THE PEACE OFFER.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 October 1918, Page 2

THE PEACE OFFER.

I AUSTRALIAN & X.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION] A HAGUE MESSAGE. NEW YORK, Get. 16. The New York “Times” Hague Corresnoiulent cables:—“l can state authoritatively, that Germany’s answer to President Wilson will say that she accepts his terms, provided that Germany’s interests and those of her people are guaranteed.’ CAPTITULATION UNTRUE. OFFICIALLY DENIED. LONDON, Oct. 16. It is officially denied that Germany capitulated. The British Foreign Office at ten tonight stated that it had no official information on the subject of the reported capitulation. The Press Bureau is officially informed that the reports published in the afternoon that Germany had capitulated, wore without foundation. The “Daily Mail” says: We understand that the capitulation reports are without foundation. DUTCH PAPER ADMITS ERROR. AMSTERDAM, Oet. 16. The Rotterdam “Courrant 1 ” is un- * able to obtain confirmation of its previous announcement, and now withdraws its bulletin reporting the abdication of. the Kaiser.

WILSON’S PEACE OFFENSIVE. HIS MOVE TO DRIVE A WEDGE. .MONTREAL, October 17. - The New York “Times” Washington corespondent states: Mr Wilson’s programme for dealing with the Central Powers contemplates driving a wedge between Austria- and Germany. Mr Wilson regards Austria as a vassal of Germany in military matters. Therefore th e Note sent to Germany does not apply to Austria. Mr Wilson’s reply to Austria is being held in abeyance because it- is expected that both Austria and Turkey will soon release themselves from their alliance with Germany, as it will not bring them either political or military gain. Some, authorities at Washington expect either a split between Austria and Germany or the breaking up of the Dual-Monarchy of Austria and Hungary..

PRESS COMMENT. LONDON, October 16. The London newspapers unanimously applaud Mr Wilson’s note which interprets with remarkable accuracy the mind of the Allies . It is pointed out in some quarters that the absensce of an organisation or machine for common Allied political action ,one analagous to the Versailles Council, presents a danger which the enemy may attempt to exploit in order to divide the Allies.

The difficulties of joint action are increased owing to there being at present no American -Ambasador in London, and no British Ambassador in Washington.

AYIIAT WILL GERMANY DO? AMSTERDAM, October 16. It is expected that Prince Max will make a decision to-day on President Wilson’s latest note. Owing to the obscurity of the general situation, the Reichstag will not meet to-day. The Socialists late on Tuesday decided that hi view of the present, situation, Prince Max must cifntinue as Chancellor. It is reported that Mr Wilson’s reply caused ati intense impression in Germany. The papers point- out that it has had the effect of a cold douche ■on the hopes of peace being engineered by the'first note. Some German newspapers comment in the sharpest terms and say that Mr Wilson’s languarge has become excited.

LONDON, October 16. A wireless official message from Berlin states: “The newspapers publish Prince Max’s letter to Prince Hohenlihe, and also Prince Max’s explanation of it. He declares he has always combatted pan-Germanism. He had /favoured in February, 1016, the unanimous declaration of the Reichstag regarding the independence of Belgium and had favoured the clearer fulfilment, of the Brest-Litovsk treaty in the sense of right. He adds that! he favoured in 1917, the granting an equal suffrage, and also his present democratic programme.

IMPORTANT REFORM. AMSTERDAM, October 16. The German Federal Council has agreed to niter the Imperial Constitution, in order to make the Reichstag’s assent necessary for any declaration of war and for the signing of peace.

RIOT IN BERLIN

LONDON, October IG. The “Daily Mail’s” Hague correspondent states that violent artillerying dynastic manifestations arc occurring at Berlin. Large crowds paraded th ( . Unter den Linden, demonstrated before the palace and smashed Hohcnzollern statues. The police were powerless to suppress the demonstration. PRO-ENTENTE PARTY ACTIVE. LONDON, Oct. 16. It is reported from Constantinople that Die pro-Entcnte parly in Turkey have demanded the court madialling of Enver Pasha. Simultaneously influential politicians have requested the Sultan to impeach the members of the former Cabinet. PRISONERS QUERY. LONDON, October 16. Prisoners in France are continually risking if an armistice lias yet been signed. They agreed that the Kaiser must go, and said the Crown Prince did not count, adding, “We don’t bother about him.”

NOTE EULOGISED. NEW YORK, October 16. The “Times” commenting on Wilson’s Note says: “The President’s answer to Germany will stir the blood of the American people, and oommanu their instant assent. It is American’s answer given by a great American, nv voices the deep conviction of the whole unmatched in the chronicles of men that American people. It is marvellous and this unassuming gentleman, who never wore a sword in his life, should write that word that topples from his ancient throne, in a far-off land the world’s great eat despot. The American pen has for over stilled the rattling of the terrible German sabre. We feel sure the President has not reached his momentum conclusions without a full understanding with the Powers associated with us.

AMERICAN COMMENT. NEW YORK, October 16

The press comment generally throughout the country enthusiastically supports Mr Wilson’s note and emphasises that the answer means the downfall of Kniserism and unconditional surrender. The only exception is that a section of the press endorses Mr Roosevelt’s protest against any “debates with criminals.” '

EXCITED POLITICIANS. (Received This Day at 1.5. p.m.) ADELAIDE, October 13. The Assembly was so perturbed at the Germans’ reported capitulation and the Kaiser’s alleged abdication that the Pr e mier found it impossible for members to settle to their legislative duties in an atmosphere of such excitement and the Opposition leader agreed to immediately adjourn, and wait official confirmation of the good news before meeting again on Tuesday . KAISER STILL COMMANDS. (Received this day at 10.15 a.m.l AMSTERDAM. Oct 17. That the Kaiser was still reigning on the 15th appears from a decree lished in Berlin, signed bv the Kaiser on the 15th prescribing that it is decreed that military commands are under martial law and must not issue agreements to the civil authorities.

* PROPOSALS FROM TURKEY. NO DIRECT OVERTURES. LONDON, Oct. 16. Newspapers point out that although Turkey approached America regarding peace, there have been no direct overtures. The question of sending a reply from Britain does not ariso. No doubt Germany persuaded 'Turkey not to send a direct proposal. GERMANS COERCING TURKEY LONDON, Oct. 16. The “Daily News” Zurich correspondent states: Owing to the Young Turks’ intrigues, and to German menaces, Tewtik Pasha and Issot Pasha have failed to form a Cabinet. The Sultan is determined not to restore the Young ■Turks to power. The Young Turks and the Germans are trying to effect the formation of a coalition Cabinet. A miniature fleet of old Russian warships is lying outside Constantinople. The commander semi- ] ■officially informed the Sultan that he j would bombard the capital in the event £ .of a separate peace being attempted. |]