BERNHARDI'S PEACE PROGRAMME.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 4964, 3 September 1918, Page 3

BERNHARDI'S PEACE PROGRAMME.

Writing in the Vossische Zeitung of Berlin, Georg Bernhard, political j editor, says“ The time is now ripe ; openly to discuss peace conditions. : Having regard to the ideal peace | conditions laid, down by President j Wilson, unanimity on the matter undoubtedly could easily be reached if a method of discussing the peace terms could only ho agreed upon.” I t Bernhard says Germany and her 1 Allies would undoubtedly accept reas--1 onable disarmament proposals. Presi idient Wilson’s demands for self-

government by small nations, he says, would bo favorably received, but the Central Powers- would insist upon knowing the attitude of England regarding Ireland. Negotiations, the writer adds, should take place directly between the belligerents respecting frontier regulations. While claiming no official sanction and even admitting that their realisation would encounter strong opposition from the German Government and people, Bernhard submits the following peace conditions: France and Italy to discuss- with Germany and Austria their future frontiers without the intervention of third parties. All tho German colonies to he returned.

Belgium to bf> restored completely as an independent State. All merchants of the Central Powers who have been deprived of their property overseas to he restored to their former right of possession. Great Britain - to evacuate unconditionally all parts of the Turkish Empire and Persia. The situation before the war to he restored in Egypt. The Dardanelles, on the basis of a treaty applying to the States bordering the Black Sea, to be free for th e passage of Russian ships.