THE POPE'S PEACE NOTE

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3192, 17 September 1917, Page 5

THE POPE'S PEACE NOTE

GERMANY'S SCHEMES FOR BELGIUM Rome, September 14. It is roported in Vatican circles that Germany's reply to the Pope's . Peace Note will demand the independence of Belgium from political and economic al-liances.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. (Eec. September 16, 5.5 p.m.) Amsterdam, September 15. Tho "Tjid's" Vienna correspondent states that the reply of tho Central Powers to the Pope's Note accept the Note as a basis of negotiations. The Central Powers aro willing to discuss an exchange of occupied territories, and also the question of arbitration and disarmament. The reply offers a conciliatory settlement of tho issues in Belgium, Poland, and thg Balkans if the conditions of the Entente Powers are equally con-ciliatory—Aus.-N.Z; Cable Assn. SENSATIONAL PEACE RUMOURS AT THE HAGUE EXTRAVAGANT LIES PROM BERLIN. (Rec. September 16, 5.5 p.m.) London, September 15. Tho "Daily Express" correspondent at The Hague says that the city, is buzzing with sensational peace rumours of German origin, and inspired by the fear of another winter war, the shortago of meat and bread in Berlin, and.the ever-grow-hig recognition of America's strength. The "Hamburg Premdemblatt" announces that England's peace terms include a new treaty regarding Belgium's independouce, and one between Prance and Germany for an exchange of territoy, enabling Prance to obtain a portion of Alsace-Lorraine, and Germany certain French territory. Britain will offer no objection to Germany seeking full compensation in tho East. Britain will retain South-West Africa, but, will aU<m Germany to compensate herself in Central Africa at Portugal's exponce. The "Premdemblatt" comments: 'How selfish England is! She willingly sacrifices. Russia and the small Balkan nations. — Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.' AN OFFICIAL DENIAL "ABSOLUTELY UNFOUNDED." (Eec. September 16, 5.5 p.m.) London, September 15. The German newspaper statements that Britain has made overtures of peace to Germany aro officially declared to be absolutely unfounded.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. GERMAN PROPAGANDISTS , (Rec. September 10, 11.5 p.m.) Berne, September 15. • German officials are pressing the Mayors of towns in Alsace-Lorraine to organise meetings and .petitions demanding that Alßace-LorTaino should be German.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. . A MYSTERIOUS PEACE MEETING WAS A BRITISH SUBJECT | PRESENT? (Rec. September 16, 11.5. p.m.) London, September 15. Official.—The Government knows nothing of the reported peace meeting of financiers in-Switzerland, but if it transpires that a British subject has met the enemy's subjects the offender will be punished.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter.