A PEACE MOTION

Evening Post, Volume XCIV, Issue 112, 8 November 1917, Page 7

A PEACE MOTION

IN THE HOUSE OP COMMONS ALLEGED SECRET FRANCORUSSIAN TREATY MOTION EASILY DEFEATED. (DMITED PRESS ASSOCUTIOS.—COPTIUGHT.) (AnSTRALIAN-MEW ZEALAND CAgLB ASSOCIATION.? LONDON, 6th November. During the debate in the House of Commons on the Consolidated Fund Bill Mr. Lees Smith moved: "That, proyidedaatisfactory guarautees be obtained regarding the independence and restoration of Belgium and the evacuation of other occupied termory, no obstacle should be placed in the way of preliminary peace negotiations which might embody an equitable settlement of the Alsace-Lorraine question and provide machinery for the avoidance of future ware." The mover declared that a, secret agreement had been aimed at between France and Russia to the effect that in the event .of the Allies being victorious Germany, in addition to Alsace and Lorraine, would lose great tracts of territory on the west bank of the Rhine, and the whole of the Saar Valley. Mr. Balfour interposed: Britain entered into no such agreement. , These statements relate to an agreement between France and the ex-Tear. Mr. Robert Lambert (liberal) referring to the League of Nations, declared that we must welcome Germany into it (Cries of "Never!" "Remember the i Lusitama! ) I Mr. J. Ramsay Macdonald (Labour) j wished to adopt the Russian formula- of no annexations, no indemnities. He said that the country should clearly state its [ war aims and make those aims real Mr. A. J. Balfour said that these discussions did not assist the Government I in its object of obtaining an honourable peace. The supporters of the motipn appeared to desire that peace should not take place until all Europe had been democratised according to Mr. Ramsay MacDonald'6 pattern. Nothing would unite Germany more against her enemies than the idea that these enemies desired to force upon her, not the form of government she desired, but the form her enemies happened to admire. Mr. Balfour characterised the alleged secret treaty for handing over parts of Germany to France, or some independent community, ac a "mare's nest." No such treaty existed. "We are fighting in order that Europe might be freed from German militarism. Germany has declined to state her war aims in replying either to the Pope's Note or to President Wileon." He condemned the misrepresentation in the House of the Government's official statements. Mr. Asquith combated the view that if the Alsace question were out of the way or settled separately, other war aims were within reach of attainment. This was a complete fallacy. ■ Mr. Bonar Law moved the closure, which was carried by 282 to 23. Mr. Lees Smith's motion was negatived without a division.