LORD LANSDOWNE'S LETTER CRITICISED.

Taihape Daily Times, 1 December 1917, Page 5

LORD LANSDOWNE'S LETTER CRITICISED.

LONDON, Nov 29.

Importance is attached to Lord Lansdowne's letter, in view of the opening of the War Conference at Paris, and the question already addressed to the Government. It is expected that Mr Bonar Law will speedily define the Government's attitude.

The evening papers gr/e prominence to Lord Lansdowne's letter. Criticisms on one band describe it as a sober courageous declaration, and on the other as a formidable attack on Mr Lloyd George's policy, and illtimed in view of the recent German success in Italy, and the Russian armistice.

The Pall Mall Gazette says public opinion will differ from Lord Lansdowne's assumption that Germany is disposed to any kind of peace which would be tolerable to free and civilised peoples.

Lord Lansdowne's letter is the political sensation.of the hour. There is uneasiness in the Lobbies concerning possible influential backing, but there is an overwhelming concensus of opinion against Lord Lansdowne.

Liberal papers approve the opinions about future guarantees, but are non-committal concerning Lord Lansdowne's tendency to whittle down the Allies' officially declared minimum terms.

The Evening News says Lord Lansdowne's belief in Germany's signature is pathetic. Talking to a tiger is sheer waste of time.