MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 October 1917, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

PRONOUNCEMENT BY LLOYD GEORGE. NO AOOEPTABLE TERMS IN SIGHT. "ONCE AND FOR ALL."

CIVILISATION AT STAKE. Received Oct. 23, 5.5 p.m. London, Oct. 22. In ms s,peecn at the Albert Hall, the Premier, referring to terms of peace, said he had been scanning the horizon anxiously, but could not see any terms in sight which ■would lead to enduring peace. The only terms possible now were an armed truce, ending in a more frightful struggle. This war was terrible, but more, terrible still were the possibilities it revealed of new horrors at sea and in the air. After enlarging on the development and possibilities of these destructive powers, these terrible agents, during a period of twenty or thirty years, lie declared that we must settle this once and for all, otherwise there were men and women in the Hall who might live to see the death of civilisation.

BRUTE FORCE TO BE DETHRONED.

NAPOLEON'S LESSON. MUST BE BURST INTO PRUSSIANS. Received Oct. 23, 8.40 p.m. London, Oct. 22. Continuing, the Premier said they must all know it was essential for the future of the (jiuman race, that a decision must be reached now. and that brute force must be dethroned for ever, so that our children would not be condemned to the terrore which even the most vivid imagination dare not portray. Such a settlement was not within immediate reach. Germany would only make peace now on terms which would enable her to benefit by the present war, and that would only be an encouragement for any buccaneering empire in the future to repeat tha experiment. The failure of Na - poleon taught France an unforgettable lesson, and a similar lesson must be burnt into the hearts and memories of every Prussian -before this war ends. THE MAIN QUESTION. The main questions of the* war are not, said Mr. Lloyd George, territorial adjustments, or indemnities, but, preeminently, the question of the destruction of the false idea which has intimidated Europe, or would have done so if it had been triumphant. TIME ON OUR SIDE. '•Thin year," added the Premier, "1 had hoped we might have broken that terrible power. We had been looking forward to a great converging movement which would have accomplished that purpose. The temporary collapse of the Russian military power postponed oar hopes, tout timo is on our side. Two factors aontribute thereto—the advent of America and the inureasing failure of submarinism. FAILURE OF SU'BMARINISM.

"Our monthly shipping losses are now not much over one-third the{ losses recorded in April, while the losses of German submarines in 1917 are already more than thrice the losses of last year. Arrangements have been made whereby the British shipping that will -be turned out in 191S will be four times the total of 1910. America is doing the same.

GERMANY CAN BE STARVED INTO SUBMISSION.

"Germany's enemies have produced the world's food supplies and raw materials, and even if the Gorman military machine succeeded, which it will not, this federation of free peoples could, by withholding products, reduce Germany to impotence and desolation: they would do so, if necessary. However, the Allies must husband their resources until Russia recovers and America is ready with her armies, and we must 'have in the men waiting the means of winning. ■We must beware of people trying to sow dissension. GERMAN INTRIGUE.

"The enemy, on most of the battle fronts, has organised with deadly care and ingenuity an offensive 'behind the lines. I know what I am talking about. France discovered it in time to look out for Boloism. In all shapes and forms the enemy is attempting to divide the nations and pit one ally against another, ALLIES WORKING HARMONIOUSLY. "1 am glad to say the Allies are working with the greatest harmony. We are holding one of our most important military, political, and inter-allied conferences that has ever been 'held, whose decisions will affect the whole course of the war, and may determine the ultimate issue." , GIGANTIC COST OF WAR.

the debt in the family. Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assoc. and Router. Received Oct.' 23, o.'i p.m. London, Oct. 22. At the Albert Hall, the Premier dealt with the gigantic cost of the war, but said that Britain, after the war, would be a more valuable asset because of the efficiency of the people, while the security of her shores would be increased. Another solacing fact was that the gigantic debt would bo owed to ourselves. Although that had not always made a difference, it was better that the debt should be in the family. The more Britain Baved, the more she could lend to others, which was a most important factor in national wealth.

INQUIRY INTO LOSS OF CONVOY. London, Oct. 22. Li the House of (,'ominous Commander Bellairs 'demanded an independent inquiry into the loss of the neutral convoy, cabled on tho 20th. Ho declared that the escort was obviously inadequate. Mr. M'Namara replied that tho Government was not prepared to allow such an inquiry, but a naval inquiry would be arranged. NATIONAL ECONOMY CAMPAIGN. London, Oct. 2-2. Tile Premier and Mr. Bonar Law have launched a great autumn campaign for national economy. There was a representative gathering at the Albert Hall from all sections of the community, inchiding the High Commissioners, D.C.M. FOR NEW ZEALANDERS. London, Oct. 22. The Distinguished Conduct Medal has been awarded to nine New Zoalander.-.