PEACE MOVEMENT.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 24 September 1917, Page 5

PEACE MOVEMENT.

NO FINAL ARRANGEMENTS. ROME, September 21. .It is understood here that Germany accepts the principle of the Papal Note peace proposals, but will not make formal engagements regarding territorial questions. GERMANY'S REPLY TO POPE'S NOTE. DID NOT START THE WAR. AGREES TO LIMITATION OF ARMAMENTS. Received 8.40. Sept 23. Fuller details of Germany's reply to the Pope's Note shows that the i ply claim s for 26 years the Kaise: proved his desire to preserve peace. Germany did not start the war, whi< throughout was a war of defend Germany and her allies first showed a disposition to terminate hostilities. The German nation stands firm behind the Emperor who is anxious to participate peacefully in the economic destiny of the nation. The Government had carefully examined the proposals, and discussed them with the people's representatives, who welcomed the condition that the moral force of justice should replace the might of arms. From this reform there should result a system of international arbitration and the gradual reduction of afHraments. Germany agrees entirely with the suggestion that stipulations and guarantees for the simultaneous limitation of armaments, with true liberty of all the nations and .free use of the seas. Received 9.10. The German reply to the. Pope's Note continues: —These ideals "-should form the basis of international relations. To the future then would be left the task of solving international disputes in accordance with the new spirit of the times. The German Government will therefore support every proposal compatible with the vital interests of the German Empire and people. Its geographical situation makes Germany dependent, on peaceful communication with its neighbours and countries overseas. No nation had more reason than Germany to desire the replacement of the present hatted by "a spirit of reconciliation. Then it will not be difficult to settle outstanding matters in dispute and she hopes her enemies will fine a suiable basis in the Papal propcf ;als for preparing peace on, condition they are in agreement with the spin of justice.

NO IMPORTANCE ATTACHED TO EEPLY. Received 8.45. LONDON, September 23. Little importance is attached in official circles to the Central Powers' reply to the Pope. Newspapers describe it as vague and hypocritical, leaving the situation unaltered. The most notable feature is the non-reference to the restoration and restitution of the invaded countrie's. THE POPE'S PEACE NOTE. CENTRAL POWERS' APPROVAL. LONDON, September 22 The Austrian and German Notes express the hope that the Pope's plea will lead to negotiations The Austrain Note says: The future of the world must be based on the elmination of armed force and the introduction of the rule of international justice and legality. Austria is prepared to submit international ' disputes to -compulsory arbitration. Armaments on land and seas and in the air should be reduced simultaneously, reciprocally and gradually. The high seas should be opened equaly for the use of all. We are prepared to enter into negotiations on this proposal. It should not then be difficult to settle other questions in a spirit of justice.

The German Note cherishes a lively desire that the Pope's appeal should be successful. A NEW PAPAL NOTE. BEING PREPARED Received 10.15. ROME. September 23. The Pope contemplates a new Note to the belligerents after the Allies' reply has been received, saying that the questions whereon all agree represent the foundation of a new order of worldly things and a new era of peace for humanity. The secondary problems can easily "Be adjusted through goodwill friendly discussion., Cardinal Gasparri favours the sup 1 presaion of conscription and a boycott against the. nation attempting to restate it. -:■':

AMERICAN PRESS OPINION. AMERICA'S EFFECTIVE REPLY PUBLICATION OF GERMANS PLOTS Received 9.35. NEW YORK, September 23 The New York Sun satirizes Germany's reply, reverting it "As Wilkelm would if, deprived of the ability of Lying." The New York World says the United States has already answered by, publishing the details of the German plots in America. „The replies do not change the situation. The Tribune says the- devil quotes Holy Writ when it suits his purpose. The Kaiser ethically misjudged the civilised world's capacity for ♦jrigk'teoug indignation. The Herald says replies are scraps of paper, valueless to anyone but the Junkermait. The unconditional surrender note must come. The Tribune's Washington correspondent says there must be no further discussion of peace unless forced by a fresh appeal from the Pope. Officials comment on the apparent sincerity of the Austrian reply.'. The New York World's Stockholm correspondent reports that Maximilian Harden, in a speech at Berliin, said he was convinced peace can be had this year if Germany declares she will not subjugate Belgium in any form. The New York Herald declares there Tb still a directing genius of German propaganda, with unlimited funds., SUBMARINE v. WARSHIPS. BRITISHER DRIVES OFF ENEMY. COPENHAGEN, September 22 Swedish papers report a naval fight eastward of Oland Island, between five German warships and one big submarine, supposed to. be British. The result is unknown.; The enemies fled CHINESE TROOPS FOR FRANCE. -* . PEEjfNG. September 22. The Chinese Government has agreed to send a trial division of 25,000 troops to Franc*, if equipment and ships are available. GENERAL CABLES ADMIRAL KEPPELL DEAD. deceived 8.45. • ' LONDON, Sept '23. Obituary: Admiral Leicester Keppell. A SUBMARINE DETECTOR. Received 8.45. "LONDON, Sept 23. Jl high naval authority states that ships are being fitted up with microphones so perfect that they can deect a submarine, its distance and the direction in which it is proceeding.