GERMAN PROPOSALS

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 219, 14 December 1916, Page 5

GERMAN PROPOSALS

OPEN TO MODIFICATION fe NEWS CALMLY RECEIVED IN BRITAJN FkENCH SOLDIERS WILL FIGHT ON RIOTING IN HAMBURG ONE THOUSAND KILLED AND WOUNDED

PEACE OVERTURES. *M ■ ~~

TO BREAK UP THE ENTENTE ALLIANCE. WASHINGTON, Dec. 12. ■ The peace proposals from the Central Towers came as a distinct surprise to official and diplomatic circles. The prevailing opinion is that Germans is making her "offer in the expectation of making terms acceptable to the allies of England, and which in effect might possibly cause British to yield to the pressure of the nations fighting with her. It is generally acknowledged in Entente circles that Germany is trying to bring about a position where she may make separate peace. GERMANY'S OFFER. j I RESTORATION OF BELGIUM. AUSTRIA TO HOLD SERBIA. NSW M)RK, Dec 32. ■ Washington correspondents say the German Embassy has received ths text of the German peace, terms, presiding, in addition co those, cabled, the following conditions: Complete restoration of Belgium. Evacuation of Northern France. Retention of the bulk of Serbia by l^jstria. Restoration to Bulgaria of territory lost in the second Balkan war. Restoration to Austria of territory captured by Italy. Turkey's retention cf Constantinople. READY FOR FiGriViNG. READY FOR PEACE. '* UNCONQUERABLE STRENGTH.' 5 LONDON, Dec 12. An official wireless message from Berlin states tliat tnu German Chancellor, Herr Von .Beihrnann Holiweg, said it was with a deep moral and religious sense of duty towards the nation and towards humanity that the Kaiser now considered the mome_. had come for official action towards peace. The German Note sent to the neutral nations says:—"The most terrific -war in history has been raging for two and a-half years—a catastrophe which two thousand years of civilisation was unable to prevent. The spiritual and material progress which is Europe's pride is threatened with ruin. Ger jpany and her allies have given proof of their unconquerable strength, and a continuance of the war will not break .our resistance. We were obliged to take up arms to defend justice and liberty and national evolution. We do not aim at shattering or annihilating our adversaries, despite the consciousness of our military and economic strength, and readiness to continue the conflict. We propose a peace guaranteeing the existence of honour, liberty, and evolution. If our enemies refuse reconciliation, Germany and her allies are resolved to continue to a victorious end. We solemnly decline the responsibility before human history. If our enemies refuse to stop the slaughter in order to continue their plans of conquest and annihilation, every German heart will burn with sacred wrath, and God will be 'our judge. We will proceed, fearless and unashamed, ready for fighting, ready for peace." °A Note to the Pope says: "Unlimited treasures of civilisation have been destroyed, extensive areas have been soaked with the blood ef millions or brave soldiers who have fallen. Millions have been invalided. Grief is in every house, and destructive consequences are heavily felt by the belligerents and neutrals. Trade is deJpressed, and Europe, formerly devoted to the propagation of religion and civilisation, is now an immense war camp."

GERMANY'S SAFETY ASSURED.

AFTER ROUMANIAN CAMPAIGN. LONDON, Dec 12. The official report sent out by wireless of Herr Von Bethmann Hollweg's speech in the Reichstag continues: "The west front stands firm; despite the Roumanian campaign our west front is equipped with larger reserves of men and material than formerly; efficient precautions have been taken against Italian attacks. Hindenburg, with unparalleled genius, has captured the whole of Western Wallachia and Bucharest; these sword strokes are laying, a new foundation for our economic needs. He has captured great stocks of Roumanian grain, foodstuffs and oil. Despite our scarcity we could have lived on our own resources; now cur safety is beyond question. "To great events on land, we may add heroic deeds of equal importance on sea. The spectre of famine caused by submarines which our enemies intended to appear before us, now pursues them without mercy. Behind our fighters stand the nation at work. We have progressed with firm decision and continue to fight for our national freedom and safety in the future. We are always ready to stretch out our hands for peace; our strength has nomade our ears deaf to our responsibility before Go<j and humanity. Our adversaries evaded our former declar- j * i ation concerning our readiness for peace. Since the outbreak of war, when the Kaiser had to make the gravest decision that has fallen tot he lot of a German, when he was compelled to order mobilisation following the Russian mobilisation, the Kaisers single thought has been how peace could be restored, safeguarding Germany after a victorious struggle." FRENCH OPINION. NOT TAKEN SERIOUSLY. Received 9.35 PARIS, Dec. 13. Newspapers in Paris do not regard the peace offers seriously, pointing out that they are made when England, Russia and France are concentrating for greater efforts. The indications are that in Germany military and civilian exhaustion is approaching. A FIGHT TO A FINISH. A correspondent at the French headquarters says tli e French soldiers scout the peace offer. They want the war fought to a finish. NEW YORK, Dec. 13. W. Stephane Louisanne, editor of Le Matin, who is in New York, says the proposals will be quickly rejected. France wilj not consider any terms that do not include the restoration of Belgium and Alsace and Lorraine, and the complete integrity of Servia. BLUFF OR DELUSION. AMSTERDAM, Dec. 13. An official telegram from Vienna in collection with the peace proposal, reiterates that Austria is fighting in selfdefence. Nevertheless, 1 lie combination of loyal allies and the Austro-Hungari-an army and fleet are fighting and bleeding, but also conquering. The Quadruple Alliance has won not only an immense series of victories, but also holds extensive hostile territories." The telegram adds: Our latest treacherous enemy can testify that our strength is unbroken. I The mesage declares: The enemy ' blockade and starvation measures will never succeed in shattering the Alliance. It is useless ar;d unavailing for the enemy to prosecute the fight. The enemy cannot alter their fate by the continuation of the war. The Quadruple Alliance arc therefore to candidly and loyally endeavour to discuss peaee terms. Thu? the Quadrupe Alliance have given a new and decisive proof o.f their love of peace.