PEACE OVERTURES.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 219, 27 December 1916, Page 5

PEACE OVERTURES.

KAISER STILL HAS A BIG CARD TO PLAY. BUT BRITAIN KNOWS WHAT IT IS. I NEW YORK, Dec. 25. The Now York Tribune says that it has the highest authority for the statement that Austria is near the end of her resources, owing to acute economic stress. Britain knows that before peace was offered President Wilson was told that the Kaiser still had a big card to play, but Britain knows what the card is. BETTING ON PEACE. ROTTERDAM, Dec. 25. j On the Berlin exchanges on Saturday there was heavy betting that peace would be signed before August of next year. , SWITZERLAND SENDS A NOTE. \ LONDON, Dec. 25. Switzerland’s note to the belligerents is less elaborate than President Wilson’s, but the arguments are the same—humanitarian reasons, neutrals ’ sufferings and the fear of the extension of the conflict. It arrived in London on Friday and Paris on Saturday. The Petit Pariisen says that the Note reveals that Switzerland took the initiative and sounded President Wilson five weeks ago. President Wilson is therefore assured of the support of Switzerland. The Swiss Note does not invite the belligerents to state their objects,, and docs not deal with the origin of the conflict, merely expressing the hope that the war would soon end. 1 The newspapers comment upon ■ it courteously, appreciating Switzerland’s , attitude during the war period. PLAYING- THE GERMANS’ GAME. LONDON, Dec. 25. The Manchester Guardian, referring to criticisms of the American note, warns against a hasty, ill-considered reply. It believes that the note, if wisely answered, can only help the Allies’ cause, and emphasise the weakness of the German position. It says that it seems to be forgotten in this country that an identical note was addressed to all the belligerents, and careful reading of the passage in which President Wilson suggests that both sides are fighting for the same objects reveals that President Wilson said that this is what the belligerents tell their own countrymen. The Guardian warns the Allies against being betrayed into playing the Germans’ game and put themselves wrong with America. i ANGLING FOR THE POPE. ZURICH, Dec 25. A wireless Press correspondent states that Austria and Germany are 'strenuously endeavouring to induce the Pope to support the peace overtures. The new Emperor Carl twice gave an audience to the Papal Nuncio at Munich, and the Kaiser received the Archbishops of Breslau and Posen. Dr. von Bethmann Hollweg has summoned Herr Spahn, Herr Bochem, and Herr Erzberger, leaders of the Centre Catholic party, to a conference at B'erlin. GERMANY SUGGESTS AN IMMEDMED!ATE CONFERENCE. Received 9.45. I WASHINGTON, Dec 26. Germany, replying to President "Wilson’s Note, suggests an immediate con ference of the belligerents. WILSON’S NOTE. LONDON, Dec 25. The significance and possible results of the American Note are the dominant theme of public discussion. There were many pulpit references, including a striking denunciation by the Dean of Westminster Abbey, who said: It is to overthrow military brigandage in Europe. The President of the United States, after two years’ study of the question, seems to believe President Wilson knows that Germany refused eveary overture to prevent war; organised atrocities in Belgium; sank the Lusitania; murdered Captain Pryatt; and connived the Armenian massacres; yet he opines that the nations leagued to disarm this evil domonias have the same aim as the perpetrators of these historic crimes. President Wilson, i n a fit of mental aberration, sent the wrong Note, or en tirely misapprehended the European situation. AMSTERDAM, Dec 25. The German Press indicates that Persident Wilson’s Note is welcomed by pan-Germans, who affect a desire i Lo continue the war with intensified ; Tightfulness. They declare that Am- : srica desires to save the Anglo-Saxons i )y influencing Germany, snatching iway her prize of victory. On the ■ fiber hand, the Chancellor’s support- ] ;rs see no fundamental differences beween Germany’s and President Wil 1 son’s proposals. (

INNER HISTORY OF THE NOTE LONDON, Dec 25. The “Daily Chronicle’s” New York correspondent reveals the inner history of the Note. It is due to the machinations of Bernstorff. At a recent Cabinet meeting President Wilson announced that if the evidence re- | garding the Carina and similar cases were proved, he favoured immediate severance of relations with Germany. The majority of the Cabinet agreed. The State Department informed Bernstorff of the Cabinet’s decision. Bernstorff persuaded the Kaiser to transfer the Peace Note, which he intended to send through the Pope, to neutrals, including America. President Wilson was thus forced to ignore the peace message, and dismiss Bernstorff, recall Mr Gerard (U.S. Ambassador at Berlin) or postpone action in the hope that peace discussions would delay submarine atrocities. Meanwhile Germany announces that if the negotiations were unsuccessful, submarine frightfulness would be increased, suggesting that American commerce would be crippled. Britain meanwhile was arranging the mobilisation of the mercantile fleet, causing the United States to fear it would x’esult in the disorganisation of commerce. The President therefore decided to ask each belligerent for statements regarding their objectives. The same Note .contained an implied warning to Germany, but Bernstorff persuaded President Wilson that it would be dishonourable to act against Germany until peace negotiations were finished. The Germans are now endeavouring to make President Wilson the depository of the pretended secret terms, thus sealing President Wilson’s mouth making a diplomatic break impossible. GERMANY'S EVASIVE REPLY. Received 11.25. NEW YORK, Dec 26. Germany’s reply states that President Wilson’s high-minded suggestion of the creation of a basis for the establishment of a lasting peace is considered by Germany in the friendly spirit expressed therein.WASHINGTON, Dec 26. Officials opine that the ; reply will he unacceptable to the Allies, because It does not state the terms, thus evading the fundamental purpose of President Wilson’s .Note. A RUSSIAN OPINION. Received 10.30 PETROGRAD, Doc. 26. The Novoc Vremya suggests that German influences at Washington prompted the note. RUSSIAN MINISTER’S STATEMENT WAR WILL BE CONTINUED Received 11.30 PETROGRAD, Dec. 26. M. Poutrowski, new Foreign Minister, informed press representatives that after the wan the military alliance between Russia, France and Britain would be consolidated by a close economic union. The war would be continued till decisive victory was achieved Wilson’s note could not alter the situation. The Allies would reply fully, but would continue the war until the restoration of ravaged territories, existence of small nations secured, and a new world conflagration rendered impossible. He indicated there would be further military measures to end the Greek vacillations. SUPPORTED BY SOUTH AMERICAN | REPUBLICS ROME, Dec 25. Brazil, Argentine, and Chili have adhered to President. Wilson’s Note. DOMINION PREMIERS INVITED TO ATTEND SPECIAL MEETING OF WAR CABINET. Received 11.30. LONDON, Dec 26. The Secretary for the Colonies telegraphed to the Dominions yesterday: His Majesty’s Government does not contemplate an ordinary session of the Imperial Conference, but a special war conference of the Empire; therefore we invite your Premier to attend a series of special continuous meetings. The War Cabinet will consider the urgent questions of the prosecution ,of | the war, the possible conditions in any I agreement with our allies if we assent to peace, and problems arising* therefrom. We purpose that at these meetings your Premier be a member of the War Cabinet. In view of the urgency and importance of the subjects for discussion, it is hoped your Premier will attend not later than the end of February; if unable to attend, to appoint i substitute. The Secretary for India has telegraphed to the Viceroy ©f India similarly, stating that he is to represent i India, and desiring the assistance of ’ ;wo other gentlemen specially select- < 3d.

. A DISHONOURABLE PEACE. . DECRIED IN AUSTRALIA. FALSE TO DEAD AND UNBORN. SYDNEY, Dec. 26. Mr. Joseph Cook, Leader of the Federal Opposition,, in a speech said that he regarded the German peace efforts as a mockery. The Allied nations must not even begin to discuss peace amongst themselves, while Germany proceeded with devilish designs to overpower the world.

THE ROUMANIAN CAMPAIGN.

RUSSIAN SUCCESS. i ' LONDON, Dec. 25. A Pctrograd communique states that ' in the Carpathians the Russians, after ! artillery preparation, attacked the enemy trenches and heights north of the ' river Cussat, which Napturei captured ' after hand to hand fighting. A furious ; struggle continues in Roumania. i ROUMANIA'S PURPOSE. ■ . TO FIGHT TO THE END. ■ LONDON, Dec. 25. ) Router's correspondent at Jassy, the ; new capital of Roumania, reports that the King, in his speech at the opening . i of Parliament,, said: Our army has sustained the traditions of our ancestors, and in a manner that thoroughly justifies us in looking forward to the future with absolute confidence. Roumania will bear great hardships and sacrifices in this Avar, courageously and absolutely confident that victory will be Avith the Allies, on Avhose side Roumania is determined to use every energy until the end is attained. ROUMANIA CALM AND STUBBORN GERMANS DISAPPOINTED WITH THEIR BOOTY. Received 10.30. PEROGRAD, Dec 26. Despite re\ r erses, the Roumanian army and people are calm and stubborn. Rearguard action's resulted in fourteen thousand German prisoners. The extent of the ; booty captured disappointed the enemy. The biggest haul consisted of fifteen hundred waggons of grain at Craiova. The invaders showed no mercy to the villagers, seized their Avinter stores of wood and petrol, and sent the able-bodied to work in the trenches. Before the arrival of troops, aviators swooped down and machine-gunned the peasants at point blank range. GERMAN ARTILLERY SUPERIORITY. LONDON, Dec 25. Mr. Bourchier wires: At the highest estimates, the Avhole of the Ger- < man forces in Roumania cannot excer the Roumanians. Their successes are due to superior heavy artillery. NORTH OF MONASTIR. PARIS, Dec 26. A communique says: There is a violent artillery struggle north of Monastir. GERMANS REINFORCED. SALONIKA, Dec 26. The vveather prevents active operations on the Serbian front. The Germans have brought several regiments, also heavy guns and aeroplanes. The last named are showing greater daring than during the Allied advance. BEHIND THE TIMES. THE ROUMANIAN FAILURE EXPLAINED. LONDON, Dec. 26. The correspondent of the Times at Roumanian headquarters writes' that before the German avalanche the Roumanians were without heavy artillery, aeroplanes, telephones and even nippers to cut barbed wire. They disliked trench warfare, and preferred to use the strength of their arms and bayonettes, and old methods generally. RUSSIAN CAMPAIGN. BESSARABIA THREATENED. Received .10.30 PARIS, Dec. 26. Experts agree that while Bessarabia is somewhat seriously threatened and the position is uncertain, there is a disposition to believe that Mackensen will endeavour to defeat the army in front of him before venturing into such difficult operations as the invasion of Bessarabia THE ITALIAN CAMPAIGN. AN ITALIAN REPORT. Received 11.30. i LONDON, Dec 26. | i A wireless Italian official message 1 states that on the Carso front south- ! ward of Montfait, Ave strengthened ] our line, and in a surprise attack ad- i vanced to a depth of 300 metres. i <