SPEECH BY HERTLING.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 February 1918, Page 3

SPEECH BY HERTLING.

( GERMAN SOPHISTRY. [run PRESS ASSOCIATION.—COPXEKSHT.] (Received this day at 1.30 p.m.'i AMSTERDAM February 26. Herr Hertling in his - speech said .very durable peace must be built upon | justice. He agreed with Mr Wilson’s^ declaration that nations and provinces i ought not to be shifted from one State to another. He rejoiced in Mr Wilson’s statement rejecting the idea of ( the balance of power. Germany’s ad- j vance eastward was only aimed at so. curing peace with Russia. \ Her aim was not a conquest, but she merely wanted to restore ordei without fixing herself in Esthonia or Livonia. As to Courland and Lithuan- j is, he had nothing to say. The people , there were already successfully creat- i ing self-government bodies. Respecting Roumania, He would stale that we must arid will make friends for all time . ITo doubted the utility of public speeches.or statements, but the ease of peace could he furthered by private discussions between responsible representatives of belligeients. The question of Belgium should be discussed in a friendly manner ,iir order to arrive at an understanding. Germany had repeatedly declared that she did not think of retaining Belgium, hut Germany must he protect ed against Belgium being used as a decoying ground for enemy maahinations.