NEW PEACE DRIVE. OPENS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 308, 17 September 1918, Page 5

NEW PEACE DRIVE. OPENS

AUSTRIAN NOTE PUBLISHED GERMANY SAID TO BE BEHIND THE PROPOSALS (ltcc. September 16, 8.40 p.m.) ■ London, September 15. An oflicial message from Vienna states that, with a view to examining whether tho conditions arc such as would make the inauguration of peace negotiations appear promising, tho Austro-Hmigariau Government has invited all tho belligerent Governments to a confidential non-binding discussion at an early dale at a neutral centre. A special Note lias also been sent to the HivLv See, bringing the foregoing action to its notice, and appealing to the Pope's interest. 'Die Peace Note says: "A conscientious examination '.;f tho situation of all the belligerents no longer leaves any doubt that all long for a speedy end of this bloody struggle. Hitherto it has not been possible to ereato preliminary conditions calculated to bring pence efforts nearer realisation and bridge the gap separating tho belligerents." The Note rfcviews the previous peace efforts, and adds:— "Though discussions prove that the differences still separating the belligerents' conception of peace conditions are not slight, nevertheless an atmosphere has been formed which no longer oxcludos the discussion of peace. The AustroHungariau Government,, conscious after the devastation of war that it would bo impossible to re-establish tho tottering world in a. state of order by a singje stroke, that tho path of peace will bo toilsome and wearisome, asserts that it is yet its duty to tread it. Even if a military victory were attainable, it would necessitate a further protracted and bloody struggle. Even a victorious peace would 110 longer be able to make good the consequences of such a policy, lrfiich would be fatal to tho whole of Europe. The only one peace which could righteously adjust tho still divergent conceptions of the opponents would be a'peaco desired by all peoples. With this consciousness, and unswervingly endeavouring to labour in the interests of peace, the Austro-Uungarian Government seeks to bring about a direct discussion between the enemy Powers. The earnest will to peacc of tho broad ehisses of the population of all States suffering from tho war is indisputable. A rapprochement in individual, controversial questions, as well ns a .mole conciliatory atmosphere, would seem to give a certain guarantee that fresh peace offers might at present offer tlm possibility of success. A partial turning from many extremist concrete war aims has' become visible, and a certain agreement, relative to the basic principles of n world peace, has manifested itself in support of a growing spirit towards peace." The message points out that 'ivhilo the Allies' replv to President. Wilson made demands amounting to the disinenibcrniontof Austria-Hungary, the diminution and profound internal transformation of Germany, the destruction of Turltoy's European ownership, these demands, whoso realisation was based on Ihc supposition of an overwhelming victory, were later modified in many En-

tento declarations, or parfly dropper]." 11, quotes Mr. Jlulfoiir and Mr. Lloyd George's speeches in support of this view. Aftor asserting t.hab the Central Powers are only waging a. war of defence for the integrity awl security of their territories, the Note proceeds to finy: "Agreement on general principles will not suffice. It is a. matter of leaching accord on their interpretation, and their application to individual concrete war and peace questions. There is no serious prospect, of reaching an understanding hv continuing l:o discuss peace methods hitherto followed. Another method should he chosen which will enable direct verbal discussion solely between the representatives of the Governments. As soon as agreement is reached on fundamental principles, effort must he made concretely to apply them to individual peace questions." The Note explains that war activities would not ho interrupted and discussions would only go ns fur as the participants considered that these offered prospects of success. The Note maintains that old misunderstandings might bo removed, and many new things perceived. "All the belligerents owe it to humanity jointly to examine whether, after a costly and undecided struggle, it would'not ho'possible to end this terrible conflict." The Note states that \ the Governments of neutral States have also been made acquainted with the proposal. "The close accord existing amongst the four Allied Powers warrants the assumption that Austria-Hungary's allies, to whom the proposal is being sent, will share the view expressed in the Note."—lteutei-,