PEACE PROPOSALS

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 219, 15 December 1916, Page 5

PEACE PROPOSALS

SUBMITTED TO AMERICA FOR TRANSMISSION TO ENTENTE CANADA WANTS TO FiCHT TO A FINISH GERMANY LEVIES ANOTHER MILLION MEN STILL HOPE FOR ROUMANIA

Jf PEACE OVERTURES.

MEETING OP GERMAN REICHSTAG BERLIN EXCITED. ECSTATIC HOPE. LONDON, Dec. 13. Berlin is beflagged. A hundred thousand crowded round the Reichstag on Tuesday night. The city was deeply excited on Wednesday, nervous ecstatic hope prevailing.

GERMAN HYPOCRISY.

AMSTERDAM, Dec 14. The tone of the German papers strengthens the impression that the peace proposals are merely intended to influence the German people, and neutral newspapers stress the idea that the Allies' refusal, instead of aiscouraging the people, will fill them with flaming wrath and fiery indignation. There will he no more talk of giving in. It will be either bend or ■ fcreak and fighting will go on with all Germany's power, just or unjust. APPEAL TO THE WORKERS. AMSTERDAM, Dec 14. \ declares that the work ers of England, France, Russia, and Italy now have a chance to combine with. German workers to secure mutual peace.

PREPARING THE GERMAN PUBLIC FOR ALLIES' REFUSAL.

LONDON, Dec 13. The inspired German press is preparing the public for the Allies' refusal. The "Cologne Gazette" says Germany's sense of humanity has overcome her pride.

A BLOODTHIRSTY THREAT.

AMSTERDAM, Dec 14. The "Rheinsche Westphaelische" threatens the Allies with ruthless and most bloody warfare if her offer is rejected. The "Handelsblad" hopes the proposal will not be rejected disdainfully. If the Entente reply: "Tell us your proposals/ 'we shall get an announcement of each side's terms, and peace will be in sight.

PROPOSAL INITIATED BY AUSf TRIA.

AMSTERDAM. Dec 14. Count Tisza's speech in the Hungarian Chamber reveals that Count Burian initiated the peace proposals. He approaches Austria's allies, who sympathetically received the proposals.

A HOLLOW SHAM.

AMSTERDAM, Dec 14. Dutch opinion is that the language of the Note and its presentation when the AlLes have appointed a strong Cabinet shows f he hollowness of '..he German proposal. The Kaner. recognising Germany's unpopularity jthroughout the world, is merely making a Machaivellian attempt to injure the Entente in neutral eyes. AUSTRO-HUNGARY'S CONDITION. LONDON, Dec J 4. The "Times" Lusane correspondent, says Austria-Hungary's economic sit- | uation is critical. There are cries of distress and misery. ' Czechland's newspapers are full of letters from wounded men begging for even a few potatoes. There are lamentations from BP|emia, where there are three meatless days weekly. The price of meals in some restaurants has been increased five-fold. The sale of tobacco has Jjfien prohibited at restaurants and Sftes. :. j ; >

1 PRANCE'S REPLY TO PROPOSALS.

| TO CONCENTRATE EVERY EFFORT j PARIS, Dec. 14. ' Premier Briand, in the Chamber, said the Allies were justified in feeling more confident to-day than in 1915. Germany had found it necessary to issue peace proposals. He warned France to beware of such poisonous attempts at a time when Germany was arming to the teeth. He added that the German j proposals were merely vague words designed to trouble the consciences of Frenchmen. ; The German proposals were a clumsy I artifice to dissociate the Allies, and could only be regarded with suspicion. M Briand said: Hi s impression was that : . Germany feared she would be unable to hold what she conquered. The changes in the Cabinet and administration were aimed at concentrating authority for more vigourous conduct of the war. The War Committc would sit permanently to deal with matters pertaining to the war. Germany, despite her victories, was unable to achieve a decision anywhere. Commenting on Germany's mass levy, M. Briand said the Government refused to inflict such an unnecessary inconvenience on France, but would demand all needful sacrifices. Thunders of ap plause greeted the announcement that the Government would demand the suppression of alcohol in France and must make efforts corresponding to Germany 's.

GERMANY'S PEACE METHODS.

AMSTERDAM, Dec 14. German agents are disseminating rumours of frightfulness if the Entente rejects the peace proposals. The threats include blockading Britain by 400 submarines, and scattering germladen bombs on London.

AMERICAN OPINION.

LONDON, Dec. 14. The New York Times says: Germany knows sl'C cannot win. Her food scarcity lias reached the verge of starvation, but her overtures cannot be dismissed as a clever manoeuvre. Such a view would put the Allies deplorably in the wrong. The Allies, in a joint statement, should proclaim definitely the purpose for which they are fighting. They would thus retain neutral goodwill. The Nov.- York Times' Berlin correspondent says the German attitude is that tli 3 Central Powers have agreed to specific terms of peace, but the Allies can only learn these by agreeing to participate in a conference.

AMERICA'S ROLE.

LONDON, Dec. 1.4. The Morning Post learns authoritatively from Washington that the American Government will only act as agent for peace proposals, and nothing beyond.

CANADA'S DETERMINATION.

OTTAWA, Doc. 14. Canadian papers arc unanimously of the opinion that the German peace proposals are premature, and Avill be recused. Sir R. Borden, who is on a recruiting tour, said: The determination of the people of this land Is that there, shall be no truce, but that there shall be a peace which shall mean peace for many years to come.

THE GERMAN PEACE PROPOSALS.

SPECIALLY PRESENTED TO AMERICA. FOR TRANSMISSION TO ALLIES. Received 10 a.m. NEW YORK, Dec 14. The State Department has received Germany's Peace Note, which is identical with the published text. The State Department has transmitted the Note to the American Ambassadors for presentation to the Allied Governments.