WILSON’S MESSAGE.

Evening Star, Issue 16629, 11 January 1918, Page 3

WILSON’S MESSAGE.

BRITISH PRESS' APPROVAL. LONDON, January 9. The precis of President Wilson’s speech reached London after midnight. When its momentous nature was apparent, members of the political clubs watched the tape machines for two hours, discussing tbe successive points. It is admittedly frank, comprehensive, and of the first importance at the present delicate moment. The newspapers are withholding more than the briefest comment, pending receipt of the full test. It is already noted that, unlike Mr Lloyd George, Mr Wilson expressed sympathy with Russia, demanding the evacuation of her occupied territory. Other notable points are freedom of the seas and equality of trade after the wav. It is regarded as an explanation of the sudden slump on Wall'street. The ‘Daily Telegraph’ says: President Wilson’s Message will meet with the most cordial agreement from members of the European alliance. The foundations of Unity axe well and truly laid on both sides of the Atlantic. The ‘Daily Chronicle’ says: President Wilson has once more exercised his unique authority, both moral and political, as the spokesman of the democratic future. He boldly turns his back upon th© international pari-, its secret diplomacy and inevitable wars. It is difficult to conceive a more moving, sympathetic; appeal to the best instincts which are working among the Russians and th© non-militant German elements. Regarding the freedom of the seas, it is difficult to see, why, while war remains possible, naval action should be specially tabooed, and not the, corresponding military action. In pursuit of the

ideal of the total abolition of 'war, the British Empire will go with President Wilson • tho whole way unreservedly. The ‘Daily Nows’ says;. The common programme of President Wilson and Mr Lloyd George is consistent on every point. The Russian policy ■ has received M. Clemonoeau’s welcome, and was uniformly endorsed by the allied Press. Tho work of the long-delayed War Aims Conference has been already done. Mr Wilson rightly gives prominence to the freedom of the seas under a league 'of nations. The •blockade would still be a weapon, but it would be w*iclded by the League of Nations. The ‘Daily Express’ says: Mi Llovd George and Mr Wilson have accepted the challenge to state their aims, bat they have gone further, and sent a message to the world that wars must cease. Only when the German people, assort themselves can negotiations replace guns. 'The British Empire was foremost in opening its markets to the world and to assure us of Freetrade. The world and Great Britain will heartily support Mr Wilson. Tho ‘Morning Post’ says: Tho Allies are at one with America regarding the conditions to be demanded of Germany. The future to which Mr Wilson looks forward is strictly conditional upon victory, but has other conditions which Air Wilson, regards as essential, but which we are compelled to believe require some modification. Before we subscribe to tho doctrine of freedom of tho seas we must consider tho matter more in detail. Similarly the proposed League of Nations. Meanwhile, we may accept the statement as an aim for the future, with certain reservations.