GERMAN ACCEPTANCE

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 245, 14 October 1918, Page 5

GERMAN ACCEPTANCE

OF WILSON'S PRINCIPLES

A CONFERENCE SUGGESTED

BRITISH ENTER DOUAI

ENEMY RETREAT IN CHAMPAGNE

German anxiety for peace has manifested itself in a replyto President Wilson, in which Dr. Solf, the Foreign Minister, accepts the President's terms, stating that Germany and Austria are prepared to evacuate the occupied territory, and suggest that a mixed commission be set up to arrange details for the evacuation and for the settlement of all other questions between the belligerents. German messages claim complete acceptance of the American principles, but the High Commissioner cables that Germany declines "other phases" of the proposals.

The consensus of newspaper opinion in Britain is that President Wilson will not recommend the Allies to grant Germany an armistice, unless accompanied by solid guarantees over and above the evacuation of territory, such as the occupation of Metz and the bridgeheads of the Rhine.

The sinkinig of the Leinster, with the loss of 600 civilian lives, has greatly angered the Empire, and it is suggested that this in itself should be sufficient to prevent any negotiation with Germany. It is also demanded that Germany should immediately cease the submarine campaign and hand over the perpetrators of the latest outrages to the Allies for trial.

The British continue to smash a way into the German lines east of Cambrai, and in this area and round Douai they have captured nine villages, while they are also fighting in the streets of Douai.

French attacks in the Champagne have forced a retreat on a front of forty miles, the enemy having gone back six miles and given up a large number of villages and strong points. They have also retreated from the whole of the Chemin dcs Dames.