AMERICA'S REPLY TO THE POPE

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3177, 30 August 1917, Page 5

AMERICA'S REPLY TO THE POPE

. CANNOT TREAT WITH THE IRRESPONSIBLE GERMAN GOVERNMENT , STANDS FOR THE RIGHTS OF FREE NATIONS By Telegraph-Press Association-Copyright (Rec. August 29, 7.30 p.m.) Washington, August 28. President Wilson's reply says that ovory heart has been touched by the dignity and force of the Pope's moving appeal, but the response must be based on firm facts. Tho Pope does not desiro a mere cessation of arms, but a stable and enduring peace.. The agony must not be gone through again. After summarising the Pope's proposals, President Wilson continues: "It is manifest that no part of the programme can be carried out unless tho restitution of tlio status quo will furnieh a firm and satisfactory basis. Our object is to deliver tho free peoples from the menace of tho actual power I of a vast military establishment, controlled by an irresponsible Government, which has secretly planned to dominate tho world, and tried to carry out that plan without regard to treaties or international honour. Germany choso her own timo for war, and struck fiercely and suddenly. She stopped at no barrier, either of law or mercy, and swept a continent into a tide of blood. It is not our business how the German people came under their ruthless master, but wo must soo that the rest of tho world is not left to the mercy of tho German Government. AVo think the Pope's plan would involve the recuperation of the German Government's strength, which would necessitate a permanent combination of nations against Germany, and result in the abandoning of a'now-born Russia to intrigue. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. President Wilson concluded: "Can peaco bo based on the restitution of the German power, or any word of honour pledged by Germany? Peacq caimot rest on political and economic restrictions designed to benefit somo nation's and embarrass others. Tho American people liavo suffered intolerable wrongs at the hands of Germany, but we do not desire n reprisal against tho German people. Peace should rest on tho rights of peoples, not of Governments; upon tho rights of all peoples, their freedom, security, self-government; and participation upon fair terms in economic opportunities. We include tho German people. If they accept equality. Not to seek domination is the test of every peaco plan, whether based on the faith oE Pope 3 or merely the word of ambitious,- intriguing Governments. The United States's aim is clearly stated. We believe that the intolerable wrongs by tho German Government ought to bo ropaired, but not at the expanse of tho sovereignty of any people. We deem inexpedient, and in the end worse than futilo, such proposals as punitive damages, the dismemberment of Empires, or tho establishment of selfish, exclusive, economic, leagues. Wβ cannot take the word of tho present rulers of Germany as a guarantee of anything enduring unless explicitly supported by the conclusive evidence of Hie will and purpose of tho German people. AVithout such guarantees, treaties, agreements, covenants, and territorial adjustments, if made by Germany, conld not be depended upon. Wo must await new evidence of the purpose of tho peoples oft-the Contra! Empires. God grant it may be given soon."