President Wilson’s Speech.

Taihape Daily Times, 11 January 1918, Page 5

President Wilson’s Speech.

RECEPTION IN LONDON,

LONDON, Jan 9.

President Wilson’s speech reached London atfer midnight. When its momentous nature became apparent, members of political clubs watched the tape machines for two hours discussing the successive points. Admittedly, the speech is H regarded as frank, comprehensive, and of the first importance at the present delicate moment. The newspapers are Avithholding more than the briefest comments pending the full text. It is already noted that President V ilson, unlike Mr Lloyd George, expressed sympathy with Russia, demanding the evacuation of her occupied territory. Other points, notably the freedom of the seas, and equality of trade after the war, are regarded as an explanation of the sudden slump in Wall Street.

BRITISH PRESS VIEWS. LONDON, Jan 10. The “Daily Telegraph” says President Wilson’s message will meet with a most cordial agreement from members of the European Alliance. The foundations of unity are well and truly laid on both sides of the Atlantic. The “Daily Chronicle” says President Wilson boldly turns his back upon the international past, its secret diplomacy and inevitable wars. It is difficult to conceive a more moving, sympathetic appeal to the best instincts working among the Russians, and the non-militant German elements. Regarding freedom of the seas, it is difficult to see why, while war remains possible, naval action should be specially tabooed and not corresponding military action. In pursuit of the ideal for the total abolition of Avars, the British Empire will go Avith President Wilson the Avholo way unreservedly. The “Daily News” says: The common programme of President Wilson and Mr Lloyd George is consistent with every point of Russian policy. It has receiA*ed Clemenceau’s Avelcome, and has been uniformly endorsed by the Allied Press. The Avork of the long delayed War Aims Conference has been already done. President Wilson rightly gives prominence to freedom of the seas under a League of Nations. The blockade Avould still be a weapon, but it Avould be Avielded by the League. The “Daily Express” says: Mr Lloyd George and President Wilson have accepted the challenge to state their aims' but have gone further, and sent a message to the world that Avars must cease. Only when the German people assert themselves can negotiations replace guns The British Empire Avas foremost in opening markets to the Avorld and assuring us of free trade Avith the Avorld, and Britain will heartily support. The “Morning Post” says; The Allies are one Avith America regarding the conditions demanded of Germany. The future to Avhich President Wilson looks fonvard is strictly conditional f upon victory, but it has other conditions Avhich President WilsoiWregaras as essential, but which Ave are compelled to believe require some modification. Before Ave subscribe to the doctrine of freedom of the seas, we must consider the matter more in detail, as Ave must do Avith the proposed League of Nations. Meantime we may it as an aim for the future with certain reservations.

The Labour Party has issued a manifesto supporting President Wilson’s programme, which is essentially similar to the British Labour programme, believing that if It reaches the Central Empires the people will invigorate the popular movement for peace.

The “Daily Chronicle” says;—President Wilson has once more exercised his unique authority, both moral and political, as spokesman for the democratic future.