THE PEACE NOTE.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 September 1917, Page 3

THE PEACE NOTE.

THE PEACE NOTE. [PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.—COPYRIGHT.] AMSTERDAM, S.-p- 21. i Tho .“Berliner Tagoblatt’s” Zurich *, correspondent says that Germany’s rcI ply to the. Pope does not contain a formal renunciation of the annexation > of Belgium, but implicitly accepts Bel- ■ gium’s independence. 1 " ,The “Vossiseho Zeitung” states that Spain has expressed her willingness to eo-operate in the Vatican’s peace movemon t. I WILL NOT COMMIT HERSELF. ROME, Sep. 21. /■ It is understood here that Germany , will accept the principle of tho Pope’s ! proposals, but will not make formal engagements regarding territorial question®. I ( FURTHER. PARTICULARS. NEW YORK, Sep. 22. The Austrian and German Notes express the hope that the Pope’s plea will ' lead to negotiations. j The Austrian Note says:— The future I of tho world must ho based on the I elimination of armed force and the introduction of the rule of international justice and legality. Austria is prepared to submit international disputes to compulsory arbitration. Armaments on land and sea and in the »ir should be reduced simultaneously, reciprocally, and gradually. The high seas should be opened equally for the use of all. Wo are prepared to enter into negotiations on this proposal, and it should not then be difficult to settle tlie other questions in a spirit of justice.

The German Note cherishes ft lively desire that the Pope's appeal will ho successful.

NOT IMPORTANT. 7AUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION] Received, this day at 8.45 n.m. LONDON, September 23. Little importance is attached in official circles to tile Central Powers reply to the Pope. Newspapers describe it as vague and hypocritical leaving the situation unaltered. Tho most notablo feature is there being no reference to the restoration of and restitution to invaded countries. THE SUN SATIRICAL. OTHER. PRESS”COMMENTS. (Received This Day at 9.30. a.m.) NEW YORK, Sept. 23. Tho New York “Sun” is satirical on Germany’s reply, rewriting it as ‘ ‘Wilhelm would, if deprived of ability for lying.” The New York World says United States has already answered by publishing the details of German plots. The replies don’t change the situation. The Tribune says the Devil quotes Hoik writers when it suits his purpose. The Kaiser cynically misjudges the civilised world’s capacity for righteous indignation.

The Herald says the replies are j scraps of paper, valueless to any but; a junkerman. An “unconditional surrender” note, must come. j The Tribune’s AVashington corres- : pondent says there will be no further discussion of peace, unless forced by a fresh appeal from the Pope. A IS AUSTRIA SINCERE? |

NEW YORK, Sept. 23. j Officials comment on the apparent sincerity of the Austrian reply. j REALISING THE INEVITABLE, j (Received This Dav as 0.50 a.m.i ; NEW YORK, Sept. 23. The New York “World’s” Stockholm correspondent reports Maximilian Hard en, in'a speech at Berlin said he was convinced that peace can he had this year, if Germany declares she will not subjugate Belgium in any form. DETAILS OF GERMAN REPLY. THE USUAL TWADDLE. , (Received. This Dav at 8.50. a.m.) AMSTERDAM Sept. 23. Fuller details of Gormany’s reply to the Pope’s note shows the reply claims that for 25 years the Kaiser has proved his dosire to preserve peace. Germany did not start the war which throughout it waged for the defence of Germany and her Allies. She first showed a disposition to terminate hostilities. The German nation stands firm behind the Emperor, anxious to participate peacefully in ycomomib competition with all nations. Government had carefully examined tho proposals and discussed them with the people’s representatives. They welcomed the condition that the moral force of justice should replace the might of arms. From this reform there would result a system of international arbitration, and gradual reduction of armanents. Germany entirely agrees with the suggestion for the stipulation of a guarantee for simultaneous limitation of armanents with the true liberty of all peoples and free. 1 uso of the seas. SPECIOUS EXPLANATION. (Received This Dav at 10.15, a.m.) j LONDON, September 23. i These ideals should form the basis !of international relations for the future and then could be left the task of solving international disputes ,according to the new spirit of the times, j The German Governmen will therefore support every proposal compatible with tlie vital interests of tho German Empire and people. The geographical . situation makes Germany dependent on peaceful communication between hei neighbours and countries overseas. No i nation has more reason, than the Gor . man nation to desire the replacement : ot tho present general hatred by a spirit of reconciliation . Then it • won’t be. difficult to settle outstanding i matters in dispute. She hopeß her t enemies will find a suitable basis in thi . Papal proposals for preparing peace, oi j condition tliat they aTe in agreement j with the spirit of Justice and th situation in Europe,

1 POPE'S NEXT MOTE. I (Received This Day at 10.15. a tn.) ROME, September 20. I The Pope contemplates a new note to belligerents, after the Allies replies are received, saying the questions | where on all agree represent the founI dabionh of a now order of worldly ' things and a new era of peace for humanity. The secondary problems can easily be adjusted through goodwill and friendly discussion. Gasparri favours the suppression of fftm.serijpti.on and a boycott against the nation attempting to restore it. FRENCH UNSATISF-1 ED. (Received this day at 1.20 a.m.,) PARIS, September 23. French papers regard the general tenor of tile replies to the Pope as devoid of sense. They contain no distinct or j concrete indication of any sort. further. Vatican action. (Received this day at 1.20 a.m.,) RO.ME, September 23. Unofficial reports indicate the Vatican has received private eommuieation from Vienna and Berlin for the Pope’s personal guidance. On these greatly depend and future pontifical peace action. Vatican circles believe the replies to a great extent are framed for particular home consumption.