PEACE

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 17, 19 July 1918, Page 6

PEACE

TO THE EDITOR,

Sir,—There are few fair-minded people who do not experience feelings of disgust when they hear others, who are apparently sensible, suggest that peace terms should be arranged at once between the Allies and Germany. As if they had never heard of German promises and treaties. Bat the real question is: Can a military decision possibly be achieved before the fall of 1919, when America can put her full strength in the field? This would mean another fifteen months or more of the terrible strain. Is there any alternative? Some prominent men who are termed "pacifists" contend that the war cannot be decided by military methods alone; that a settlement can only be achieved by an intelligentuse of political methods along with military successes. Austria is ripe for peace, and even Germany is showing signs of disruption. But the SecretTreaties divulged by the Russians are unworthy of the Allied cause and call for immediate revision. No-nation entered the war with cleaner hands than the United States. President Wilson stands for clear aims and ideals, he fully recognises the importance of political factors in bringing about a, lasting peace. Recently at a greal gathering known as the Indian National Congres?. the President stated that ten million volunteers could be. obtained in India. Yet no doubt in order to effectually rouse the Indian it would be necessary to promise Home Rule at an earl y date,- commencing now | with some immediate reforms towards j the realisation of complete self-govern-ment. The wise use of such a political ■ would evoke the required reI sponse from India. With America's splendid troops pouring into Prance and tliti preparation for India's millions progressing, who would doubt the effect it would have in Germany, where this war of attrition is making many sadder and wiser men? Recently the suggestedl programme of Indian reforms was; cabled to New Zealand. But fow are awaro that quite recently two deputations of Indian gentlemen proceeding to England to state India's case for Home.Rulewero stopped, one at Gibraltar, the other a* Colombo. Such political follies must bring joy to the German War Lords ans politicians.—l am, etc., 1.. GRIFFITHS, Hon. Sec., N.Z. and India League; . 18th July. ■ ■• ■■/:-.