Peace Proposals

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 17, 14 December 1916, Page 5

Peace Proposals

VIEWS OF THE NATIONS-

TYPICAL TEUTONIC SOPHISTRY.

Pwm Association— Copyright, Australian and N.Z. Gable Association. London, December 12. London and Paris regard tho Kaiser's peace declaration as colossal bluff/ typical of "Teutonic sophistry. '.] The Germans know the military pos- ? 'mm jQan never be more favorable § tha£ at present. Bulgaria, who got U °the maximum plunder now wants peace, just when the avenger, in the shape of Mr Lloyd George, is about to administer chastisement. Nevertheless, the world-wide publicity of the declaration proves that Germany is anxious for immediate peace, if possible, so ' as to secure the spoils. - t MR HENDERSON'S VIEWS. The British attitude towards the Kaiser's proposal has been well"summed lip by Mr Henderson, who said: "All the most unscrupulous military forces are against us. Peace at present would mean that the Allies would soon have the whole thing to fight over again." . -* r: GERMAN OPINION DIFFERS.

sMsl'i AMoeiation—Copyright, Austr* ii itian and' N.Z. Cable Association. so u:■)"■ ,'ru-, London, December 13. German official news, by wireless

: -states that. Herr Hollweg's first sentences evoked applause on all sides \ after every paragraph. To the first portion of the speech the assembly demonstratively assented, but later when the Chancellor came to the peace question, differences of opinion were manifested, applause coming mainly from tlie Catholic Centre and Left. After the Chancellor had ended, the majority of the House, along the lines mentioned, applauded, and the people in the gallery joined in the clapping < of- hands, making a huge demonstra- > 'tion. Herren Bassermann, Westarp, and Ledebour favored an immediate discussion, but Herr Spahn's proposal • for leaving the summoning of the next sitting to the president's discretion was voted for by an overwhelming

majority. The president, in closing the sitting declared that the nation and its delegates would always support the Chancellor in his policy, which was far-sighted, firm, and intelligent. AUSTRIAN LOVI* OF PEACE. Press Association— Copyright. Renter's Telegrams Amsterdam. December 12. An official telegram from Vienna, ii. connection with peace proposals, re iterates that Austria is fighting "n self defence, nevertheless, in combination with loyal Allies, the AustroHungarian army and fleet are fighting and bleeding, and also conquering, and they have frustrated the intentions of the enemy. The Quadruple Alliance has won not only an immense series of victories, but holds extensive hostile territories. Utu latest treacherous enemy can. testitj that our strength is unbroken. Uumessage declares that the enemy blockade and starvation measures can merer succeed in shattering the alliance, and that it will be useless and unavailing for the enemy to prosecute the fight. The enemy cannot alto: Fate by a continuation of the wai , the Quadruple Alliance is therefore impelled to candidly and loyally en deavor to discuss peace terms. Hill* has the Quadruple Alliance given u new and decisive proof of love to. peace.

BRITISH PRESS VIEWS.

Press Association.—Copyright, Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.

London, December 13

The Times denounces the peace proposals as a manifest sham, Herr Hollweg's tone revealing insincerity, and the speech abounding in loud vaunts of German invincibility and military achievements, which is not the language of a belligerent genuinely anxious to come to terms. Obviously, the statement was politically inspired, in order'to throw the onus of continued war on the Allies. The latter! received, unmoved 1 , the latest 'example of German unctuoUsness,' and 'so will all neutrals who have studied Germany's motives and actions during the .war. Tho Manchester Guardian considers it an unquestionably genuine offer, and that the British Government should treat it as such, ascertaining definite terms and interchanging direct views immediately. All the parties' cards would then be on the table. It would be unthinkable folly and crime to continue the war beyond our definite aims, if they are now securable. The Daily News considers Herr Hollweg has chosen the moment well, after the reaction following on events in Rou.mania, but it is not a genuine offer being merely a diplomatic move to influence neutrals that the Allies are responsible for the continuance of the war. The Allies must not play into German hands, but must put their case before the .enemy ( and the world by. filing their peace terms, and I.)irow ."on Germany the responsibiliy pf accepting or. re jesting the negotiations. The "Evening Post declares that the great change "since the 1914 speech is proof of a prolonged strain, and demonstrates tho impossibility of a German victory. - Those, facts impelled Herr von Bethmann-Hollweg to make definite advances for peace. The demand of the German people for peace is stronger than wo knew. Financiers and manufacturers have forced the Government to seqk to end the conditions which are more and more threatening ruin. The Daily Telegraph states, from an unimpeachable source, it is gathered that Germany has offered Belgium peace, and threatened that if it is not accepted she will destroy the monuments, tho buildings, and even the towns. The Daily Mail says the whole ol the tricks are too obviously the outcome of empty German stomachs, the tremendous defeats on the Sfemme, and the heavy losses at Verdun and other fronts, including half a million Austrians during Russia's summer offensive. Although the German reserves have not yet been exhausted, we must win if the Allies all strike at once. The Germans are singularly deluded if they imagine we will permit their submarines to starve us out.

NOT SERIOUSLY TREATED.

GERMAN MILITARY AND CIVIL-

lAN EXHAUSTION.

(Received 9.135 a.m.) Paris, December 13.

Tho newspapers do not regard the peace offer seriously, pointing out that it was made at and when Englaiu', Russia, and France are conc9U ,c i».ir.s» on greater efforts, and that .t indicates that'German military and C'V« ian exhaustion is approaching

SIGNIFICANT DECLARATION.

TERMS SHE WOULD LIKE TO OET. Press Association—Copyright, Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received 10.25 a.m.) New York, December 13. I The German Embassy retracts yesterday's peace terms, declaring that they must be interpreted as wiiat Germany would like to get, not what she expects to get. Any terms now suggested are talking terms and less important than the necessity of starling a peace conference. Tile Embassy adds: The Central Powers are counting on Neutrals taking an important part in influencing the Allies toward

peace. •Much hope is placed on the coming conference at Copenhagen between Scandinavia and Switzerland, with Spain and Holland possibly represented.

The Embassy's declaration is re- ( garded as most significant, and that Germain- is far harder pressed for peace than Hollweg's statements would imply- I American opinion as represented by editorials and interviews believes that the Allies will not consent to peace until German militarism is overthrown.. The fact that the press opinion is practically unanimous that the Embassy's terms are unacceptable is considered responsible for Count Bernstorff's modification. CUNNING PEACE DODGE. PROOF OF EXHAUSTION. PEACE KITE WORTH FLYINC. ENTENTE'S REJECTION MAY BE TURNED TO ADVANTAGE. EXCUSE FOR FURTHER SACRIFICES.

(Received 11.5 a.m.) London, December 13

.Newspapers opportunely quote influential German organs to show that the food problem in Germany is much more serious than is supposed. Continental correspondents adduce fresh facts of the same sense, also assert that the German'mass levy is the last expiring effort, especially in view of the revelations of the enormous sGerman losses on the Soiimie, and at Verdun. These organs conclude that'' Germany's offer is a proof of approaching exhaustion, and now is the time for the Allies to go in and win, although it means supreme national efforts. Nevertheless, it is universally supposed that Germany hopes to impress the Neutrals. The latter may' accept Hollweg's argument that Germany successfully fought a defensive*! war, and can offer to negotiate without loss of prestige; also the Hindenburg view that Germany will have won if he made the Allies' war-aims impossible. In that case, the Neutrals' whose hopes were raised high by astute German State-craft, will be seriously disappointed, and may blame the Allies. Germany, will also probably utilise the Entente's rejection as an excuse for aggravating tho frightfulness towards the Neutrals' trade as well as their enemies. Finally, the peace kite is worth flying for domesuc reasons. Possibly on account of the distress and the weakening of German discipline. The rulers want to stiffen tho people. Nevertheless, Germany as a whole accepts Hollweg's reading of the situation, that if the Rulers require further sacrifices, they will use the refusal of the peace offers for that purpose. Tho Daily Telegraph's Rotterdam correspondent emphasises this view, and warns the Entente that Germany's boastfuluess has lately been revived. If the rulers want Germany.to make greater efforts, this peace dodge will probably succeed. I

HOLLWEG'S BOMBAST.

LONDON REMAINS CALM.

EAGER TO LEARN MOTIVE OF PEACE KITE. TRUE PUBLIC OPINION. (Received 11.40 a.m.) London, December 13. London refuses to become over-ex-cited about the peace offer, u.ough naturally, the public arc greatly eager to hear what all the Reichstag mystery is about. , The newspapers to-day take the matter calmly, and mostly dismiss the matter by reiterating Mr Asquith's Guildhall declaration of the Entente's war aims. They point out that it s impossible to discuss the idea in detail until a concrete offer is made, and that it is safe to predict that the supposed detailed offer emanating from the German Embassy at Washington, which leaked out at a late hour, will not bear discussion by London organs. They contrast Perr Hollwcg's bombast with M. Briand's and Mr Lloyd George's simple declaration and resolve to fight till victory in their exchange of congratulations. There is fear in some quarters which sees possible accession of the strength of the Pacifists.

The Daily News, while declaring that we must insist on the reasonable fulfilment of Mr Asquith's declaration, says the Allies should formally stale their peace terms otherwise Germany will possibly win a diplomatic victory.

The Daily Chronicle henry reflects press opinion, and says: "If Germany wants peace, she can always have it on our terms. She has only to inquire what they are. Britain seems less concerned about the prospects ".I peace than Germany's motive. Few believe that Germany imagined she was able to bluff the Allies into peace corresponding in the least with Hollweg's version of the military situation. It is conjectured she is trying to play on the feelings of the pacifist minorities, and also the weaker members of the Entente if such exist. AUSTRIANS HAD ENOUGH. (Received 11.40 a.m.) Washington, December 13. It is believed in diplomatic circles that the peace move was due largely to Austrian pressure. It is said that Count Berchtold resents the German domination and that the Austrian people are opposed to the continuance of the conflict.