GERMANY PROPOSES PEACE

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2954, 14 December 1916, Page 5

GERMANY PROPOSES PEACE

ON UNTHINKABLE THUS / VON BETHMANN HOLLWEG'S SURPRISE ,PACKIT (By Tolegraph—Presa Association—Copyright). • _. , . . , London, December 12. Official.—A wireless message states: "Herr von Bethmann-Hollweg announced in the Reichstag that Germany, with her Allies, oonscious of their responsibility before God, before man, and the nation, and before humanity, had proposed this morning to the hostile Powers to enter into peace negotia-" tions. Herr von Bethmann-Hollweg this morning received the American, Spanish, and Swiss representatives, presented them with a Note proposing peace, and asked them to transmit the Note to the hostile Governments. Vienna, Constantinople, and Sofia, simultaneously issued an identical Note, the text of whioh was also oommunioated to the* Holy See and all the neutral Governments. The contents of the Note have not yet been disclosed." The wireless message adds: "The four Allied Bowers have put forth propositions which, according to their firm belief, are an appropriate basis for the establishment of a lasting peace.'" GERMAN CHANCELLOR'S ADDRESS . IMPERIAL BAGMAN DISPLAYS HIS WARES. Amsterdam, December 12. An official wireless message from Berlin states that practically every member of the Reichstag responded to the unexpected summons to attend the special session, and hastened to the capital. The House was crowded', the galleries were thronged, and all listened in respectful silence. Herr von Bethmann-Hollweg (the Imperial Chancellor) said that the date for summoning the Reichstag had been left to the President's discretion, because it was hoped that happy events would soon ocour in' the field. This hope had' boen fulfilled more quickly than'had been expected. "Actions speak for themselves. Rumania entered tho war in order to roll up our position in the East. Simultaneously the grand offensive on the Somme sought to pierce the Western front, and renewed Italian attacks aimed at the paralysis of Austria-Hungary. The situation was serious, but with God's help our troops have so shared the dangers of .conditions that our security is greater than ever before. The Western front stands. In spite oT the Rumanian campaign our Western front is equipped with larger reserves of men and material than formerly, while efficient precautions have been taken against Italian attaoks. General von Hindenburg, with unparalleled genius, has oaptured the whole of Western Wallaohia, and Bucharest. These swordstrokes are laying new foundations for our economic needs. We have captured great stocks of Rumanian grain, foodstuffs, and oil, the transport of which has begun._ In spite of our scarcity w e could have lived on our own resources. Now our safety is beyond question. "To these great events on land, add the heroic deeds of equal importance of ouv submarines. The spectre of famine which our enemies .intended to appear before us now pursues them without mercy. Behind our fighters stands the nation at work. Germany is not a besieged fortress, as our adversaries imagine, but a gigantic, disciplined camp, with inexhaustible resources. We have progressed with firm decision, and will continue to progress, alwavs ready to defend ourselves, and fight for ournational freedom and safety in tho . future; always ready to stretch out a hand for peace. j has not made our ears dea'f to our responsibilitv before God and humanity. Our adversaries havo evaded our former declarations concerning our readiness for peace. Since the outbreak of war, when the Kaiser had to make the gravest decision that had ever fallen to tho lot of a German, and was compelled to order mobilisation, following upon tho Russian'mobilisation, the Kaiser's single thought wa s how peace could bo restored in such a way as to safeguard Germany after her victorious struggle. Germany has been seized with pity at the unspeakable misery of humanity, and is readv to give peace to the world. The Pope has unswervingly demonstrated his solicitude for tho'innumerable victims of the war." It was with a deep nioral and religious sense of duty towards tho nation and towards humanity, ho added, that the Kaiser now considers the moment has come for bffioial action to be taken towards peace.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. HOW THE REICHSTAC RECEIVED THE SPEECH. (Ree. December 13, 8.5 p.m.) \ ~ „ „.'.,.', London, December 13.' A German official wireless message states: "Herr von\ Bethmann-Hollweg's first sentences evoked applause on all sides, and after every paragraph of tho first portion of the speech the Assembly demonstratively assented. Later, when the Chancellor came to the peaceiquestion, differences of opinion were manifested, with applause, mainly in the Catholic, Contre. and Left. 'After the Chancellor had ended, the majority 0 f the House applauded, and the people in the Gallery joined in the clapping of hands, making a huge demonstration. Herr Bassermann, Herr Westarp, and Horr Ledebour favoured an immediate discussion, hut Herr Spahn's proposal, leaving tho. summoning nf the next sitting to the President's discretion, received an overwhelming vote. The President, at the close, declared that the nation and its delegates would always support the Chancellor's polici, which W3G far-sighted, firm, and intelligent. TERMS OP THE NOTE Amsterdam, December 12. .The enemy's Peace Note says: "The most terrific war in history has been raging for two and a half years, a catastrophe which two thousand years of civilisation had been unable to prevent. Tbe_ spiritual and material progress which is Europe's pride is threatened with ruin. Germany and her allies have given proof of unconquerable strength. The continuance of tho war will not hreak our resistance. Wc wore obliged to take up arms to defend justice, liberty, and national evolution. AVo do not aim at shattering or annihilating our adversaries. Despite the consciousness of our military and economic strength, and our readiness to continue the war, we propose a peace guaranteeing existence, honour, liberty, and evolution, if our enemies refuse a reconciliation, Germany and her allies are resolved to continue the war to a vie-' torious end. We solemnly decline responsibility before humanity and history if our enemies refuse to stop the slaughter in order to continue their plans of «mquest and annihilation. Every German heart will burn with sacred wrath; <3od will be our judge; we will prooeed fearless and unashamed. We aro ready for fighting and ready for peace."

A Note to the Pope states that the unlimited treasures' of civilisation will b© destroyed, extensive areas will bo soaked with blood, millions of brave soldiers will hare fallen, millions will bo invalided, grief will bo in every house, and the destructive consequences will weigh heavily upon, tho belligerents. Neutrals' trade is depressed, and Europe, formerly devoted to the propagation of religion and civilisation, is now an immense war camp.— Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn, KAISER'S "PEACE" MESSAGE TO THE ARMY Amsterdam, .December 12. The Kaiser nas sent a message to all the generals and soldiers as follows: "In agreement with the Sovereigns of my allies, and with tho consciousness of victory, I offer peace to the enemy. Whether it will ho accepted is still uncertain. Until that moment arrives we will fight ou."—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn, RETURN TO "THE STATE THAT WAS BEFORE THE WAR" . WITH CERTAIN IMPOSSIBLE EXCEPTIONS. Washington, December 12. A prominent official at tho German Erubassay has informed tho United Press Agency that Germany's peace terms include practically a return to the territorial status before the war, with, tho following exceptions:— Tho establishment of the kingdoms of Poland and Lithuania, The readjustment of the International boundaries of the Balkans, This latter question is so complicated that it will moan at least a par» tlal restoration of Serbia and Rumania. The return of Germany's lost oolonies. ■■ The Embassy offioial adds: "The factors whicli led to the German proposals are the favourable military position of, the Central Powers, the fact that winter necessitates a cessation, of hard fighting, and tho desire to convince the world that the Germans are not fighting the war for territorial conquest. The important question is to discover whether the Allies will talk peace." ■ . Later. The German Embassy has received the test of the German peace terms, providing in addition to those already cabled for: The complete 'restoration, of Belgium. The evacuation of Northern France. The retention of the bulk of Serbia by Austria. Restoration to Bulgaria of territory lost in the second-Bslkan War. Restoration to Austria of territory captured by Italy. Turkey's retention of Constantinople. —iAus.-N.Z. Cable 'Assn. DOVE OF PEACE WITH ROOSTER'S CLAWS (Rec. December 13, 5.20 p.m.)' ..',,„' Undon, December 12. The "Daily Telegraph states that from am unimpeachable source it is gathered that Germany offered Belgium peace, and threatened' if the offer wst*> not accepted to destroy monuments, buddings, and even towns.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.. (Rec. December 13, 8.15 p.m.) London, December 13. The "Daily Telegraph" states that tho Central Powers have offered Belgium the following terms: ; > "Belgium to insist on an immediate peace; "Germany to Belgium's independence, and financially assist in her economic rehabilitation."—Aus.-N.Zt Cable Assn. WHAT BERNHARDI WANTS FOR BELGIUM Amsterdam, December 12. ■General von Bernlurdi, writing in the "Vossische Zeifcung," states that Germany's terms of peace should include a provision prohibiting Belgium from having an army or independent diplomatic representatives.—Reuter. AUSTRIA'S "LOVE OF PEACE" (Rec. December 13, 8.6 p.m.) Amsterdam, December 12. An official telegram from Vienna, issued in connection with the peace proposal, reiterates Austria's contention that she is fighting in self-defence. ."Nevertheless, in a combination of loyal allies, the Austro-Hungarian army and fleet are fighting and bleeding, but also conquering, and havo frustrated the intentions of tho enemy. The Quadruple Alliance has won not only an immense series of victories, but holds extensive hostile territories. Our latest treacherous enemy can testify to tho fact that our strength is unbroken." The statement declares: "The enemy's blockade and starvation measures will never succeed in shattering the alliance, and it is useless and unavailing for the enemy to prosecute the' fight. Tho onemy cannot alter his fate by a continuation of the war. The Quadruple Alliance, therefore, is impelled candidly and loyally to endeavour to discuss peace terms, thus giving a new and decisive proof of their love of, peace."—Router. < WHAT THE ALLIES THINK ABOUT IT .. GERMANS FEAR THE APPROACHING STORM. (Rec. Decomher 13, 7.15 p.m.) , _ . , , . London, December 12. London and Pans regard the Kaiser's peace declaration as ■ a colossal piece of bluff,_ typical of Teutonic sophistry. The Germans know that their military position can never be more favourable. They are in the position of the burglar who has got file maximum plunder and wants pea«e just when the avenger (in this case Mr. Lloyd George) is about to administer chastisement. Nevertheless, the world-wide publicity of-the declaration proves that Germany is anxious for an immediate peaco, if possible, in order to secure the spoils. Tho British attitude to the Kaiser's proposal is well summed 1 up by Mr. Arthur Henderson, who said: "All tho most unscrupulous military forces are against us. Peaco at present would mean that the Allies would soon have tho whole thing to fight over again."—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. BRITISH PRESS COMMENT TWO OPPOSITE .VIEWS. (Rec. December 13, 11.35 p.m.) . London, December 13. "The Times" denounces the peace proposals as a manifest sham. "Herr von Blthmann Hollweg's tone reveals the insincerity which abounds in the loud vaunts of German invincibility and military achievements, which is not the language of a belligerent genuinely anxious to come to terms. It is obviously a politically-inspired order to throw the onus for' a continuance of the war on the Allies. The latter will receive unmoved this latest example of German unctiousness, and so will all neutrals who have studied Germany's, motives and actions during the war. —"The Times." The "Manchester Guardian" says that the offer is "unquestionably genuine. The British Government should treat it so, ascertaining its definite terms, and interchanging dirsct the enemy's views immediately. All parties should place their cards on the table. It would be an unthinkable folly and crime to continue tho war beyond our definite aims, if these should now be securable." —United Service. A DISTINCT SURPRISE TO WASHINGTON OFFICIAL OPINION THINKS THERE'S A MOTIVE. Washington, December 12. The peace proposals_ from the Central Powers came as a distinct surprise to official and diplomatio circles. Tho prevailing opinion is that Germany is making the offer in the expectation of making terms acceptable to the Allies of England, and whioh in effect might possibly cause the British to yield to pressure from the nations fighting with her. It is generally acknowledged .in Entente circles that Germany is trying to bring about a position whero she may make a separate peace.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.-Reuter. New York, Decomher 12. The United Press agent at Washington states that Cabinet members are of opinion that there are no prospects of the Allies accepting peace. They consider that tho peace offer is a move on Germany's part to endeavour to create a demand for peace in tho Allied countries. They bolievo that the terms outlined by the Gorman Embassy in Washington are intentionally exaggerated for the purpose of bargaining.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. NEW ZEALAND OPINION LET THE ALLIES CHOOSE THE TIME FOR PEACE DISCUS-SION-NOT GERMANY. (Rec. December 13, 8.5 p.m.) London, December 12. Referring to Herr von Bethmann-Hollweg's peace statement, during the course of an address on "Imperial Unity" at the Queen's Hall, Mr. W. F. Massey (Prime Minister of New Zealand) said that this new development was a most important one. "Germany thinks that this is 'the proper time to negotiate. That's not our point of view. We will discuss pence when wo think the time is proper. Wo leave it at that."—United Service. By Tolcgraph—Press Association. Chrlstchureh, December 13. Sir Robert Stout, who loft to-day for Invereargill, in an intorviow characterised the German peaco proposals as preposterous. .He pointed out that they could not. restore Hie pre-bellum status of the Belgian dead and their ravished country, for which no reparation is proposed. Tho colonists "would not' agree to the restoration of the German colonies, or Russia, to the Germanisation of Poland, or any of the allies to the disintegration of Rumania, Serbia., or Montenegro. The wholo thing was for neutral consumption.

A "STRANGELY-TUNED OFFER." (Rec. December 13, 10.30 p.m.) _~,,, „, ~ , ,„ . Sydney, December 13. Mr. W. M. Hughes (tbo I'ederal Prune Minister), wants more particulars of "this strangely-tuned peace offer," before commenting upon it.— Press Association. GERMAN FOOD PLANS BADLY WRECKED COMPLETE FAILURE OF POTATO CROr. .n. „.r ~ , nv ,«- r, v , NBW YOrk, December 12.1 The "New York Times Berlin corespondent states that the food plans of Germany for tho current .year havo been hadly wrecked owing to the. almost complete failure of the potato orop. Only twenty-one million tons were harvested, as against fifty-one million tons in 1915. An order has bcon issued reducing tho potato flour rations. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.