PEACE TALK.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 September 1917, Page 5

PEACE TALK.

GERMAN! PEACE TERMS. BELGIAN INDfepfINDENCE DEMANDED. £ , '• Some, Sept. 14, Vatican circles have learned that Ger.peace reply demands the independence of Belgium from any political or. economies alliances. ; CENTRAL POWERS' REPLY. THE USUAL VAGUENESS, Received Sept. 16, 5.5 p.m. Amsterdam, Sept. 15. The Tyd's Vienna correspondent says that the Central Powers' reply to the Pope accepts the Note as a basis for negotiations. They are willing to discuss the exchange of occupied territory, also arbitration and disarmament. The reply offers a conciliatory settlement as regards Belgium., Poland, and the Balkans. The conditions of the Entente are equally conciliatory. ALLEGED NEGOTIATIONS WITH GERMANY. ABSOLUTELY WITHOUT FOUNDATION.

Received Sept. 18, 5.5 p.m. London, Sept. 15. German newspaper statements that Britain lias made overtures o£ peace to Germany are officially declared absolutely unfounded. A CUNNING CAMPAIGN. GERMANY SPREADING RUMORS. TO SET'ALLIES AGAINST BRITAIN. Received Sept. 10, 5.5 p.m. London, Sept. 15. The Daily Express' tlaguij correspondent says the city is buzzing with sensational peace rumors of German origin, which are inspired -by the fear of another winter war, the shortage of meat and bread in Berlin, aud the ever-growing recognition of America's strength. The Hamburg Frcmdenblatt announces that England's peace terms include a new treaty regarding Belgian independence, France arid Germany to exchange territory, enabling* France to obtain a portion of Alsace-Lorraine, Germany to receive certain 'French territory. Britain will offer no objection to Germany seeking full compensation in the East. Britain to retain South-west Africa, but to allow Germany to compensate herself in 'Central Africa at Portugal's expense. Tli e Fremdenblatt comments how selfbh England is, as she willingly sacrifices Russia and the small Balkan nations.

FINANCIERS' PEACE MEETING. ATTITUDE OF BRITISH GOVERNMENT. A. and N.Z. Cable Assoc. and Reuter, Received Sept. 16, 11.30 p.m. London, Sept. 16, Official.—The Government knows nothing of the reported peace meeting of financiers in Switzerland, but if it transpires that British subjects have met enemy subjects the offenders will be punished.