MR. WILSON'S SPEECH.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 10, 11 January 1918, Page 5

MR. WILSON'S SPEECH.

BRITISH FKEM OPINIOH. A CORDIAL RECEPTION. LONDON, January 10. Mr. Wilson's speech reached kondon after midnight. When' its momentous nature became apparent, members of the political clubs watched the tape machines for two hours, discussing tiie successive points. The speech ie admitted to be frank and comprehensive, and of first importance at the present delicate moment. The newspapers arc withholding more than the briefest comment, pending the arrival of the full text. It has already been noted that Mr. Wilson, -unlike Mr. Lloyd George, expressed sympathy for Russia, demanding the evacuation of her occupied territory. Other points, notably the dom of the seas and the equality of trade after the war, are regarded as an explanation of the sudden slump on Wall Street.

The L&bour party has issued a manifesto supporting Mr. . Wilson's programme, which is essentially similar to the British Labour programme, believing that if it reaches the Central Powers the people will initiate a popular movement in support of peace.

The "Daily Telegraph" says:—Mr. Wilson's message will meet with most cordial agreement from the members of the European alliance. The foundations for unity have been well and truly laid on both sides of the Atlantic.

The "Daily Chronicle" says:—Mr. Wilson boldly turns hie back upon the international past, its secret diplomacy, and inevitable war*. It is difficult to conceive of a more moving and sympathetic appeal to the best instincts which are working among the Russians and the non-militant German elements. Regarding the freedom of the seas, it is difficult to see why, while war remains possible, naval action should specially be tabooed and not corresponding military action. In pursuit of the ideal of the total abolition of wars the British' Empire will go with Mr. Wilson the whole way unreservedly.

The "Daily News" says:—The common programme of Mr. Wilson and Mr. Lloyd George is consistent on every point. The Russian policy has received M. Clemenceau's welcome, and is uniformly endorsed by the Allied Press. The work of the long-delayed War .Aims Conference is already done. Mr. Wilson rightly gives prominence to the freedom of the seas under a league of nations. Blockade will still be a weapon, but it will be wielded by this league.

The "Daily Express" states: —Mr. Lloyd George and President Wilson accepted the challenge to state the Allied war aims, but they have gone further and sent a message to the world that wars must cease. Only when the German people assert themselves can negotiations replace guns. The British Empire was foremost in opening its markets to the world. Assure us of Free Trade throughout the world and Britain wi]l heartily support the proposal.

The "Morning Post" saya:—The Allies are one with America regarding the conditions to be demanded of Germany. The future to which Mr. Wilson looks forward is strictly conditional upon victory, but it has other conditions which Mr. Wilson regards as essential but which we are compelled to believe will require come modifications. Before we eubecriljo to the doctrine of the freedom of the seas, we must consider the matter more in detail and similarly the proposed league of nations. Meantime we may accept it as one. aim for the future with German reservations.

LABOUR AND WAR AIMS. The Parliamentary Committee of the Trade Union Congress and the Executive of the Labour party have decided to recommend the Labour and Socialist parties of all Allied countries, including America, to meet in London on February 20 to consider Allied war aims. (A. and N.Z. Cable.)