THE PEACE BAIT.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15774, 15 December 1916, Page 7

THE PEACE BAIT.

OFFER FORCED ON BY AUSTRIA. ENTENTE PUBLIC OPINION PROVES UNRESPONSIVE. THE ENEMY'S FOOD SHORTAGE. THREATS OF GREATER RUTHLESSNESS. WAS CABINET IN FRANCE. (3rd YEAR—l37th DAY.)

THE PEACE PROPOSAL.

FOR HOME

CONSUMPTION

A. MOVE TO STEEL

GERMANY'S HEART,

THREATS FOR THE ALLIES,

(By Cable.—Press Association.-—Copyright,) (Australian and N.Z. Oable Association.). (Received December 14th, 6.25 p.m.) AMSTERDAM, December 13. The tone of the German papers strengthens the impression that the peace .proposals are merely intended to influence the German people and neutral nations. The newspapers stress the idea that a refusal on the part of the Allies to negotiate, instead of disconraging the people, •will fill them with flaming wrath and fiery indignation. There will then be no more talk of giving in. It will bo either "bend or break," and fighting will go on with all Germany's power, be the cause just or unjust. The ' r Vorwaerfcs'' declares that the workers of England, Franco, Russia and Italy have now a chance to combine with the German workers and secure a mutual peace. READY FOR A REBUFF. PRESS PREPARES THE PUBLIC. CTbe Times.") (Received December 14th, 6.25 p.m.) LONDON. December 13. The inspired German Press i 8 preparing tho public for a refusal on the part of the Allies. The "Cologne Gazette" says:—"Germany's sense of humanity has overcome her pride." Tho 'TRheinscho Westfaliseho Zeitung" threatens tho Allies with ruthless and most bloody warfare if the offer is rejected. An Amsterdam message says that the "Handelsblad" hopes that the offer will not bo rejected disdainfully. It says;—'lf the Entente replies, Tell us your proposals,' wo shall get an announcement of each side's terms, and peace will bo in sight." THE NEW MACHIAVELLI. KAISER'S VAIN" HOPE. ("Th© Times.") (Received December 14th, 11.10 p.m.) AMSTERDAM. December 13. Dutch opinion is that tho language of the Note and its presentation just when the Allies have appointed strong Cabinets shows the hollowncss of tho German proposals. The Kaiser, recognising Germany's unpopularity throughout tho world, is merely .making a Machiavellian attempt to injure the Entente in neutral oyes. ALLIES MUST REPLY. AN AMERICAN VIEW. (Anstralian and N.Z. Cab Association.) (Received December loth. 1.5 a.m.) NEW YORK, December 14. Tlie "New York Times" says: —"Germany knows -that- she cannot win. Her food scarcity roaches the verge of starvation. but her overtures cannot be dismissed as a clover manoeuvre. Suck a view would put the Allies in a deploratffy wrong position. A joint statement by the Allies should proclaim definitely the purpose ior which they are fighting. They would thus retain the goodwill of neutrals.'' The Berlin correspondent of the "New York Times" says: —"The German attitude is that tho Centrantiwers have agreed upon .-peeinc terms of peace, but the Allies wijl only learn of these bv agreeing to participate in a confercnce AN AGENT ONLY. •United a«rvic«.j (tleceived December l-~>ii. 1.5 a.m.) LONDON. December 11. The "Morning Post" learns authoritatively from Washington that the American Government will only act as agents for the peace proposals and nothing beyond.

TEUTON FINANCE. <fleutor's Tel«grwn»J (Received December 15 th, 1.5 a.m.) NEW YORK, December 14. Is Germany partly financing the war through playing on Wall street, i s a question. 1 that is bothering financial houses, because immediately prior to peace or submarine uevelopments tho German banks freely sell stocks. SCORN FROM FRANCE. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Associ&tlon.j PARIS, December 13. French newspapers do not regard the peace offer seriously, pointing out that it is made when England, Russia, and France are concentrating for greater efforts, and that it indicates that German military and civil exhaustion is approaching. A CLUMSY ARTIFICE. M, BRIAND'S STINGING WORDS, A WAR, COMMITTEE FORMED. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received December 14th, 8.55 p.m.) PARIS, December 13. M. Briand, in tho Chamber of Deputies, said that the Allies were justified in feeling more confident today than in 1915. Germany had found it. necessary to issue peace proposals, but lie ■warned' Franco to beware of such, poisonous attempts at a • time when Germany "was arming to tho teeth. Ho added that tho German proposals were merely vague words designed to trouble tho consciences of Frenchmen. They represented a clumsy artifice to dissociate the Allies from one another, and could only be regarded with suspicion. His impression was that Germany feared she would be unable to hold what she had conquered. The changes in the Cabinet and in the Administration aimed at concentrating authority and for the moro vigorous conduct of tho war. The War Committee would sit permanently and deal with all matters pertaining to tho war. Germany, despite her victories, was unable to achieve a decision anywhere. Commenting upon the German mass levy, M. Briand said that the Government refused to inflict such unnecessary inconvenience upon France, but would demand all needful sacrifices. Thunders of applause greeted the announcement that the Government would demand the suppression of alcohol, and that France must make efforts corresponding to Germany's. NBW FRENCH CABINET. (Reutor'e Telegrams.) PARIS, December 13. The new French Ministry is as follows: — . „ M. Briand, Premier and Minister ot Foreign Affairs. M liihot, Minister of Finance. M." Viviani, Minister of Justice, Public Works, and Instruction. General Lyautey (ex-Governor of Morocco), Minister of War. M. Clementel, Minister of National Economy and Commerce. M. Doumergue, Minister of the Colonies. M. Thomas, Minister of War Production raid Armaments. 51. Malsty, Minister of the Interior. Admiral Lacaze, Minister of Marine. M Herriot (Mayor of Lyons), Civilian Minister of Military Rcvictualling. THE FOOD SHORTAGE. POSITION QUITE SERIOUS. REASON FOR THE OFFER.. LONDON, December 13. The newspapers opportunely quote from influential German organs to show that tho food problem in Germany is much more serious than was supposed. Continental cox-respondents adduce fresh facts in the same sense, and also assert that the Gorman mass levy is- a last expiring effort, especially in view ot' revelations a-s to the enormous German losses on the Somme and at Verdun. These organs conclude that Germany's offer is a proof of approaching exhaustion, and now is the rime for the Allies to no in and win bv means of supreme national efforts. Nevertheless it is universally supposed that Germany hopes to impress neutrals and that the latter may accept the Chancellor's argument that Germany has successfully fought a defensive war and can oner to negotiate without loss of prestige, and also sLirrJial von Hindcnburg's views that Germany lias won if she has made the Allies'" war aims impossible. In that ease neutrals whose hones may be raised high by astute German statecraft will he seriously disappointed and may blame the Allies. Germany wil] also probably utilise the Entente's rejection ox the terms as an

excuse for aggravating friglitfulncss towards neutrals' trade. as well "is j towards enemies Finally tin- peace kite w:;> worth '.'.vine tor domes-tic rea- . xii>. iV.oiMy distress is weakening | Gentian diM ipime. and the ruler- want . to still'en the people. Nevertheless j liiTK'.nny as a whol,. aeeepT* tile Chan- ; celKir's reading ot' the situation, and if lie j* rulers require further sacrifices ihev iH use the reiuv-a! of the peaco offers for that ptirpo.-e. Tlie "Daily Telegraph':-" Rotterdam corropondeiu emphasises this view, | r.nd warns the Ktueme that German i boastfulne>s has lately been revived, and if !, er rulers want Germany to make greater efforts. this peaee dodge wil[ probably succeed. STRICT ECONOMY WECBSSARY. AMSTERDAM. December 13. The Gazette" emphasises the •H-rioiisness of tin- food situation, particularly the failure of the. potato I crop, anil points out that Bavaria has j refused To surrender her stores of barley lor Germany. The sti iciest possible j economy ot bread, potatoes, meat, lats and milk is essential. The "Berliner Tageblatt" declares that negotiations are being opened with the food distribution authorities with a view to the introduction of compulse rv feeding of the masses, which may be extended to all classes. RIOTS IK HAMBURG. 1000 CASUALTIES. (Australian and N.Z. CViblo Association.} tßoutor'e IblcgramaJ LONDOX, December 13. The "I>atly Express" claims to liavo information l'rom a reliable source that 2U,000 rioters broke loose in Hamburg on Thursday. Friday and Saturday. One thousand were killed and ■wounded. Troops were brought from Berlin to suppress tho outbreak. LONDON CALM. A PERTIXEXT CONTRAST. LONDOX, December 13. .London refused to become ov<*r-ex-cited about the peace oiler, though it was naturally greatly eager to hear what all tho Reichstag mystery ivas about. Tho newspapers to-day take tho matter calmly, and mostly dismiss tho proposals by reiterating Mr Asquith's Guildhall declaration on tho Entente's war aims. They point out that it is impossible to discuss tho idea in detail until a concrete offer has beon made, and consider it 6afo to prcdict that tho supposed detailed offer emanating from tho German Embassy at Washington, which leaked out at a lato hour, will not bear discussion. London organs contrast Dr. von Bethmann-Holiwcg's bombast with the simple declaration of resolve to fight for victory by M. Briand and Mr Lloyd George in their exchange of congratulations. Tho fear in some quarters seems to bo that the proposals may produce a possiblo accession to the strength of the Pacifists. The ''Daily News," while declaring that we must insist on a reasonable fulfilment of Mr Asquith's declaration, considers that tho Allies should formally state their peaco terms, otherwise Germany may possibly win a diplomatic victory. Tho ''"Daily Chronicle" fairly reflects Press opinion'when it says:—"lf Germany wants peaee, sho can always have it on our terms, and has only to enquire what they are. Britain seems loss concerned about tho prospects of peace than about Germany's motive. Few believe that Germany imagines she will be able to bluff the Allies into a peace corresponding in the least with the Chancellor's version of the military situation. It is conjectured that she is trying to play on the feelings of pacifist minorities, and also upon tho weaker members of the Entente, if such exist." TERMS RETRACTED. SIGNIFICANT MOVE IN AMERICA. (Australian and N.Z. Cabl« Association.) NEW YORK, December 13. The German Embassy- retracts its yesterday's peace terms, declaring that they must bo interpreted as what Germany would like to get, not what she expects to get. Any terms now suggested aro talking terms, and less important than the necossity of starting a Peace Conference. Tho Embassy adds that the Central Powers are counting on neutrals taking an important part in influencing the Allies towards peace. Much hope is placed in the coming Conference at Copenhagen, between Scandinavia and Switzerland, with Spain and Holland possibly represented. The "Embassy's declaration is regarded as most significant that Germany is far harder pressed for peaco than Dr. von Bethmann-Hollweg's statements would imply. SOME OF THIE TERMS. (United Sorvioo.) (Received December 15th, 1.5 a.m.) LONDON, December 14. Tho Dutch Press learns from German sources that tho peace terms mean the surrender of most- of the occupied territory, but insist upon tho independence of "i'olariV?. Austria may mako Russia some concessions regarding Lithuania. THREATS OF FRIGHTFULNESS. (United Service.) (Received December 14th. 11.10 p.m.) AMSTERDAM, December 14. German agents arc disseminating rumours of frightfulness if the Entente rejccts the peaco proposals. Tho threats includo a blockade of Britain by four hundred submarines and tho scattering of germ-laden bombs. AMERICAN OPINION. NEW YORK, December 15. American opinion as represented in newspaper editorials and interviews, believes that tho Allies will not consent to peace until German militarism has been overthrown. Tho fact that Press opinion is practically unanimous that the Embassy's terms wero unacceptable is considered responsible for Count von Bernstorff's modification of them. AUSTRIA TIRED OF WAR. WASHINGTON, December 13. It is believed in diplomatic circlcs that the peace movo is duo largely to Austrian pressure. It is said that Count Berchtold resents tho German domination, and tho Austrian people are opposed to tho continuance of the conflict.

THE SOURCE OF ORIGIN", vAustralian and X.Z. Cai>i<* Ai**.x:iation.l (Received December 14th, S.oo p.m.) AMSTERDAM, December 13Count. Tisza's speoeh in the Hungarian Chamber reveals that. Baron voie Burian initiated the peace proposals, and approached Austria s allies, who sympathetically received them. STARVATION IN SIGHT, ("The Tim-,*.") (Received 14th, 11.10 p.m.) IjOXDOX, December 14. 'Tho Times" correspondent at atmc states that Austria-Hungary's economic situation is critical and there are cries of distress and misery on every side. The C7<ech newspapers are full of letters from wounded men bogging for oven few potatoes. There are lamentations in Bohemia, w}it'r< x there are three meatless days a week. Tho sale of tobacco lias boon prohibited in restaurants and cafes. EXCITEMENT"[X BERLIX. (United Scrvice.l LOXDOX, December 13. Berlin is beflagged. A hundred thousand peoplo crowded round the Reichstag on Tuesday nijjht. The city was deeply excited on \Vednesday, a nervous aaul ■ ecstatic hopo oJ peaco prevailing. AUSTRALASIAN VIEWS. A DEMAND FOR PUNISHMENT. (Auitr»lisn and N.Z. Cable Asaoci&tioo.) (Received December 14th. 6.15 p.m.} SYDNEY, December 14. Both tho Press and public aro sceptical as to tho peaco proposal, and hold tho opinion that Dr. von Bethmann-* Hollweg is bluffing with ulterior moi tive6, and in order to cover up tho real position in Germany. Peace on tha German terms is unthinkable. Mr Hughes declares that a peaco which does not punish Gormany for her outrages against all laws, human and divine, and prevent a recurrence of them, will bo a hollow mockery. THE JOIORIS DETERMINED. (press association telegram.) GISBORNE. December 14. A meeting of representative East Coast Maoris to-day passed &• resolution that while cordially endorsing the honourable termination of tho present world struggle, no terms of peaoe will bo acceptable which do not include full reparation to the nations wronged by Germany for her unparalleled outrage* against humanity. Failing this, they desire at whatever sacrifice to continue tho fight. CANADIAN OPINION. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received December 14th, 11.10 p.m.) OTTAWA, December 13. The Canadian papers are unanimous in expressing the opinion that tho German peace proposals are premature and will be refused. Sir R. Borden, in speaking on his recruiting tour, referred to tho determination of the people of this land that there shall be no truce till a satisfactory peace bo won, which means that ther® will not be peace for many years to come.