correspondents interpret Mr. Lloyd George's speech as a direct invitation to the Central Powers to enter a peace conference based nn no annexations or indemnities. The speech places the onus on the Central Cowers to make the next move. . Holslievik opinion hi London welcomes the speech as being almost wholly in accord with Bolshevik aspirations, its only regrot being that Mr. Lloyd George refrained from u more, direct, invitation to an international conference, which is believed in be imminent.^ Mr. 11. M. Ilyndtnan, chairman of the Socialist Party, draws attention lo the 'variance between llie views of Mr. Llovd George and those of President, Wilson. 'I'lio former says that Britain .does not, wish to change tho German Government. President, Wilson declared he would not negotiate with the Hohen Miliums. Mr. Hyudmsin opines that Alsace-Lorraine cannot he restored to France until Germany has b"pn either bealcn or revolutionised. 110 adds: "Our colonies must, settle tho fnte of the captured colonies. Illstead of asking natives liko those of New Guinea and Africa, lo vote —people who havo never voted beforo." —Aub.-N.Z. Cabin Assn.

FEW TRIBES WILL DESIRE TO RETURN TO GERMAN RULE (R.ee. January 8, 1.6 a.m.) London, January 7, The "Daily Telegraph" says': "No passage in Mr. Lloyd. George's speech will excite greater angy in Germany than that self-determination is applicable to the lost German colonies, for few tribal assemblies, whether in Africa or in Australasia, will betray any desire to return to the sway of tho German taskmasters.—Renter. ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION IN FRANCE (Ilec. January 8, 0.10 a.m.) Paris, January 7. Mr. Lloyd Gcorgo's speech has been received with enthusiasm by the Press, which says it has dispelled a good deal of current gossip that Britain is evading her definite pjodgo to support the restoration of Alsace. The references to tho Gorman colonies assuredly do not err on the side of immoderation, but tho peoplo of tho Dominions should remember that if General Smuts assents to tho terms they may be presumed to open tho way to a safe settlement. M. Clemenceau, Premier, has cabled to Mr. Lloyd George: "The heartiest congratulations of all Frenchmon on your admirable speech, in which the true facts aro so happily assembled."—"The Times." EFFECTIVE COUNTER-STROKE TO COUNT CZERNIN'S STATEMENT New York, January 6. The Washington correspondent of the "New York Times" states that t'ltero is a consensus of opinion that Mr. Lloyd George's speech is a most effective counter-stroke to Count Czernin's statement of terms, but it does not add anything to his previous utterances, and does not bring peace any nearer. It may bo followed by similar statements from France and Italy.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. THE COMMONWEALTH WILL ENDORSE THE WAR AIMS (Rec. January 7, 9 p.m.) Sydney, January 7. Mr. Lloyd George's speech has been favourably received by the Press, which considers that it clears the international atmosphere, obscured by the recent hazy peace talk. Tho war aims set forth are such a 6 the Commonwealth will heartily endorse. —Press Assn.