PEACE MATTERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 October 1918, Page 6

PEACE MATTERS.

THE ALLIES' TlißMa. HAMSTRINGING THE ENEMY; Washington, Oct. J4. Mr. James Tuohy, tlie Loudon correspondent of the New York World, states that, although the German appeal tor an armistice has not officially been communicated to the Allies, it is learned that the whole subject was exhaustively discussed last week at the Versailles Conference. The Premiers of Britain, France, and Italy, and the military representatives of all the Allies were present.

Marshal Foch presented a list of the guarantees he considered necessary before granting an armistice, namely, the Allied occupation of Metz, StrasSburg, and Coblenz. The conference endorsed Marshal Foeh's list.

Marshal Foch also presented for consideration by the conference a scheme for making Germany impotent as a military factor. The scheme included the surrender of the German fleet and its distribution among the Allies according to their naval losses, and the destruction of the Krupp and Skoda armament works.

This was also considered, but it was believed that the better plan would be tjhat these works, as well as other great German and Austrian industrial plants, should be utilised to compensate for the machinery and material losses in France and Belgium.—Aua. NX Cable Assoc.

GUIDED BY SOLDIERS. FIRM BRITISH OPEsIOX Received Oct. 15, 2.15 p.m. London, Oct. 14. The Times, in a leader, says: "We may rest assured that the .American Government is fully conscious that Germany in her present humiliation must abide by the arbitration of force, to which she appealed in her presumptious pride four years ago."

The general tone of the press comment is scepticism regarding Germany's sincerity, and insistence upon the strongest guarantees or a complete surrender. The promptness of the German reply is taken to indicate the fear of Austria-Hungary being likely to follow Bulgaria's example, and Germany desires to secure a basis for decision permitting her to retain a hold on the dual empre. French comment shows tihat suspicion is intensifying. The German attitude is now generally regarded a3 a plea for mediation and not mercv.

Dutch messages state that there was much excitement in Germany, particularly in the large towns. Tlie streets were crowded witfh people, waiting hours for the Government's reply. When it was issued men jjjid women wept hysterically.—Aus. NI2. Cable Assoc. and Reuter. London, Oct. 14. It is understood, regarding an armistice, that the Allied Governments will be guided entirely by the commanders in the field.

Newspapers and public men of all sorts demand that no armistice shall b; granted until the enemy has acknowledged his defeat in the field. The Lord Mayor of London says: The German reply is utterly inadequate. Sir A. Conan Doyle says: A military entry into Berlin is absolutely necessary or there will be no permanent proof that German militarism is defeated and punished. Mr. Will Crooks stated: It looks as if Kaiserism is dead, but we must go warily.

The Daily Telegraph says: The German army leadership has not merely assented to, but pressed for the acceptance of President Wilson's conditions. Ludendorff, at the end of July, said: "All we can now do is to carry on the defensive, and we cannot carry on that for ever." Since (men Ludendorff has continually impressed the Government with the necessity of a speedy peace.—A as. N.Z. Cable Assoc.

ROOSEVELT'S OPINION. FIGHT TO A FINISH. New York, Oct, in. Colonel Roosevelt, commenting on the German note, says that Germany ought to be made to realise that the United States is in the war to a finish, and will accept nothing except the peace of an overwhelming victory. Let us beat our foe to his knees, and then dictate terms.

Washington correspondents states that after a canvass of official circles, it can be asserted the reply is not regarded as a frank, straightforward note, but is considered cleverly worded in order to indicate an apparent agreement with President Wilson's general principles, but the note leaves the details open in a manner which might render futile American and Allied aims. The official text has not yet been received, but the text was picked up by wireless. Some Washington authorities consider that exception will be taken to the proposal for a mixed commission. Tbev ako considnr the statement thac the Chancellor was speaking for the. German people is lacking in defhritenesa and sincereity.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. New York, Oct 14.

Mr. Roosevelt, who is at Oyster Bay, has issued a statement: "I regret that President Wilson has entered into negotiations. We have announced that we will submit to a, negotiated. peace. I earnestly hope President Wilson willsend back word to Germany tfaat we-de-mand unconditional surrender." Mr. Roosevelt added: "In any fnture negotiations by President Wilson I trust that he will remember that good faith demands that we act in concert with our allies, and that the war should lie finished by tlie fighting men. Good faith also demands that there Should be no confusion of the issues by even a partial return to the bad old days when conversations and note writing were considered adequate action after the sinking of the Lnsitania and kindred atrocities.

"I earnestly hope the Senate will emphatically repudiate the so-called fourteen points and similar utterances *jtf the President." The New York Times, commenting on the note, says: "No armistice can be granted to Germany on tfoe terms she proposes , which would permit her to withdraw in safety her armies and war material to shorter lines of defence Incalculable military advantage would accrue to Germany from a cessation of arms at this • time. Surrender, not an fcjmigtice, must be precedent to tain MMfc Z&. gouan-

tees that by her withdrawal irom the occupied territory she means disarmament and a confession of defeat. Let her *jivc up Metz. (itrassburg, her navy and submarines into the keeping oi t it; United State* and the Allies. No peu-.-.e cm be made with the Hohenzolleriis ami no armistice without X.Z. Gable Assoc. j

■AMERICAN VIEW'S, . WHAT VOICE SPEAKS? HOHENZOLLERN DYNASTY SHOULD END. New York, Oct. 13. Newspapers, commenting on tiermany's answer, point out that it is difficult "to determine whether the note B emanates from the people or the criminal Government. One newspaper ask.s what arc the credentials of the voice speaking, and adds that a satisfactory credential would be the announcement of the abdication of the Kaiser and the renunciation of succession by his discredited dynasty. At present one can see a peace of justice and victory nearer than human prescience could have foreseen & few weeKs

The New York Tribune, commenting, says: "The Imperial German Government has returned the dreaded answer, pretending to accept wholly the President's conditions. Germany doesn't offer to surrender. Why should she? We havn't demanded it." —Aus.-N.Z, Cable Assn.

The text of Germany's reply has been perused by Mr MeAdoo. He said that what the American Government demands was based on President Wilson's messages and speeches, and thai is unconditional surrender. If tihe text of •the reply is authentic, it means just that.

Officials comment on tllie significant fact that Germany's reply associates Austro-Hungary, but omits Turkey. The implication is that unless the message was written in unusual haste, Turkey is no longer Germany's ally.—Reuter. President Wilson received the first intimation of the German note while sitting in a box at the Metropolitan Ojiera House, whereupon he engaged in a quiet conversation with Colonel House.

Wi'oen the President arrived he received a tremendous ovation. It was expected that President Wilson would briefly address the audience, but he did not speak.

The newspapers issued special early editions.

Washington correspondents emphasise that America will insist on the withdrawal of German forces from Allied territory before opening any negotiations whatever.

Washington, Oct. 1". Senator Hitchcock, chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, interviewed, said the German reply was encouraging. "I believe t'tiis is a step towards peace, but the offer cannot be accepted without important modifications. "We must have military guarantees before agreeing to an armistice, and the Kaiser must place full permanent power for making peace or war in the hands of the people. The power of the Reichstag must also be unfettered."

Senator Thomas said: "I believe the note is sufficiently definite to require tlie President to consult the Allies regarding the next step. Germany must pay indemnities for all the damage done on land, and the murderous U-boat warfare."

Sir Eric Geddes nterviewed, said: "I lay great stress on Germany's impending renewed U-boat effort. lam of opinion we should not be deluded by the hopes of an early peace, but prepare for two more years of war."

Washington, Oct. !4. The Swiss Minister has delivered tin official text of the German answer to Mr. Lansing. Malurer consid era tier, has not influenced officials favorably towards the note. It is pointed out that the President is not obliged to accept the proposal, as lie had not replied to the previous note, but merely asked questions in order to get a clearer understanding of the German attitude. President Wilson spent the day in company with Colonel House at New York, and returned to Washington in the afternoon. He maintained silence regardng the note.

Newspapers throughout the oountrj comment variously on the note, showing a tendency to regard it with suspicion. The New York Evening News says: Tihe confidence man of Europe offers us a gold brick, but we are not going to invest.

The consensus of opinion in high quarters is that the German reply is not acceptable, and is likely to be answered in such terms as to expose German duplicity and the worthlossness of her promises. It is opined that the most stringent terms must be imposed oil Germany before listening to a proposal for an armistice.

Some Congressmen suggest that, as a guarantee of good faith, Germany gives the Allies as hostages Metz, Essen, and Heligoland, and also recall tlie submarines and place them under an Allied guard. They urge that, if the Reichstag is representative of the people, it should arrest the Kaiser, Crown Prince, von Hindenburg, and von Ludendorff, try them for their crimes, and hand them over to the Allies.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Association. In the Senate debato oil the German offer, Senator New said it was impossible to think of accepting anyt'.'rng short of unconditional surrender.

President Wilson is conferring with Colonel House. Counsellor Polk, of the State Department, is consulting the British Chaige d'Affaires, Sir George Barclay.

The press paints out that Italy is objecting to any armistice short of'a complete guarantee. After an interview with the-President, Senator As&urst gawe out that Mr. Wilson did not desire in the slightest to weaken the Allied will to victory.

Senator Ashurst pointed out that"Mr. Llovd George and M. ClemeDcean had already been consulted. Later, in the Senate, Senator Ashurst said that Mr. Wilson refused to consider any armistice of his own making. The cessation of hostilities could only come through tihe generais in the field. Mr. Baker says that the War Department is going right ahead.—Aus, N7,. Cable Assoc.

When the German reply was received. President Wilson immediately caßecfc Messrs Lansing and Baker to the White House for a oenference. The text of the note is identical ■with that received bv wireless. It. is understood the British Government opposes an armistice unless complete' guarantees',, military and naval, are given. Mr. Taft, interviewed concettring'Ger-v pany's answer, said: "Should our confreres at the peace council not agree* the practical interpretation of the Brcaident's 14 principles, Germany and Austria would withdraw with their lines of

dition to continue hostilities. It is asked ■ls Germany sincereV" Assuredly she lifts nothing ,to lose and all to gain by the acceptance of her proposition, otherwise she faces unconditional surrender, wiliicli our people and the people of the Allied countries demand."

Senator has introduced a resolution in tlie Senate with the object of breaking off further communications with Germany immediately.— Aus. X.Z. Cable Assoc.

President Wilson received the first intimation of tlie German Note while sitting in a box at the Metropolitan Opera House, whereupon he engaged in a quiet conversation with Colonel House. V\ hen the. President arrived he received a tremendous ovation. It was expected that President Wilson would briefly address the audience, but lie did not speak. The newspapers issued special early editions.

Washington correspondents emphasise that America will insist on the withdrawal of German forces from Allied territory before opening any negotiations whatever. °

Senator Hitchcock, chairman of fhe Foreign Relations Committee, interviewed, said that the German reply was encouraging. "I believe" this is a step towards peace, but the offer cannot be accepted without important modifications. We must have military guarantees before agreeing to an armistice, andthe Kaiser must place full permanent power for making peace or war in the hands of the people. The power of the Reichstag must also be unfettered." Senator Thomas said: "I believe the note is sufficiently definite to require the President to consult our allies regarding the next step. Germany must pay indemnities for all the damage done or land, and the murderous U-boat warfare."

FRENCH OPINION. Paris, Oct. 14. The general feeling is that the German reply is the first real step towards capitulation, but Germany still hopes to entangle President \\ ilson in negotiations. All organs of public opinion insist that the last word regarding an armistice must be with General Foch.

Some papers suggest that the Allies slliould control the Essen works for a period.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc.