A PEACE MOVE.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 October 1917, Page 2

A PEACE MOVE.

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[AUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION]

LQNDOi\, October 25. The “Daily Te’©graph’s” Milan correspondent gives the following details of the German peace proposals which were largely the cause of M. Ribot’s resignation, as the Socialists allege that M. Ribot should have made the proposals public. The German proposals was to restore Belgium and Alsace-Lorraine in exchange for compensations to Russia. The proposal was made to M. Briand (a former Premier), by au accredited Belgian diplomat from Switzerland. ,

Yon, Buelow bad ' nothing -to do with the proposal 1 which came direct from the German Government through* the regular diplomatic channel. immediately made it a condition that all the Allies must be informed before a reply was given. Mr. Balfour was, the first Minister to be informed, and he thought the proposal unacceptable. He conferred with his colleagues and they agreed. The Italian Government gave a similar negative reply.

All the Allied Governments answered with the full knowledge of the matter. Pourparlers lasted a month, ending October Ist. Germany was most anxious to have the proposal accepted; but it was unacceptable! inot( only because it implied the annexation of huge slices of Russia: but contemplated no conde4=rioifs to Italy, Serbia,- or Roumanda and no disavowal of German militarism. Germany’s offer of financial aid to Belgium was coupled with demands for privileges at Antwerp, and military. Acceptances of the proposal would • have been a hugh triumph for German militarism.