AMERICA’S FIRM ATTITUDE

Hokitika Guardian, 11 June 1917, Page 2

AMERICA’S FIRM ATTITUDE

CLEARLY OUTLINED. A DEFINITE STATEMENT. (Australia & N.Z. Cable Association) (Received This Dav at 10.15. a in.) WASHINGTON, Juno 10. President Wilson’s Note to Russia states that America will not consent to a peace with Germany, which will merely restore the status quo in Europe on an anti-war basis. He urges the Russian Government to stand firm ah tho world forces of democracy. America is determined to continue the wor untl Germany's great Ilun Europea dream of Empire is shattered beyond all peradvanture. Regarding tho phrase “no annexations jio indemnities”, Mr. AA’ilson says no people must be forced,under a soverognity, whereunder they do not wish to live, and no territory must change hands except for the purpose of securing for the inhabitants a fair chance of life arid liberty. No indemnities must be imposed, except those for compensating manifest wrongs. The American delegation to Russia is designed to express the deep friendship of America’s people with Russia, and to discuss the best, and most practical means of co-operation of the two peoples and the carrying on the strugglo foi* freedom to a successful oqnsummator.

It is therefore opportune and ap-' propriatc to state in the light of the new partnership, what are United States objects in entering the war. The objects arc much beclouded and mistaken, owing to misleading statements, but the issue' is too momentous and too tremendous and significant to permit of misunderstandng and misinterpretation remaining incorrected. The war has begun now against Germany and in a desperate endeavour to oscapo inevitable defeat, those in authority in Germany are using every possibo instrumentality,, even using groups of parties in Germany, to whom they have never been just and fair, to promote a propaganda on both sides of the sea, in order to preserve their influence and power abroad. America’s position is clear. She seeks no material profit or aggrandisement. Site is not fighting for advantages or a selfish object, but for the liberation of the peoples everywhere, against the aggressions of the autocratic force of the ruling.

Germany has begun to profess a similar liberality justice of purpose, but her real objects were to preserve the power for further selfish objects from Berlin to Bagdad. Government. after government, by German influence, bad been linked into a net of intrigue' directed against the world’s liberty and peace. The measures of that intrigue must be broken, the wrongs must be righted, and adequate measures taken to prevent the net of intrigue ever being removed or repaired. Germany is seeking to pledge that tho war will result in the restoration of tho status quo ante Bollum. Tho status quo from which the iniquitous war began was, namely, t power of tho Gorman Government within the Empire, and widespread influence and dominatios outside. 'Hie status must be so altered as to prevent such a hideous thing recurring.

When peace comes it must give liberty and self-government undictated. The devlopment of all peoples’ wrongs must first be righted. and then safeguarded to prevent a_ recurrence.

A phrase will not accomplish the results. The question must bo settled by practical means and effective readjdstjmenjt. The free peoples of tlio world must meet in a common covenant, leading to a genuine, practical co-operation which will combine their forces in order to socuro universal peace and justice.

The brotherhood of mankind must not bo an empty phrase. We must be given structural force and reality.

For these things, America can afford to pour out her blood and. treasure.

Mr Wilson warns Russia that the day has come when slie must conquer or submit. If the forces of ninoirncy divide us, they will overcome ns. If we stand together, victory is certain.

Wo can afford o bo generous, but we cannot afford now to* be weak or to omit a single guarantee for justice and security.