PEACE TALK.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 December 1916, Page 5

PEACE TALK.

BERLIN BEFLAGCED. ECSTATIC HOPE PREVAILS. London, December 13. Berlin was heflagged and 100,000 crowded round the Reichstag on Tuesday night, and the city was deeply excited. On Wednesday it was nervous, but ecstatic hope prevailed. " FRENCH CRITICISM. ENEMY'S .EXHAUSTION Paris, December 13. Newspapers do not regard the peace offer seriously, pointing out that it is made when England, Russia and France are concentrating for greater efforts, which indicate tlint German military and civilian exhaustion is approaching.

BRITISH PRESS COMMENTS. tfEAC-E ONLY ON ALLIES' TERMS. London, December 13. .Lufldon refuses to become over-ex-cited about tbo peace offer, though naturally it is greatly eager to hear what all the Reichstag mystery is about. The newspapers to-day take the matter calmly and mostly dismiss the matter by reiterating Mr Asquith's Guildhall declaration of the Entente's war aims. Tliej point out that it is impossible to discuss the idea in detail until a concrete offer is made. It is safe to predict that the supposed detailed offer emanating from the German Embassy in Washington, which leaked out at a late hour, will not hear discussion. London organs contrast the bombast of Herr von Bethmann-Hollweg with the simple declaration b> M. Briand and Mr. ILloyd George in their exchange of congratulations of tlieir resolve to fight till victory is attained. There is a fear in some quarters of a possible accession of strength to the Pacifists. The Daily News, while declaring "we must insist on the reasonable fulfilment of Mr. Asquith's declaration," says the Allies should formally state their peace terms, otherwise Germany may possibly win a diplomatic victory. The Daily Chronicle fiercely reflects press opinion and says that if Germany wants peace she can alwavt have it on our terms. She has only to enquire what thoy are. Britain seems less concerned about the prospects of peace than as to what is Germany's motive. Few believe that , Germany imagines she is able to bluff the Allies into a peace corresponding' in the least with Herr von liethmann-Jiolhveg's version of the military situation. It is conjectured that she is trying to play on the feelings of the pacifist minorities, also on the weaker members of the Entente, if such exist. The newspapers opportunely quote influential German organs to show that the food problem in Germany is much more serious than is supposed. Continental 'correspondents adduce fresh facts in the same sense. Tliey also assert that tiie German mass levy is it hist expiring effort, especially in view of the revelations of the enormous German losses at the Sonnno and Verdun. These organs conclude that Germany's offer is proof of her approaching exhaustion and that now is the time for the Allies to go in and win by means of supreme national efforts.

Nevertheless, it B universally supposed that Germany hopes to impress neutrals. The. latter may accept Herr von Bcthmann-lTollwcg's argument that Germain has successfully fought a defensive war and can oiler to negotiate without loss of prestige. They may also accept the view of /ieldMarshal von Ilindenburg that Germany has won if she has made the Allies' war aims impossible. In that ease neutrals whose hopes may have been- raised high by the astute Herman statecraft will he seriously disappointed and may blame the .Allies. | Germany will (also probably utilise the Entente's rejection of the terms as an excuse for aggravating her frightfulness towards neutrals' trade as well as against her enemies. Finally the peace kite was worth flying for domestic reasons. Possibly the distress is weakening German discipline and the rulers want to" stiffen the people. Nevertheless, Germany, as a whole, accepts Herr von BethmannHollweg's reading of the situation. If. the rulers require further sacrilices they will use the refusal of the <peaet offers for that purpose. The Rotterdam correspondent of the Daily Telegraph emphasises this view aiuL warns the Entente that German boastfulness lias lately revived, and if the rulers want Germany to make greater efforts this peace dodge will probably succeed. CANADIAN OPINION. Received Dec. 14, 11.10 p.m. Ottawa, Dec. 13. The Canadian papers unanimously express the opinion that the German peace proposals are premature, and will he refused. Mr. Borden, in a recruiting tour, referred to the determination of the people of Canada, and said: "There will be no truce, and there will he no peace, which does not mean peace for many years to come." HOW THE PROPOSALS ORIGINATED. Received Dec. 14, 8.55 p.m. Amsterdam, Dec. 13. Count Tisza's speech in the Hungarian Chamber reveals that Count von Burian initiated the peace proposals. He approached Austria's allies, who sympathetically received him. AUSTRALIA SCEPTICAL Received Dee. IU, fi,ls p.m. Sydney, Dee. 14. Both Press and public opinion is sceptical regarding the peace proposals. It is thought that Herr von BethmannHollweg is bluffing, with ulterior motives, and in order to cover the real position in Germany. Peace on German terms is unthinkable., Mr. Hughes declares that a peace which did not punish Germany for the Outrages against all laws, both human and Divine, and prevent a recurrence, would 'be a holW mockery.

REAL OBJECT OF PROPOSALS. J TCF INFLAME GERMANS. THREATS Of RUTHLESS WARFARE. Received Deo. 14, 0.30 p.i„. Amsterdam, Doc. 13. The tone of Gorman papers strengthen the impression that the pence proposals were merely intended to influence the German peopl? and neutral newspapers to stress the idea that the Allies reinsal, instead of discouraging' the people, fills them with flaming wrath and liery indignation. There will be then no more talk of giving in. It will be either bend or break, foi fighting will go on with all Germany's power, just or unjust. The Vorwaerts declares that the workers of England, France, Russia, and Italy now have a chance to combine with German workers to secure mutual peace. Times Service, London, Dec. IS. The inspired Gorman Press is preparing the public for the Allies' refusal. The Cologne Gazette says Germany's sense of humanity lias overcome her pride. The Rheinische Westphaelisohe threatens the, Allies with a ruthless and most bloody warfare if the oiler is rejected. Amsterdam, Dec. 13. The Handelsblad hopes the oiler "will not he rejected disdainfully. If the Entente's reply is: ''Tell us your proposals!" we shall get an announcement of each side's terms, and peace will be in ■sight. Received Dec. 14, 11.10 p.m. Amsterdam, Dec. 13. German agents are dominating rumors of frightfulness if the Entente rejects the peace offer, including the blockading of Britain by.400 submarines, who will scatter • germ-laden bombs.

THE FRENCH REPLY. "A CLUMSY ARTIFICE." TO BE REGARDED WITH SUSPICION. ALCOHOL TO BE SUPPRESSED. ■Received Dec. 14, 10 p.m. Paris, Dec. 13. M. Briand, the Prime Minister, in the Chamber_of Deputies, said that,the Allies were justified in feeling more confident to-day than in 11)13. Germany had found it necessary to issue peace proposals. He warned Franco to be-v.ire of such poisonous attempts at a time "hen Germany was . arming to the teeth. He added that the German proposals were njerely vague words, :!eM&ned to trouble the consciences of Frenchmen. ( M. Briand proceeded to say that the German proposals were but a clumsy artifice to dissociate (lie Allies. They were only to be regarded villi suspicion His impression was that Germany fears that she is unable to hold M'liat she has conquered. The changes in the Cabinet and Administration aimed at concentrating authority for a more vigorous conduct of the war. The \A'ar Committee would sit permanently, find deal with all matters pertaining to the war. The Germans, despite their victories, were unable to achieve a decision anywhere. Commenting on the German mass levy, M. Briand said the Government refused tf> inllict such unnecessary inconvenience upon France, but the country would demand all needful sacrifices. Thunders of applause greeted the announcement that tho Government would demand the suppression of alcohol in I'rance, and must make the effect corresponding to that of the Germans.

CRIES OF DISTRESS AND MISERY. IN AUSTRIA-HUNGARY, London, Dec-. 13. The Times Lausanne correspondent states that Austria-Hungary's economical situation is critical. Cries of distress and misery are heard in the Czech lands, whilst the newspapers are full of letters from the wounded, 'begging for even a few potatoes. There are lamentations in Bohemia, where there are three meatless days weekly The price of meals in some of the restaurants rave been quintupled, and the sale of tobacco is prohibited in restaurants and cafes. HOLLOWNESS OF PROPOSALS. DUTCH OPINION. Received Dec. 14, 11.10 p.uj. Amsterdam, Dec. 13. Dutch, opinion states that the language of the Note and its presentation, when the Allies had appointed strong Cabinets, shows the hol-lowness of the German proposals. The Kaiser, recognising the Germans' unpopularity throughout the world, is merelv making a Micawberian attempt to injure the Entente in neutral eyes. I STATEMENT BY DUTCH PRESS. SURRENDEfi OF OCCUPIED TERRITORY. Received Dec. 15, 1.45 a.m. London, Dec. 14. The Morning Post learns authoritatively from Washington that the American Government will only act as agents in any peace proposals, and nothing beyond. Tile Dutch IPress learns from German sources that peace terms mean the surrender of most of the occupied territory, and insisting on the independence of Poland, but Austria may riake ,Russia concessions regarding Lithuania. ■

AMERICAN OPINION. EMBASSY'S DECLARATION" New \ork, December 13. American opinion, as represented in editorials and interviews, believes that the Allies will not consent to peace until German militarism has been overthrown. The fact that press opinion is practically unanimous that the Embassy's te-ms are unacceptable is considered responsible for Count Berustorff's modification. ■ The German Embassy retracts its yesterday's peace terms, declaring that they must be interpreted us what Germany would 'like to get, not- as what she expects to get. Any terms now suggested are talking terms, and less important than the necessity of starting u peacti conference. ° The Embassy adds that the Central Powers are counting on neutrals taking an._ important part in influencing the Allies towards peace. Much hope is placed in the coining conference at Copenhagen between 'Scandinavia and Switzerland with Spain and Holland possibly represented. The Embassy's declaration is regarded as most significant proof that Germany is far harder pressed for peace than Herr von Bethmann-Hollweg'a statements would imply. It is believed in diplomatic circles thejt the peace move is due largely to Austrian pressure, It is said 'that Count Birehtold resents 'German domination and that the Austrian people are opposed to the continuance of the conllict. GERMANY WANTS A CONFERENCE. Received Dee. 1.5, 1.30 a.m. New York, Dec. 14. The New Yoric Times states that Germany knows she cannot win, and that her food scarcity reaches the verge of starvation, but her overtures cannot be dismissed as a clever manoeuvre, for such a view would put the Allies deplorably in the wrong. The Allies, in a joint statement, should proclaim definitely the purpose lor whicli they are lighting, and they would thus retain the god will of neutrals. The New York Times' Berlin correspondent states the German attitude is that the Central Powers have agreed on specific terms of peace, but the Allies Cffti only learn these by agreeing to participate in a conference. THE FINANCIAL ASPECT. A PERTINENT QUERY. ij Received Dei*. 15, 1.30 a.m. London, Dec. 14. Router's New York correspondent asks: Is Germany partly financing the war through plaguing Wall Street with questions,' and bothering the financial houses, beeiuse immediately prior to mention of peace or submarine developments German hankers freely sell stocks*