THE AUSTRIAN PEACE NOTE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 309, 18 September 1918, Page 5

THE AUSTRIAN PEACE NOTE

RECEIVED WITH UNDISGUISED SCORN MR. BALFOUR ON THE OUTLOOK (Rec. September 17, 7.25 p.m.) Washington, September 16Mr. Lansing, Secretary of State, announces that the President will reply to the Austrian Note, refusing the conference proposed by Austria. The President will say that the. United' States has repeatedly, 'and with candour, stated the terms upon which it will consider peace,.-mid will entertain no proposal for a conferenco upon a matter upon which it has already made its position and its purposes so plain. "The Government feels," added Mr. Lansing, "that the foregoing is the only reply it can make to Austria's suggestion."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. MR. BALFOUR'S PERSONAL OPINION IMPORTANT STATEMENT TO OVEESEAS JOURNALISTS. (Rec. September 17, 7.25 p.m.) London, September 16. Sir Charles Lucas (Head of the Dominions Department at the Colonial Office) presided at the Colonial Institute's luncheon to the visiting overseas journalists. Mr. A. J. Balfour (Foreign Minister), supporting the toast of the guests, said that the Empire was one in spirit before the war broke out, but it had reached a new degree of unity Bince. ''The common sacrifices which have been made, on a scale wholly unimaginable before the war, have cemented us. in closer unity than ever, and nothing that can occur can ever difsolve it." ■ Referring to the Austrian peace proposal, Mr. Balfour said -that be had had no opportunity _ of consulting his colleagues, and therefore what he said must be taken as his individual utterance.' The calamities imposed on mankind by the continuance of hostilities were so overwhelming that he would never treat with disrespect any proposal from a responsible quarter, yet ho ct.iild not honestly say the proposals which had now been mado offered the slightest hope of the attainment of peace. . "Austria," continued Mr. Balfour, "has suggested conversations without the cessation of hostilities, but tinder the conditions now prevailing I am utterly unable to seo how suoli conversations oould be profitably initiated.. Personally I can see nothing acceptable in the present proposals. Dining the past four years the Germans have not made anything deserving of being called a peace proposition. Before we reach the irresponsible conversation stage there are bigger questions to be determined, and on these there seems to bo no likelihood of agreement at present. What is the use, then, of .eiitering' ; 'upon conversations when Germany is going to demand the return di her colonies? Here is a point whereon there should be no misunderstanding. '\ Germany stands at one point, we stand at tho other. It is impossible to conceive any conversation that would bridge a difference so deep as to restore' to Germany those populations she has or return to her those naval bases which would give her control of communications between parts of tho British Empire as. well as between tho civilised nations of the world. The Germans last week said that they would not givo up any part of German territory. How, then, are tho proposed conversations going to deal with Alsace-Lorraine? Also, Germany is about to determine the terms of 'servitude she is to. impose on her Eastern neighbours. That is an exploit no irresponsible conversations will explain away. Until the Emperor, the Chancellor, and tho Reichstag are prepared to show an open mind' in conformity with what the Allies believe to be the cause of justice, civilisation, and right, I venture to sny that mere conversations will be fruitless. The publics of the Entento countries are passionately desirous of peace, but they are not so stupid as some o'f their critics in the Central Powers suppose. We nro therefore forced to the conclusion that the enemy knows that there is no chance of his proposals being accepted, but hopes he might do something to divide tho Allies and weaken their co-ordinated effort to victory, which is showing itself on. every front. It certainly is not an honest desiro to arrive at an understanding upon terms which it would he possible for us to accept, • The enemy's efforts will not produce divisions amongst the Allies. Never in the world's history has thoro been a coalition animated by so strong n desire for the common good as the present coalition, of the Allies. We will'not he the victims of Germany's clumsy diplomacy. Even though ho dresses himself in President Wilson's colours the mailed fist always appears. His policy will never tnljo in tho simplest c/f our countrymen. Tho Austrian proposals will not tako us ono yard nearer peace." Mr. George Fenwiok ("Otago Daily Times") thanked Mr. Balfour for his inspiring speech. He hoped, that Germany would bo compelled to pay indemnities to the fullest measure.—Aub.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

HISTORY OP THE LATEST PEACE PLOT

AUSTRIA SOURVILY TREATED BY HER ALLY.

London, September 16. The "Daily Chronicle's" 1 correspondent at Amsterdam says the Austrian proposal for a Penco Conference was first seriously considered at the recent imposing moeting at German Headquarters. Indeed, it was the only subject discussed at any length. The Austrian demand for peace proposals was so insistent that the German Government had to give its unwilling consent. Tho Germans also acted with the hope that such action might have •an effect upon Entente pacifists, whom the Gorman Govornment credit with having great influence. Germany also thought that the proposals might have an effect on tho British goneral election. Knowing that tho AustroHungarian proposals woro coming, the German Government set about the task of queering whatever chance such a step might have. After a long conversation at Headquarters the terms of Herr von Payer's speech wero fixed. With a solid backbone of Pan-Germanism, von Payer talked about Belgium's guilt. His assertion that Germany was the attacked party and his proposal that the Entente should not interfere with the Brest Litov.sk' peace treaty make the Anstro-Hungarian movo useless. Tho Kaiser's blatant, pomposity and insufferablo arrogance at Essen show the insincerity of the whole business.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ■

PRESS AND PUBLIC OPINION

THE PROPOSALS ANALYSED,

London, September 16. Tim newspapers generally ridicule the peace offers though they point out that they show that Austria is on her last logs. Really, thoro aro'thrce separate overtures, apart from the Austrian olive branch. Germany proposes that all the Powers should withdraw their troops from ,the Murmau coast, the trick lying in the ifact that the Allies' are well established on the Murnian coast, while no Germans aro within many miles. •

The second effort'is the definite peace offer to Belgium, which includes no indemnity and no reparation, only the cessation of hostilities and evacuation if Belgium consents to remain neutral to the eixl of the war. Germany realises that she must soon withdraw from Belgium, and if Germany can obtain a treaty which bars Belgian territory to the Allied troops and their aircraft it will add enormously to the difficulties of attack against German territory and cities.

The strangest of the proposals is the suggestion that much-injured Belgium should act.as a sort of mediator between her present Allies and Germany with the object of securing the restoration of Ihe German colonies. The consideration offered to' Belgium is the re-establishment tlf her economic and political independence after the war and the old economic treaties with Germany will be renewed. The proposal adds that the Flemish question must be considered, and that the Flemish minority which aided the German invaders shall not be penalised. "Absurd and.insincere.'! The "Daily Telegraph" says:—"Austria's proposals are absurd and insincere. The real object is to gain time for the reorganisation of the shattered forces. Accordingly Austria, and Germany are casting a bone of contention, hoping to create a division of feeling in Allied circles. We must first find a repentant and contrite Germany before she can, hope to enter the council chamber and discuss peace." The "Daily Chronicle" says:—"Three closely-related incidents of the week-end reveal moro vividly oven than tho Kaiser's hectic oration the changed mentality of our enemies, owing to the influence of the Allied victories. It is certain that all three proposals will be rejected. That they were made concurrently is proof that the. Central Empires are in a very bad way. Tli'e free nations of the world are determined to hold together until the sinister menaoo of militarism is finally removed, and tho prestige of Germany shattered." The "Daily Express" says:—"They that drew the sword aro seeking' to save themselves, from perishing by sword. ( Thero can be no peace until Germany admits her offences against civilisation. While sho wants to shake hands and be friends her U-boats sink the Galway Castle and her crow and passengers are' added to the long list of murdered civilians."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. HOSTILE RECEPTION IN AMERICA (Rec. September 17, 9.5 p.m.) Washington, September 16. With the exception of the New York "Times," the American Press stresses the impossibility of considering the Austrian peace offer. Official circles retrain' from expressing opinions until the President has digested tho Noto from Vienna, but it is understood that there is not the slightrst doubt that the reply will bo a reiteration of President Wilson's appeal to force, and nothing but force, as a means of imposing tho Allies' will unon their enemies. It is felt that Austria is meroly flying Germany's peace kite. The United States is not willing to bo taken in by insincere promises of future good behaviour. It is tho general belief that the American advance at St. Millie] led to Austria's action.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. DECISIVE DEFEAT OF THE ENEMY THE FIRST CONDITION New York, September 16. The New York "Herald" says:—"The peace offer comes.sooner than was expected. Austria is tho catspaw of Germany. The Allies' answer will bo a decisive negative. A peace conference will bo possible only after the Central Powers havo been decisively defeated." ' The New York "World" says:—"Vienna's proposals for a peace conference will be no more favourably receivod than previous proposal's. Negotiations are impossible while tho responsible leaders of Prussian militarism are almost as boastful and false as ever."

The Now York "Tribune," in its comment, says:—"The answer to Austria is ready. It is in 'President Wilson's speech when lie said: 'Force, force to the utmost, force without stint or limit.'" The large majority of tho Press comment throughout the country may bo summarised as follows:—"Austria and Germany and their allies must bo beaten until they surrender unconditionally." Tho New York "Times" correspondent at Washington says:—"Force without stint until victory is achieved, and tho rejection of the Vienna overtures, will bo tho American rosponso. Officials aro awaiting the official receipt of Austria's message hofore commenting on it. Its is assured that the Government will reply to Austria."—Aus.-N.Z, Cable Assn.