PEACE MOVEMENT.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 18 May 1917, Page 5

PEACE MOVEMENT.

PHILIP SNOWDEN URGES PEACE.

A CHARACTERISTIC SPEECH

LONDON, May 18

In the House of Commons, during | the debate on the third reading of the Consolidation Fund Bill, Mr. Philip Snowden moved a motion welcoming the Russian Government’s repudiation of Imperialistic conquest, expansion, indemnity, or aggrandisement, and calling upon Britain to join the Allies in re-stating the terms of war settlement. Mr. Snowden declared that Britain must come into line with the new democratic policy of Russia, which was concentrating tCAvards peace, thus voicing the desire of all belligerent democracies and the Socialists of the various countries. The same attitude towards revolution would not be confined to Russia; it would come to every country and people. One of the Allied countries was on the verge of revolution. Allied diplomacy, following undemocratic methods, had welded the German classes together. The Government ought to regard the Socialist Conference at Stockholm us a Heaven-sent means of extricating Britain from her awful pcsi tion. Mr. Lees Smith, in seconding the motion, said it would do no harm to enter into negotiations. ALLIES ADHERE TO ORIGINAL CLAIMS. LONDON, May 16, Lord Cecil, in replying to Mr. Snowden, said the Allies would adhere to their original war aims. Peace must justify the sacrifices. The Allies did not desire political annexations, but annexations which would emancipate enthralled peoples. It was impossible for the Allies to negotiate with Germany at the present moment. What did the plea of “no annexaxticn” mean? Arabia had declared independence from Turkey. It was proposed to again place Arabia under Turkey. Then there had been terrible slaughter of Armenians and similar atrocities in Palestine and German colonies in Africa. Britain would not have

gone to war to rescue the natives from this misrule, but, having rescued them should we hand them back to Germany if the war was successful? Such action would be abhorrent. Within these limits, Britain did not oppose the policy suggested by the phrase “no annexation.” Every one agreed regarding the position of Poland, the Italian Irredenta, and Alsace-Lorraine As regards “no indemnities,” what about Belgium? Mr. Snowden-Interrupted by saying: We have repeatedly stated that it is •essential that any settlement must provide for the restoration of Belgium’s independence and the reparation of damage. Lord Cecil: “Does that cover SerWhat about reparation of peaceful merchant ships? Lord Cecil said

lie certainly was not prepared to rule out reparation. It would be ludicrous to enter into negotiations with Germany till the spirit characterising Count Hollweg’s speech was exercised. In order to ensure durable peace there must be annexations, the emancipation of enthralled peoples, and possibly the retention of strategic positions to safeguard the future. He did not believe there was any difference of opinion between England and the Russian democracy regarding war aims. If the Government could secure peace based on justice, chivalry, respect for obligations, and respect for the weak, it would gladly co-oper-ate with any members of the House in erecting barriers against the recurrence of devastating war.

LONDON, May 17. In the House of Commons, after further discussion, the closure was carried by 238 to 32. Mr. Snowden’s amendment was negatived without a division. GENERAL CABLES STRIKES IN BRITAIN. A FIRM STAND. LONDON, May 16. Official.—Dr. Addison (Minister of Munitions) declined to receive a deputation of district representatives of tae strikers unless they were accompanied by the trade union executives and at the latter’s request.

VENEREAL DISEASE. CASES IN BRITISH ARMY. LONDON, May 16 Sir William Osier, in the course of a lecture, said that, according to most recent figures, there had been 98,000 cases of venereal disease in the British Army. Public opinion was thoroughly aroused as to the serious nature of the ravages of the disease.

IRISH AFFAIRS.

HOME RULE. FINDING A WAY FOR A SETTLEMENT. TWO SCHEMES BY LLOYD GEORGE Received 9.5 a.m. LONDON, May 17.

Mr. Lloyd George has officially written to Mr. Redmond emphasising that any settlement they could propose in war time must be one substantially accepted by both sides. He was unable to negotiate with the Irish representatives owing to the decision of the Nationalists not to negotiate with the Government. The latter seek to concede the largest possible measure of Home Rule securablc by agreement at this moment. Parliament to effect the final settlement after the war of questions most in dispute. He was prepared to introduce a Bill of Home Rule for Ireland, excluding the six counties of Ul-

ster, such exclusion subject to reconsideration by Parliament at the end of five years, unless terminated in the meantime by the proposed Council of Ireland. The Bill proposes that the latter Council consist of all members returned to Westminster from the excluded area, and the delegation of equal numbers from the Irish Parliament. The Council to be empowered by the majority of the votes of each delegation to pass private Bills and legislation affecting any part of Ireland; to recommend the Crown to extend to the excluded area any Act of the Irish Parliament agreed to: the inclusion of the whole of Ireland under the Homo Rule Act to be subject to the assent of the majority of voters in the excluded area; to make recommendations upon Irish questions, including the amendment of the Hom e Rule Act; the president of the council to be elected by agreement' between the delegations, or in default of agreement by the Crown. The Government considers the financial proposals of the Home Rule Act unsatisfactory, and they ought to be reconsidered. A number of important objects, such as the development of .industries, housing in towns, and education cannot be adequately dealt with under the Act without unduly burdening the Irish taxpayer. A conference similar to the Speakers 7 on Electoral Reform would follow the second reading of the proposed Bill, which is as far as the Government can possibly go in the crisis of the great Avar. He prepared to introduce such a measure if assured that something lik e the second reading would be acceptable to both Irish parties. 'As an alternative, and in the last resort, he would propose a coiiA'cntion of Irishmen of all parties for the purpose of the production of a scheme of self-government on which the constitution of the Union of South Africa aauis ! framed. Despite the most' formidable difficulties and obstacles by a convention, representing all the interests of parties in the country, the Government believes a similar expedient in Ireland might possibly be effectual. He invites I vieAvs on this matter to enable the GoA'ornmcnt to consider the matter before Monday.