THE ALLIES’ TERMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 January 1917, Page 1

THE ALLIES’ TERMS.

Further Particulars (Australian & N.Z. Cable Assotva i n ami Heater). LONON, Jan. 17. A despatch from Rt. lion. J. A. Balfour (Secretary fo r Foreign Affairs) supplementary to the Allies’ reply to 1-resi-dent Wilson, was handed yesterday to the American Government. The despatch, which constitutes a masterly presentation of the Allies’ case for the enlightenment of neutrals, says: The durability of a peace must largely depend on its character. It affirms that the changes on the map cl Europe outlined in the Allies’ Note would greatly mitigate against the unjust treatment of nationalities, which is one of the main causes of the war. Regarding the expulsion of the Turks from Europe, it admits that this is a complete reversal of traditional policy, but circumstances have completely changed. ’J.ho Young Turks under German influence are as barbarous and far more aggressive than Abdul Hamid. The interests of peace and the cl arms 01 nationality alike require that Turkish Ride ever alien races shall ; if possible, be brought to an end. After pointing out that the war had proved treaties to he useless to restrain the Central Powers from aggression, it declares that their methods and calculated brutality are designed not, merely to crush their opponents, but to intimidate neutrals. Belgium is nor merely a victim, but an example. Neutrals were intended to note the outrages which accompanied its conquest, the reign of terror which followed its .occupation, and the deportation of its population.

The impression remains that if the Central Powers succeed they will owe their success to terrorism on land and sea. Thus any • attempts to improve the code of international law would be useless, since only the criminal who broke the rules would benefit thereby, while those adhering to the rules would suffer. Therefore British people believe that a durable peace could only be based on an Allied vistory. The three conditions of a durable peace are: -Firstly, the removal as lai as possible of the existing causes of international unrest; secondly, that the aggressive aims and unscrupulous methods of tho Central Powers should fall into disrepute among all peoples; thirdly, behind international law, and all treaty arrangements for preventing or limiting liotilitics, some form of international sanction should be devised which would give pause to the hardiest aggressor. These conditions may he difficult to fulfil but the Allies believe them to be ini 'general harmony with President Wilson’s ideals, and arc confident that none of those ideals can be satisfied, •oven (imperfectly, unless peace is secured on the general lines indicated, so far as Europe is concerned in the Allies’ Note. Hence the reason that Britain has made, is making and is prepared to make sacrifices of blood and treasure unparalleled .in its history.

Internal Austria LONDON* Jan. 1/. The “Daily Telegraph” says it is significant* that the Austrian Emperor is silent while other monarclis have approved fof the Kaiser’s vehement proclamation. Probably Carl is reflecting on the funeral scenes, when one hundred thousand voices in tho streets of (Vienna murmured a prayer for peace. The suffering Austrians do not welcome tho Kaiser’s bullying tone, like a raving war maniac. Food disorders are frequent in every Austrian town.

Danish Politics COPENHAGEN, Jan. 17 At the opening of the liittsdag the Speech from the Throne said that special preparedness of the land and sea forces'*must be maintained. The extraordinary measures were necessitated by the increase of war operations in the Swedish territorial waters. The Budget introduced included £5,000,000 for tho army, £2,000,000 for the navy, and £2,125,000, to releivo the clearness of living.

A Counter Offensive. (Australia & N.Z. Cable Association) PETIIOGKAD, Jan. 16. The brilliant Russo-Roumanian counter-offensive in the Dobvudja continues. LONDON, Jan. 17. The “Daily Telegraph” says the Central Powers’ offffensivc in Roumaiiia has boon checked, and General Maokenscu’s and General Falbenhayn’s losses are tremendous. The reserves are insufficient to organise an Army for an offensive in Macedonia, and Germany has therefore ordered Turkey to supply two divisions and Bulgaria to exert her maximum effort Roumanian Report LONDON, Jan. 18. The Roumanian communiques, which had been temporarily suspended, have now been resumed. On January 17th enemy counter-attacks were repulsed with great loss. We maintain our positions. A reciprocal bombardment on the Danube is in progress. The Russo-Rou-manian fleet is participating.

Russia’s minister. PETROGRAD, Jan. 18."" It is imdcrstoid that M. Sazanoff. the ex-E'oroign Minister, succeeds the late Count Beckcndorff at the London Em. i t