PEACE TALK.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 December 1917, Page 5

PEACE TALK.

TROTSKY'S PEACE RAVINGS. THREAT OF SEPARATE PEACE. BLUKT QUESTIONS TO CENTRAL TOWERS. Times Service. Received Dec. 20, 9.30 p.m. London, Dec. 19. Mr. Rourehier reports that, replying to Dr. Kuehlmann's telegram of December 13, Trotsky suggested a direct reinvitation to tlie Allies, and if they are unable to attend the first meeting, Russia will request their presence at a later stage, -with- the Central Powers' concurrence, the conference to receive the Allies with open arms; tout, if they continue their sabotage, Russia will conclude a separate pe#.ee. He points out, warningly, the definite results of tlie armistice, and asks the Allies to declare at once and for all whether they desire or do not desire peace. He lias instructed the delegates to bluntly ask the Central Powers if they accept the "no annexations ho indemnities" policy and the self-disposal of the nations. The grotesque phraseology does not «xcite surprise, as diplomatic euphemisms have now been abolished. The doctrine of sabotage, will doubtless please fiermany, and, if true, it would justify the scrapping of all treaties between Russia and the Allies.

THE PAPAL VIEW. SKVap.'.tr peace would prolong ' T -T5 WAT'. Rome, Dec. 19. It is officially denied that the Pope intends to issue a Christmas pence megsage. "Te opposes a separate peace, 'believing such a step would prolong instead of shortening the war. AUSTRIAN SOCIALISTS. DEMAND A GENERAL PEACE. Now York, Dec. 19. A United Press dispatch from Stockholm details an interview with Weltner, leader of the Hungarian Socialists, who state* that more than 100,000 people demonstrated in Budapest on August 25 and demanded a general peace. They ■■ejected a separate peace proposal as likely* to jeopardise d^nocracy.