THE PEACE NOTE

Hokitika Guardian, 29 October 1918, Page 1

THE PEACE NOTE

f AUSTRALIAN ifc N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION GERMAN VIEW ON WILSON. LONDON, Oct, 26. Advices received in Copenhagen state that Reichstag circles arc favourably impressed with the fact that President Wilson had not interrupted negotiations. The newspapers, however, are pessimistic. The “Loknl Anziegor” says German}' cannot accept an armistice which would made her defenceless, and one on conditions dictated by the enemy. - President Wilson demands subjection. There can be no doubt what the honour of the German people enjoins them to do. The “Cologne Gazette” states: Everything now depends on whether the military counsellors of the enemy will demand capitulation, as happened with Bulgaria, or will think evacuation ot occupied territory will suffice. BERNE, Oct, 26. Advices from Berlin state the German War Cabinet has decided to await the Entente’s conditions for an armistice before replying to President Wilson’s Note. LONDON, Oct, 26. After Mr Wilson’s reply arrived the Berlin Bourse became optimistic and prices rose. Tho German newspapers are dissatisfied with Mr Wilson’s reply, but many of them regard t-lie Note as another step in the progress towards peace. The “ KilniscTie Zeitung,” and “ Lokal Anzieger” protest strongly against sacrificing the Kaiser. IN THE REICHSTAG.

LONDON, Oct. 26. Dr Solf, Foreign Minister, speaking in the Reichstag, dealt with several aspects of the peace settlement question. After stating a treaty had, in 15)07. finally settled Denmark’s case, he stated that the new Government- proposed to continue making reforms in AlsaceLorraine, but he would not at present anticipate a solution of that question. Tho. discussion of the Polish quest by members aroused tumult. Von Schenek declared the Army is still unbeaten, and the situation was grave, but not desperate. Herr Moske declared that the annexation hy Britain of the German colonies would not be in accordance with President Wilson’s principle of no annexations.

The sitting later was interrupted dramatically by the arrival of President Wilson’s Note, in reply to Germany. Sectional meetings of members then discussed tho reply. AMSTFRD 'M, Oct. 26. After Mr. Wilson’s last message was received comment in the Reichstag was largely devoted to Dr Solf’s denial of any intention to repudiate Mr. Wilson’s proposal and to expressing willingness to agree to regulate Alsace Lor mine by peace negotiations, and in iustiee and fairness and loyally fulfil Mr Wilson’s programme also to Von Payer’s expression in favour of unequivocal honesty and an endeavour to win the world’s confidence. Another subject of comment was Germany’s offer to return to Belgium the stolen public treasures and pictures, which it is alleged, were only taken for safety.

AUSTRIA’S ACCEPTANCE, (Received this day at 9.25 a.m.) NEW YORK, Oct, 28. It is reported from Amsterdam that the Austrian ieply to President Wilson accepts all the conditions, and states Atistria is ready to negotiate for an immediate armistice and peaoe.