THE WAR.

Greymouth Evening Star, 24 September 1917, Page 2

THE WAR.

PEACE PROPOSALS.

THE GERMAIN REPLY

“VAGUE AND HYPOCRITICAL.”

[Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.]

Received Ibis day a't 8.45 a.m. LONDON, September 23. Little importance isi attached in official circles to the Central Powers' 1 reply to the Pope. The newspapers describe it as vague and hypocritical leaving the s'lnal inn unaltered. The- most notable feature is the non-roferencc to the restoration of and restitution in, the invaded countries.

ANOTHER PAPAL NOTE

fAustralian and N.Z. Cable Association, f

Received this day at 8.45 a.m. ROME September 23

Tire Pope contemplates a new Note to the- belligerents after the Allies’ replies have been received, saying that the questions whereon all agree represent the foundation of a- new order of worldly' tiling# and a new era of peace for humanity. The secondary problems can easily he adjusted through goodwill and friendly discussion. Cardinal Gasparri favors the suppression of conscription and a Boycott against a, nation attempt-in o- to restore it. THE GERMAN NOTE. FURTHER DETAILS. [Australian and N.Z. Cable ABBooiatlon.] Received this dnv at 8.45 mm. AMSTERDAM, Sept. 28. I'idler details «>i Germany's reply B* die Rope's Note shows that the reply claims that for twentysix years the Raiser proved his desire to preserve peace. Germany did not start the, war, which throughout has been wagei 1 lor her defence. Germany and her allies first showed a disposition to terminate hostilities. The, German nation stands firm behind the Emperor and is anxious to participate peacefully in (he eeonomic competition of all nations.

The Government lias carefully examined the proposals and dismissed them. The people’s representatives welcomed the condilion that Hie moral force of Justice. should replace the might of arms- From this reform there would result a system of international arbitration and gradual reduction of armaments. Germany entirely agrees with the suggestion regarding stipulations and guarantees for a simultaneous limitation of armaments with true liberty for all peoples and free use of the seas. These ideals should form the basis of international relations in future, and then he left the task of solving international disputes in accordance with the new spirit of the times.

The German Government will therefore support every proposal compatible xvith the vital interests ot the German Empire and peopleThe geographical situation makes Germany dependent on peaceful communication with- her neighbours and the. countries overseas. No nation has more reason than Germany to desire the replacement of the _ present general hatred by a spirit of reconciliation. Then it would not bo difficult to settle outstanding matters in dispute. Germany hopes that her enemies will 'find a suitable basis iu the Papal proposals for preparing peace ou condition that they are in agreement with the spirit of justice and the situation in Europe. AMERICAN PRESS CRITICISM. SAR C A STIC COMM ENT. [Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.] Received this day at 9.4 a a.m. NEAV YORK. September 23. The New York Sun satirises Germany’s- reply, rewriting- it “us AVilhelm would it’ deprived of the ability of lying.” The New York AVorld says ; The United States ha# already answered hv publishing the details ot Germain, plots. The replies don’t change Hie situation.

The Tribune says : The devil quotes Holy Writ when it suits Ids purpose. The Kaiser cynically misjudges the civilised world’s capacity for righteous indignation. The Herald says: The replies are scraps of paper and valueless to any hut. Jimkermen. An unconditional surrender Note must come.

The Tribune’s AYashington correspondent says: There will be no further discussion of peace, unless forced by a fresh appeal from the Rope. Officials comment on the apparent fiDncevity of the Austrian reply.

Tiie New York AAffirld’si correspondent at Stockholm report# that Herr

- Maximilian Harden, in a speech at - Berlin, said that he was convinced r that peace can be had this year if Germany declares that she will not subjugate Belgium in any form, f, The Now York Herald declares: ; There is still a, directing genius of the German propaganda in the United .States, with unlimited funds l . THE GERMAN REPLY. DEVOID OF SENSE. [Australian and N.Z. Cable ABBooiation.) Received this dav at L4O p.m. PARIS, Sept. L’;!.t The French newspapers regard - the general tenor of the replies s to the Pope devoid of sense, as - they contain no distinct or con- , crete indications of any sort-. ! FOR HOME CONSFMPTTON. • ROME, Sept. 2d. . i Unofficial reports indicate that - the Vatican has received private i communications from Vienna, and 1 Berlin for the Pope’s guidance. On these greatly de- : pend any future Pontifical peace - actionVatican circles believe that the - replies in a great extent are - framed for particular home coni' sumption-