AN AMERICAN NOTE

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 219, 22 December 1916, Page 5

AN AMERICAN NOTE

i TO ALL BELLIGERENTS 'AMERICA VERGING ON WAR AGAINST THE INVADERS OF HER RIGHTS NOTE SUPPRESSED BY BRITISH CENSOR INTENSE INDIGNATION IN BRITAIN

■ PEACE OVERTURES.

objects in general terms, but never avowed the precise objects which would satisfy them. The world was left to conjecture what definite results and guarantees, territorial changes, or readjustments, and what stage of military success would bring the war to an end. May be peace was nearer than we know, and that the terms were not so irreconcilable as some feared; that an interchange of views would clear the way for a conference. The President is not proposing peace, is not offering mediation, but is merely proposing that soundings be taken in order to ascertain how near was the haven of peace, for which all mankind has an intense and increasing longing. He believes the spirit wherein he speaks, and the objects which he seeks are understood by all concerned, and confidently hopes for a. response which will bring new light into the world's affairs, and which will insure the world's peace in thespirit of justice. WILSON'S NOTE SUPPRESSED IN BRITAIN. INTENSE INDIGNATION. Received 9.30 ■ . NEW YORK, Dec. 21. Private advices from London state that the British censor suppressed Presdent Wilson's peace note. There is intense indignation at Wilson's action. AN EXTRAORDINARY STATEMENT. AMERICA NEAR THE VERGE OF WAR. AGAINST ALL BELLIGERENTS. WHO HAVE INVADED ITS RIGHTS Received 9.15 WASHINGTON, Dee. 21. Mr Lansing explains the peace note as a preliminary to the United States asserting itself against all the belligerents which invaded its rights. It is not unlikely the United States is drawing near the verge of war. OPINIONS OF AMERICAN PRESS. Received 9.15 WASHINGTON, Dec. 21. Surprise and profound sensation has been caused by President Wilson's note w r hick was prepared prior to Mr Lloyd George's speech. The German-American papers are delighted, and say President Wilson has won enduring fame. The New York Times does not think the note will do any harm, but disagrees with President Wilson, and objects that all belligerents are the same. Fortunately Wilson does not offer mediation. The New York Herald says the action may be construed in direct relation to Berlin's cry for peace. If the suspicion is unwarranted, the coincidence is striking. The New York World says the request certainly is without any ulterior selfish motive,, and therefore cannot be ignored. There is a further sharp decline in Wall Street. PRESIDENT WILSON'S NOTE. A PROFIT-MAKING MANOEUVRE. Received 9.30 VANCOUVER. Dec. 21. The Tribune calls the President's note a mistake, and adds that the nation that did not protest when Belgium ! was invaded becomes known to-day as the purveyor of the German peace note as a profit-making manoeuvre. I SOCIALIST PEACE MEETING PROHIBITED. Received 9.30 AMSTERDAM, Dee. 21. The police prohibited a great Socialist, peace meeting at Leipzig.

PRESIDENT WILSON AS PEACE MAKER. A NOTE TO THE BELLIGERENTS. NEW YORK, Dec. 21. An American Note, signed by Mr Lansing, says: The President has instructed me to suggest a course of action regarding the war which he hopes your Government -will consider, as it is suggested in the friendliest spirit. Coming not only from a friend, but also from the representative of a neutral whose interests are seriously affected Iby the war, and whose concern is for the war's early conclusion, there arises the manifest necessity to determine how best to safeguard those interests. The President has long had a suggestion in Blind. He is somewhat embarrassed to offer it at this particular time, because It may seem to have been prompted by the recent overtures of the Central Powrs. It was not suggested by them, but the President' considers the question of peace may best be considered in connection with other proposals which nave the same view. The President "begs that the suggestion be considered entirely on its merits. The President suggests that an early occasion"" he sought to ask the belligerents' views on terms of peace," and their opinions as At an arrangement which would be a satisfactory guarantee against the renewal or kindling of any similar conflict in future. This would make it pos- ■ siblc to frankly compare views. The President is indifferent regarding the means taken to accomplish this. He Avould be happy to serve, even to take the initiative in any way acceptable. He calls attention to the fact that the objects which the belligerents' statesmen on both sides have in mind are virtually the same, as they have stated in general terms that each side desires to secure the rights and privileges of Aveak peoples' states against aggression; and to secure the rights and privileges of great belligerents. Received 9.15. Each would be jealous of the formation of any more rival leagues to preserve the uncertain balance of power amidst the multiplying suspicions, but is ready to consider a League of Nations before the final step can be taken. Each deems it necessary to settle the issue of the war on terras which will safeguard the independence territorial integrity, political and commercial freedom of the nations involved. The United States is vitally and directly interested in the measures to secure future peace, also the Jlleans to be adopted to relieve the smaller and weaker peoples of the peril of wrong and violence. The United States is ready and eager to cooperate with every influence and resource at its command, but the war must first be concluded. The terms ■whereupon it must be concluded the United States is not at liberty to suggest, but the President feels it his

right and duty to point out his interests in the war's conclusion, lest it be too late to accompish the great things lying before its conclusion; lest the situation of neutrals becomes intolerable; lest, above all, an injury be caused to civilisation which can never be atoned. The President therefore feels justified in suggesting an immediate opportunity for a comparison of views regarding the terms which must precede peace arrangements. If the contest must continue towards undefined ends by slow attrition, until one group is exhausted, if millions of human lives must continue to be offered until one side is able no more to offer resistance, and resentment kindled which never cools, hopes of peace are rendered vain and idle, and the life .of the "entire world would be profoundly affected. A No nation stands outside the influor beyond the disturbing effects of the war, yet the concrete objects for which the war is.waged have never been definitely stated by the belligerents. The leaders have stated the

GERMANY'S PEACE TERMS. STIRRING PROCLAMATIONS. PARIS, Dec 20. General Mangin, in an array order to the Verdun troops, says: Our fathers of the Revolution refused to treat with the enemy while he polluted the country's soil. We will never negotiate with perjured governments who regard treaties as scraps of paper, who assassinate women and children. We will dictate terms after final victory, and reply to the hypocritical overtures with the bayonet. Other generals have issued similar stirring proclamations. A GERMAN PROTEST. ENTENTE MISUNDERSTANDS THE PROPOSAL. LONDON, Dec 20. A German wireless protests that the foreign press repeatedly interpreted the offer of peace as an attempt to obtain a truce. This was a mistaken idea. The Central Powers had stated their readiness to confer with the belligerents to negotiate conditions which, according to the belief of the Central Powers would make possible the conclusion of a lasting peace. The question at issue now is whether the Entente is ready to listen to such communications from the Central Powers at a conference; the question of an armistice is totally different. The Central Powers believe, for military reasons, an armistice can only be possible after the first basis has been arranged in negotiations. Count von Hollweg expressly stated that the conditions have not yet been forwarded, but the Central Powers intend to submit the conditions to a conference. The Foreign Office has issued the text of the German Note. It is identical with Hollweg's speech. It is noteworthy that Germany has not transmitted a copy to Belgium. '<■ AN JNSPIRED MESSAGE. ' - ; WASHINGTON, Dec 20. The "Chicago Tribune's" special despatch from Washington says: If Britain wishes to know the terms of peace, Germany will respond by a proposal of disarmament, and the formation of a League of Nations to enforce peace. A definite invitation will be given to a conference at The Hague. If England makes reparation a condition of a peace parley, Germany will agree with the suggestion. The Teutons also want reparation for the ravages of the Russians first in East Prussia." The correspondent gives this as the official view of the prospects of peace. FURTHER DETAILS OF THE GERMAN OFFER. j WASHINGTON, Dec 20. An official of the German Embassy says: We will discuss any proposal the Allies make. Germany has a big claim for an indemnity in East. Prussia, and the Allies have the same in Belgium; but perhaps it would be cheaper to pay an indemnity than proceed with the war. The cost of six months' more war would pay a lot of indemnities. There appears to be an indication in German quarters to think Bulgaria and Turkey can be forced to pay the piper at the finish. BRITAIN'S DUTY TO FRANCE. LONDON, Dec 20. Mr. Timothy Healy approved the Government's reply to Germany. "We cannot," he said, "sign peace which fails to return France every acre held before the IS7O war." NEW PEACE MOVEMENT. LONDON, Dec 20. A Berlin wireless states that a new peace movement is being considered by Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Switzerland. The co-operation of Holland is wished. BRITISH RAILWAYS. LONDON, Dec. 20. In the House of Commons, Mr Roberts announced that railway passenger fares from January Ist would be increased fifty per cent, except for workmen's and season tickets, up to forty miles. There would also be a restriction of the passenger service. OUTPUT OF EXPLOSIVES. PARIS, Dec 20. M. Thomas said the French output of explosives is 600 tons daily, compared with 130 tons at the beginning of the year. Germany turns out 600, 000 shells daily and the Allies 800,000. PEACE 12345 7890 1234566 SKIN CANCER. COPENHAGEN, Dec 20. A new disease is reported at Hamburg. It is skin cancer, and is believed to be caused by the new war foods Thirty children are succumbing daily.

BRITISH POLITICS. LLOYD GEORGE'S SPEECH. GERMAN PRESS COMMENT. AMSTERDAM, Dec 20. The "Tageblatt" says t-'ie gulf, at present at any rate, between the British and German standpoints, is very great. The "Local Anzeiger" says if Mr. Lloyd George means to postpone satisfying Europe's desire for peace until the Entente is victorious, it means eternal war, unless the German army is able to bring it to an earlier termination than Mr. Lloyd George supposes. DUTCH PRESS VIEW. LONDON, Dec 20. The "Telegraaf" says: If the Central Powers hoped to sow confusion among the Entente Mr. Lloyd George's speech shows their complete mistake. If the Kaiser really wants to end the world's blood bath, let .him evacuate the territory taken and pay for the damage done. BERNSTORFF'S OPINION. WASHINGTON, Dec 20. Count B'ernstorff, discussing Mr. Lloyd George's speech, said: "It sounds as if they will not refuse to talk about peace." German officials expect that Hollweg will now confidentially communicate peace terms. LABOUR'S GREAT SHARE. LLOYD GEORGE'S STATEMENT. LONDON, Dec 20. K Mr. Lloyd George, referring to the constituency of the Ministry, said it was a franker and fuller recognition of the partnership of labour. They realised it was impossible to conduct the war without getting the complete and unqualified support of Labour. They were also anxious to obtain Labour's assistance and counsel* for the conduct of the War. ' LLOYD GEORGE SPEAKS FOR BRITAIN. NATION ENDORSES. HIS POLICY. LONDON, Dec. 20. The Times, in a leader, says: Mr Lloyd George's war programme completely reflects Britain's resolves and wishes. The nation endorses the vast and momentous programme, gladly following the lead given. Mr Lloyd George has secured trade unionist approval to the Mobilisation ofLabour Bill,, which is necessary to give effect to his proposals. The only opposition expected is from the extreme syndicalists and' pacifists. NATIONAL WAR SERVICE. ALTERATION OF AGE LIMIT SUGGESTED. SEVEN THEN TO FIFTY-SIX. Received 9.30 LONDON, Dec. 21. The Daily Chronicle, in outlining the scope of national war service, says the scheme is the boldest, and of a most farreaching character, Men between the age s of seventeen and fifty-six must place themselves at the disposal of the ■State for the duration of the war, and consent to be transferred to occupations and localities where their- service is most required. It is essential that the State must have the power to control and direct the mobility labour. There is no guarantee at present that men released from the army for agricultural work will return to the land. The Government proposes that full trade union wages be paid to war workers, in addition to a subsistence allowance of 2/6 daily, if the men transferred necessitate the maintaining of two homes. A schedule of indispcnsible and nonessential trades will be drawn up, and non-essential industries shut down without compunction. In order that labour may be available for munitions and productive industries, the stimulation of the mobility of labour is important,, as an addition to the quantity of the output required is estimated at 40 per cent. NeviJle and Chamberlain's chief functions will be the transferring of batches to places where workers are urgently required. lie will have the power to billet war workers in private houses. Important trade union leaders shall be associated in Chamberlain's work. Following is an analogy of Lord Derby's recruiting scheme:< —A short, time will be allowed for the voluntary enrolment of war workers, but if the necessary men are not forthcoming, the Government will appeal to Parliament for csoinpulsory powers. The War Office lias released twelve thousand miners who were unfit for general service, and they have returned to the mines. The Government hay granted Irish railwayman a 7s weekly increase.