THE PEACE ISSUE

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3152, 2 August 1917, Page 7

THE PEACE ISSUE

STATEMENT BY BRITISH FOREIGN MINISTER ' WHEN PEACE IS SERIOUSLY DISCUSSED" GERMANY MUST WORK OUT OWN SALVATION London, July 31. In the deljato in llio House of Commons on the Consolidated Fund, several members referred to various points in relation to ultimate peace, such as the Reichstag crisis, the pressure of the war on Germany, tho uneasiness of the German people, and tho possibility ot a democratic uermany in 1918 or 1919._ Mr. A. J. Balfour (Foreign Minister) replied that tho Government bad been invited to declare its policy, hut be not sure it would be a wise course. Tho broad principles animating llio (jovcrnment bad l>een expounded by tlioso holding high office during tho past three years. The Government was unable to enter into details to anticiapto the work of the final Peace Congress. It desired that tho nationalities composing tho heterogeneous States of Central Europo should bo allowed to develop a!ong their own lines, nnd carry out their own civilisation. "Wo must continuo to help Franco to restore herself to rho position slid held before tho attack engineered by Bismarck in 1870. When peace is seriously and finally discussed, not preina-; turely by thoso talking about it for the purpose of tho disintegration of the Allies, tho result will not depend on tho wishes of a singlo individual or nation. It is impossible to effectively discuss a method of dealing with such great and I ancient monarchies as Austria, or how Austria and Germany should deal, with their internal problems. Germany'must work out her own salvation. Wo will not mend matters by imposing a Constitution upon, her, even if wo were able. Our duty is not to discuss the terms of peace we should like, but to fight on. with all tho strenuous vigour of which wo are capable." Tho Bill was read a third time. POPE DECLINES MEDIATION FOR AN EARLY PEACE Washington, July 31. A cable received by the Italian Embassy states that the Pope has refused to use his influence to secure an early peace, as asked by the Austrian Emperor, because/ the Dual Empire is in danger of disintegration.—Aus.-K.Z. Cable Assn.