LLOYD GEORGE’S SPEECH.

Evening Star, Issue 16626, 8 January 1918, Page 3

LLOYD GEORGE’S SPEECH.

THE LATEST CONSTRUCTION. INVITATION TO PEACE CONFERENCE. QUESTION OF THE COLONIES. ‘The Times.’. LONDON, January 7. Mr Lloyd George’s speech, has been revived with enthusiasm by the Press, as saving dispelled a good deal of current gossip that Great Britain was evading a definite pledge to support the restoration of Alsace and Lorraine. The references to German colonies, it is considered, assuredly do not err on the side of lack of moderation, but the people of the Dominions ehotdd remember that if General Smuts ascents to the terms they may be presumed to open the way for a safe settlement. M. Clemenceau (Premier of France) has cabled to Mr Lloyd George: “Heartiest congratulations of all Frenchmen on your admirable speech, in which the true facts are so happily assembled.” Some political correspondents interpret ■Mr Lloyd George’s speech as a direct invitation to the Central Powers to enter a peace conference based on no annexations or indemnities. The speech places the onus on the Central Powers to make the next move. Bolshevik opinion in London welcomes the speech as almost wholly in accord with Bolshevik aspirations. The only regret is that Mr Lloyd Georgo refrained from a direct invitation to an international conference, which is believed to be imminent. The ' Daily Telegraph ’ remarks; “No passage in Mr Lloyd George’s speech will excite greater anger in Germany than the ' contention that self-determination must be applicable to the lost colonies, for few 1 tribal assemblies, whether in Africa or the Pacific Islands, would betray any de- ' sire to return to the sway of the German taskmasters.” Air H. M. TTyndman (chairman of the British Socialist party) draws attention to the variance between Jlr Lloyd George and President "Wilson. The former says that Great Britain docs not wish to change the German Government. Mr Wilson declares that he will not negotiate with the Hohenzollems. Mr Hyndrnan expresses the opinion that Alsace and Lorraine cannot be restored to France until Germany is either beaten or revolutionised, and adds; “ Our colonies must settle the fate of the captured colonies, instead of asking natives like those of New Guinea and Africa to vote, who have never voted before." SYDNEY, January 7. Mr Lloyd George’s speech has been favorably received,.- The Press consider that it clears the international atmosphere, which has been obscured by recent hazy peace talk. The war aims set forth are such as the Commonwealth will heartily endorse.