THE POPE'S NOTE.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 February 1918, Page 5

THE POPE'S NOTE.

A PROTEST AND EXPLANATION. ITALY'S POSITION DEFINED. Received Feb. ]fl, fi.s p.m. London, Feb. 15. In the House of Commons a motion was moved regretting that no reasoned reply had been sent to the Pope's peace note, also at the secret treaty with Italy excluding the Holy See from peace negotiations. This was demoralising to Roman Catholic soldiers and sailors. Lord Robert Cecil denied that the Government was committed to an antiPapal policy. The King had now replied to the Papal note expressing appreciation of its lofty intentions and promising the closest attention. President Wilson had also replied. Lord Cecil added, regarding the treaty with Italy, that the Government merely agreed that if Italy objected to Papal representation We should support the objection. Only the belligerents would be entitled to attend the peace conference. The amendment was negatived without a division. ROBERTSON OFFERED NEW POSITION. London, Feb, 15. The Daily Telegraph says that Mr. Lloyd George has offered General Sir William Robertson the position of British representative at the Versailles Council with the powers of Generalissimo. Sir W- Robertson thus far has not accepted the offer. If lie does so, Sir Kenry Wilson will come to Whitehall a s Chief of the General Staff. THE LATE SIR CECIL SPRING-RICE. Ottawa. Feb. IS. Sir Cecil Spring-Rice will be interred at Ottawa. It is recalled that in his last public •speech in Ottawa he remarked that he deeply regretted Ms retirement from Washington, but everyone, in this war had his part to play aiuTit was very hard to cease playing it, but "My time has come." LEADING STATESMEN CONFER. London, Feb. 16. The Daily Express says that Mr. Asquith and Lord Lansdowne have been in consultation few dajri.