IMPORTANT MEETING OF SOCIALISTS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3089, 21 May 1917, Page 5

IMPORTANT MEETING OF SOCIALISTS

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE PEACE DISCUSSION (Rec. May 20, 5.5 ij.m.) London, May 19. • A Stockholm wireless messages stated tliat 11. Brantling, presiding at the great international Socialist meeting, declared that neutrals' duty was "to work not for peace at any-price, but for a peace just and durable, founded on the principles of universal democracy," and added: "The German Government refuses to allow the Opposition Socialists to come to Stockholm, but perhaps it may be forced to permit them. If it remains obdurate, that would be a great moral victory for us, revealing Germany's uneasy conscience and fears." M. Troelstra, the Dutch Socialist leader, said that Germany was hardly likely to follow Russia's example, each country settling its difficulties in its own way. M. Akelrod, the Russian Socialist, said tnat Lenin's propaganda' for sabot' age in the army was an act of folly, and. the only possible consequence of it would bo to crush (ho Enssian revolution, by German absolutism. Neither was separate peace thinkable, for that would be treason to Belgium and the other small oppressed nations. M. Huysmaus,. the Belgian represents-* tive, oemanded reparation,- and the indepence of Belgium. ' .:::'■■ MT. Sachasoff, the Bulgarian, delegate, emphasised the powerlessness of Bulgarian workers against the bellicose spirit of the leading classes.—Aus,-N.Z. Cable Assn. ■ ■ .

ITALIAN SOCIALISTS ISSUE A MANIFESTO CRec. May 20, 5.5 p.m.) • Rome, May 18. The Socialist Party, in a manifesto, demands the abolition, of the Senate; the right of Parliament to meet when it chooses; universal suffrage of botheexes; unrestricted freedom in regard to strike' propaganda; direct Government control of foreign policy; agrarian reforms, and progressive taxation. The "Giornal d'ltalia" characterises the manifesto as unpatriotic and calcu--lated to sow discord.—Ans.-N.Z, Cable Aesn.