ALLIES AND THE PEACE CONFERENCE.

Colonist, Volume LX, Issue 14592, 21 December 1917, Page 5

ALLIES AND THE PEACE CONFERENCE.

("The Times.")

(Received Dec. ,20, 9.50 p.m.)

London, Dec. 19. Mr Bourchier reports that replying to Kuehlmann's telegram of December 18tb, Trotzky suggested a direct reinvitation' to the Allies.- If they are unable to attend the first meeting Russia, will request their presence at a later stage, with tho Central Powers' concurrence. The conference would receive tho Allies with open arms, but if they continue their sabotage Russia will conclude a separate peace. He points out warningly the definite results of tte armistice, and asks the. Allies to declare once and for all whether they desire or do not desire peace. He has instructed the delegates to bluntly as k the representatives of the Central Powers if they would accept no annexations and no indemnities and the self-disposal of nations.

The grotesque " phraseology of the statement • does apt excite surprise, as diplomatic euptemisms are now abolished. The doctrine of sabotage will doubtless please Germany, as if it were true it would justify the scrapping of all the treaties between Russia and the Allies.