PEACE OVERTURES.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 219, 3 January 1917, Page 5

PEACE OVERTURES.

WHAT GERMANY THINKS. LONDON, Jan. 1. A wireless addressed to the German Embasy at Washington says the general impression in Germany is that the Entente's answer is a verbose flat refusal to end the war. This is especially regretted for the sake of neutrals, who are suffering from the war's consequences. Th e wireless points out that it is remarkable that the answer mentions the rights of nationalities, despite the conquest of Constantinople and the Dardanelles being one of the Entente 's avowed objects. GERMAN OPINION. STILL A POSSIBILITY OP PEACE. AMSTERDAM, Jan. 2. Owing to the New Year holidays the newspapers deferred their comments on the Allies' reply. Diplomatic circles are surprised at the Entente's firm attitude regarding Belgium. Hitherto it was believed that the Entente would be willing to leave Belgium to the Kaiser's fender mercies, once their own existence was at stake. The Moderates headed by von Hollweg, still believe that while the Entente does not bang the door there is a possibility of peace. Pan-Germans demand that Admiral Tirpitz and General Falkenhayn be recalled and ruthless warfare commenced. Maximilian Harden states that an understanding between the peoples of Europe is possible. He deprecates Germany annexing Belgium, or any other annexations. Future peace should be guaranteed by the creation of a European militia. TO IMPROVE ANGLO-AMERICAN RELATIONS. SPECIAL MISSION MAY BE SENT. Received 8.45. NEW YORK, Jan 2. American newspapers comment on the London report that the Hon. A. J. B'alfour, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, may be sent by the British Government on a special mission to Washington. The press refers to the surprising influence Bernstorl'f has had, and declares Mr. Balfour could do much to affect this influence, and improve Anglo-American relations. From newspaper statements, not even Bernstorff expected a favourable reply to President Wilson's Note, nor will either branch of Congress endorse the President's policy. GERMAN PRESS FORECASTS. HINDENBURG MAY SUCCEED WHERE NAPOLEON FAILED. Received 11.20. LONDON, Jan 2. The Cologne Gazette says the Allies have rejected the peace proposals because they hope to swamp Germany with innnumerable shells in the spring. It further states: "Our situation grows harder every hour, but the Entente's dangers increase also; where Napoleon failed, Hindenburg may succeed." The Volk Zeitung forecasts a -huge Allied offensive in the spring, after which the Allies will be forced to negotiate. KEEN DISAPPOINTMENT IN GERMANY. Received 11.20. LONDON, Jan 2. Messages from B'erlin state there is keen disappointment at the Allies' reply, and German hopes are declining. THE REPLY TO PRESIDENT WILSON. Received 11.20. LONDON, Jan 2. The Entente Governments are examining the draft of the reply to President Wilson. THOUSANDS OF GUNS WEEKLY. BY GERMAN LABOUR. Received 11.20. LONDON, Jan 2. Berlin despatches show Germans'under her universal labour service, is turning out thousands of guns weekly. Skilled workmen have been withdrawn from the front, and are working at Krupp's and elsewhere. Germans estimate it will be four months before a renewal of the full offensive on all fronts, and expect the first attack will be at Verdun. GERMAN FOOD PROBLEM;. Received 11.20. BERLIN, Jan 2. The potato crop is disappointing, and there will be privations despite supplies from Roumania, and food rations are strictly limited.