WILSON NOT LIKELY TO RECOMMEND ARMISTICE

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

WILSON NOT LIKELY TO RECOMMEND ARMISTICE

UNLESS SOLID GUARANTEES ACCOMPANY EVACUATION. (Received 11.45 a.m.) LONDON, October 13. When Germany's acceptance of President Wilson's terms was announced in the London theatres and music-halls on Saturday night the audiences rose and sang the National Anthem with the greatest enthusiasm. Sir John Simon, in a speech at Walthamstow, in the afternoon, said that he saw no change of heart of Germany, and added that if the controllers of her destinies were sincerely desirous of real peace let them forthwith abandon the submarine, warfare. The consensus of the earliest newspaper opinion 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 invaded territory, such guarantees to include, according to some writers, occupation by British and French or Americans of the fortress of iie„ and the bridgeheads of the Rhine. It is taken for granted that Marshal Foeh will lay this down as a military condition. Several newspapers insistently demand the surrender of German submarines before any suspension of hostilities. The "Observer" emphasises the danger of Germany attempting to use President Wilson for the purpose of baffling Foch. Any armistice must be accompanied by guarantees, making it impossible for the enemy to renew the struggle.

The "Sunday Times" says:—"No surrender could be more complete and sudden. Hence we must hold it in suspect. If the suggestion of a mixed commission is not a proposal for a peace conference and consequent bargaining, doubtless the Germans will fervently trust that it may develop into one. We must hope that President Wilson will make a clear understanding regarding any omissions in the fourteen points. The Allies' demanels must be rigorously enforced, including the punishment of the criminals inspiring and organising havoc and atrocities on land, and also naval and mercantile reparation for flagrant violation of the laws of marine warfare.—(A. and N.Z.)

The lnter-Allied Conference of .Scientific Academies announces that it will not renew personal relations with enemy scientists until tbey renounce the atrocious policy of murder and outrage with which they have stained their history.— (A. and N.Z. Cable.)

Sir Edward Carson, writing in the "Morning Post," says that the Government should, before further German Notes are accepted, insist on the perpetrators of the Leinster crime being delivered and brought to justice. This would be the best lest of Germany's bona fides in seeking an armistice. — (A. and N.Z.)