PEACE OVERTURES.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 219, 29 December 1916, Page 5

PEACE OVERTURES.

GERMAN PRESS GIBE. PATRIOTISM DERIDED. AMSTERDAM, Dec. 27. The German Socialist newspaper Vorvvaorts, referring to the French Senate 's resolution declaring that France cannot consider peace while her territory is invaded, says: "This conception of honour amounts to fanaticism. If the French believe it possible to force the Germans from French soil, they may calculate upon the slaughter of their entire male population. France will never win a more favourable peace than now.'' PEACE DEMONSTRATIONS IN AUSTRIA. Received 9 a.m. GENEVA, Dec 23. On Christmas Day peace demonstrations were held throughout Austria, ! prominent Socialists addressing great gatherings at Vienna. The police did not interfere. i GERMANS GETTING READY THE HAGUE, Dec. 28. German agents are discreetly inquiring for hotel accommodation for peace delegates. WILSON OUTWITTED. NEW YORK, Dec 28. The "New York World" affirms unreservedly that Mr Lansing's first statement correctly represented the reasons for President Wilson's note. The "World" adds: At the beginning of December the Cabinet realised the danger of a break with Germany owing to submarining. President Wilson decided to send a note. Thereupon Count Bernstorli', seeing the acuteness of the situation, warned Berlin, and the German overtures were made earlier than arranged,, hoping thus to influence American opinion, and ward oil' a possible break. ■ WASHINGTON, Dec. 28. BernstorfT says the Note constitutes acceptance of everything suggested in President Wilson's note. THE CZAR'S PROCLAMATION. LONDON, Dec. 28. The Czar addressed the following order to the army and navy on Christmas Day: The concentrated efforts of the Government has gradually reduced the inequalities between the Russian and German technical resources. Even from autumn of 1915 the enemy was experiencing difficulty in retaining a single portion of Russian soil, and in the spring and summer of 1916 suffered a number of severe defeats, and assumed the defensive on the whole front. Their strength was apparently waning, but the strength of Russia and her gallant allies continues to grow. Germany is aware that the hour of her complete defeat and retribution is near, and offers to enter into peace negotiations, hoping to complete them before her military talent is exhausted, but the Allies,, including almighty England and noble Italy, are so strong that they are • able \o cheese their own time to make peace'. That time lias not yet arrived. Russia's task of regaining Constantinople and the Dardanelles and creating a free Poland is not yet completed. To conclude peace now would mean failure to utilise the fruits of Russia's untold trials. Who dares to think that the precipitator of the war should have it in his power to conclude the war when ever he chooses. lam convinced peace is only possible when the enemy is finally broken, give reliable proof of the < impossibility of a repetition of their treacherous attack and a firm assurance that they will keep their promises. He must be bound by the strength of guarantees to fulfil in peace time his obligations thus undertaken. Let us be firm in the certainty of victory, and All -Highest bless our standards and cover them afresh with glory and final peace worthy of your, heroism. A YEAR TOO SOON. NEW YORK Dec. 28. A New York paper quotes a recent article published in the "Berliner Lokal Anzeiger," as follows: We began the war a year too soon. When we have secured a German peace we must begin immediate reorganisation on a broader and firmer basis. AVe must carefully calculate in advance what the country lacks in raw material, and secure immense reserves, to remain unused until The Day. In future we must establish a definite commercial understanding with countries outside Europe, to prevent the supply of munitions. Finally, when the next w r ar comes,, we must not be a year too soon." CANDID CRITICISM. NEW YORK, Dec. 28. Newspaper criticism of the German reply is becoming more outspoken. The "New York Times" says the reply is everywhere considered unsatisfactory. It has the appearance of insincerity. Diplomatic evasions and subterfuges wil not avail. Germany's 5 unseemly reply will not incline Presi- ] dent 'Wilson towards further proposals. I