THE TALK OF PEACE.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 October 1917, Page 3

THE TALK OF PEACE.

AN AUSTRIAN VIEW

OF PEACE OFFERS

FULSOME DESIRES

fAUSTRALIAN ifc N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION']

(Received This Dnv at 10.15. a m.) AMSTERDAM, Oct. 4th. Count Czerin in a speech at Budapest, advocated an international basis of right, ensuring that no war of revenge be possible in the future. The military burden, after the war, will be almost unbearable for all European states. They must go further than a return to the pre-war armaments, and must eventually reach total disarmament. Gigantic fleets will bo unnecessary, if the nations combine to guarantee the liberty of the Seas at the conclusion of peace, including the area of compulsory. arbitration, general disarmament and liberty on the high seas, with special rules for narrow waters. If those principles are fixed, the need of territorial securities will automatically he abolished. Another principle is needed, namely, economic 00-operation of all nations and absolute avoidance of an economic war.

We must, before concluding peace, have the positive assurance of economic warfare.

I disagree with Ifon. Lloyd George on most points, hut agree there must not bo any more wars of revenge. Count Czcrnin asked whether the Entente proposed to indemnify the damage in the Central Powers territories and German colonies. He concluded :_Nobody should imagine that our present moderate peace programme could hold good for ever. If our enemies compel ns to continue the war, we will he obliged to revise onr programme. I confess I am not optimistic about the Entente’s readiness to coneclude a peace on the basis I have just outlined.

THE POPE’S MESSAGE

f AUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION

(Received This Day a til. 25. a.m.) ROME, Oct 4. The “Giornalo D’ltalia” declares the Popo has transmitted tho official text of the Central Powers Notes to the Entente, | and added a (second Note saying that Germany was disposed to evacuate Belgium and northern France, and asks the Entente if they desire to reply. It is believed tho next communication from the Central Powers will afford a concrete offer.