PEACE OVERTURES.

Taihape Daily Times, 11 October 1918, Page 5

PEACE OVERTURES.

KEPLY MEETS WITH MIXED RECEPTION. CONSIDERED ASTUTE DIPLOMACY TO COMPEL HUNS TO DISOLOSE ' INTENTIONS. DISAPPOINTMENT EXPRESSED BY SOME SENATORS . Received 9.55 a.m. NEW YORK, October 9. s President Wilson's Note has created widespread interest. All the evening newspapers emphasise the fact that Wilson will not talk of peace until the Germans withdraw from occupied territory, and also give prominence to the framing the reply as to compel Germany to disclose her real intentions. Opinion supports Wilson's action. If 1 it is generally conceded Wilson showed I remarkable cleverness by outmanoeuv- ( ring Maximilian, and forcing the Ger- [ man leaders to drop the mask. Many prominent men believe the Note is merely the forerunner of an unmistakeable definite reply, which will shatter Germany's last hopes of peace except on the basis of unconditional surrender. The Times' Washington correspondent says opinions of Congressmen on the President's Note vary, but Wilson is strongly supported. Some critics wanted a decisive negative reply, while others believe the Note will be justified by its forcing Germany to show her hand. The most outspoken critic was Senator Lodge, who said: I am keenly disappointed that the President should enter into discussion with German Government. Maximilian represents norid but oondtitutod German authorities. I feel painfully anxious regarding the effect of the Note on our Allies and our soldiers. Senator Gore said: I hope the result of the Notes will be that the thrones of the Hapsburg and Hohenzollerns will be vacant and their people entrusted with their own Government. The Washington correspondents of New York newspapers sum up the situation by stating it is* not believed that Maximilian will agree - to' the terms/' therefore' Washington*' feels there is no peace in sight. Newspapers throughout the country generally approve fully of Wil SOn ' s Note, but some admit disappointment that the door was left even slightly ajar to Germany. The majority trust Wilson's wisdom in dealing with the situation,, and feel the Note turns the table on the Central Powers' They point out Germany must follow the Bulgarians' way if they want j peace. . , j . "REALLY UNCONDITIONAL. SURRENDER. GERMANY'S OBVIOUS OBJECT. 'TO WEAKEN ALLIES' EFFORT, i Received 11.30 a.m. ; WASHINGTON, Oct 9- ■, Senator Chamberlain, chairman- or the Senate's military committee, considers Wilson's reply is calculated to place the. German Government in a difficult position. Germany will 'be unable to comply with the Presidential conditions except by surrendering forthwith and retiring from the invaded territories. Wilson's Note is really in the way of suggesting unconditional surrender.

Sir Eric Geddes, interviewed, said peace talk at this stage was merely calculated to impair the efforts of soldiers and munition workers. To get the world talking of peace was all Germany wanted. * AMERICAN SOLDIERS SATISFIED. Received 10.30 a.m. , ' NEW YORK, Oct 10. It is reported that the American troops in France are satisfied witn Wilson's declaration of no armistice until the invaded territory is evacuated. WILSON'S REPLY PUBLISHED IN BERLIN. Received 10.30 a.m. AMSTERDAM, Oct 10. President Wilsons' reply has bees published in Berlin. It is semi-offt-cially announced that the peace step will be continued. BRAZIL'S REPLY TO AUSTRIAN 1 PEACE NOTE. (LONDON, Oct 9. The Press Bureau reports that Brazil, replying to the Austro-German Peace Note, states: "We are persuaded that the war can only end with the capitulation of militarism which caused it, and which is ruining Europe."