TO THE POPE'S PEACE NOTE

Evening Post, Volume xciv, Issue 73, 24 September 1917, Page 7

TO THE POPE'S PEACE NOTE

SHE DID NOT START THE WAR

A DESIRE FOR RECONCILIATION

SARCASTIC AMERICAN COMMENTS

[{« TEtESRAPH.—TJNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.— COPHU6ST.)! • fAUSTRALIAN-NBW ZEALAND CABHE ASSOCIATION.) (Received September 24, 8 a.m.) AMSTERDAM, 23rd S«pt«inber.

Fuller details of Germany's reply to the Pope's Note show that Germany claims that for twenty-aix years the Kaiser has proved his desire to preserve peace." Germany did not start the war,, which throughout has been waged for the defence of Germany and her Allies. From the first, she showed a disposition to terminate hostilities. The German nation stands firm behind the Emperor, and is anxious to participate peacefully in economic competition with 1 all nations. The Government has carefully examined the Pope's proposals, and has discussed them. The people's representatives welcomed the condition that the moral force of justice should replace the might of arms. From this reform there would result a system of international arbitration and the gradual reduction of armaments. Germany entirely agrees with the suggestion of stipulations and guarantees for the simultaneous limitation of armaments, with true liberty for all peoples and the free use of the seas. These ideals should form the basia of international relations in the future. Inhere would then be left theHask of solving international disputes in accord ■with the new spirit of the times. The German Government will therefore support every proposal compatible with the vital interests of the German Empire and people. Her geographical situation makes Germany dependent on peaceful communication with her neighbours, and with countries overseas. No nation has more reason than Germany to desire the replacement of the present general hatred by a spirit of reconciliation. It will then not be difficult to settle outstanding matters of dispute. Germany hopes that her enemies will find a suitable basis in the Papal proposals for preparing for peace, on conditions in agreement, with a spirit of justice and the situation in Europe. THE AUSTRIAN ECHO NEW YOEK, 22nd September. The Austrian reply says : "The future of the world must be based on the elimination of armed force and the introduction of a rule of international justice and legality. Austria is prepared to submit international disputes to compulsory arbitration. Armaments on land, on the sea, and in the'air, should be reduced .simultaneously, reciprocally, and gradually. The high seas should be opened equally for the use of all. We are prepared to enter into negotiations on this proposal. It should not then be difficult to settle otheT questions' in 4 ipirit of justice."-