EXTRA EDITION.

Evening Post, Volume XCIII, Issue 28, 1 February 1917, Page 8

EXTRA EDITION.

WILSON'S PEACE SPEECH

GERMANY'S REPLY

FREEDOM OF SEAS INDISPENS-

ABLE.

WAR, TO BE MADE ON SHIPPING

(ADSTItAMAN-NEW ZEALAND CABLI ASSOCIATION.)

(Received February 1. 3 p.m.)

VANCOUVER, 31st January

Germany, in replying to President Wilson's Senate speech, agrees with the principles therein, including those of equal rights for all nations, and suggests that Ireland and India therefore ought to be freed. The freedom of the seas is an indispensable condition to good neighbourly relations, and couid not be exploited by enemies for the promotion of hostile attempts. The Allies had lust for conquest, and desired to dishonour Germany and her friends. Britain was brutally starving Germany despite the law of nations.

Britain also dealt recklessly with the free and peaceful intercourse of nations, and 1 this was always the guiding prill-, ciple of German policy Germany in the peace to be concluded with Belgium merely wanted precautionary measures, and so does that country, with which Germany wishes to live in accord with the rights of neutrals.

British imperiousness with cold-blood-ed accents is without regard for the world's sufferings and without the slightest regard for neutrals suffering. Germany therefore hoped the United States would understand, she was desirous of peace, but because negotiations failed Germany was compelled to do away with the restrictions which until now it has impressed upon its use of its rights and'means on the seas.

Germany hopes the United States will therefore see, from the - war plans annexed, the necessity of warning ' American ships against entering barred zones and of warning her citizens against confiding goods to ships plying to ports in barred zones, which include all waters about Allied ■ countries. These zoaes become effective on Ist February. " A memorandum annexed to the Note points out that neutral ships will enter the .barred zones at theii own risk after Ist February. A week's grace will be allowed to ships already en route.