THE NEW PROPOSAL

Grey River Argus, 23 December 1916, Page 5

THE NEW PROPOSAL

AMERICAN NOTE. HOPES IT WILL BE KINDLY RECEIVED. UNITED STATES VITALLY INTERESTED. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) NEW YORK, December 20. The American Note was signed by Mr. Lansing, and says: — "The' President has instructed me to suggest a course o£ action regarding the war, which he hopes your Government wilY consider it as suggested in the friendliest spirit, coming as it jdoes not only frpm a friend but also a representative neutral, whose interests are seriously affected by war. whose concern for the early conclusion of the war arises from a manifest necessity to determine hpw best to safeguard these interests. The President long had the suggestion in his mind, but we were somewhat embarrassed to offer it at this particular time " because it may seem to have been prompted by the recent overtures of the Central Powers. It is not suggested by {hem, but the President considers the question of peace maybest be considered in connection with other proposals which have the same view. The President begs that the suggestion may be considered entirely on its merits. The President suggests that an early occasion be soug-ht to ask' the belligerents' views on the terms of peace and their opinions of an arrangement which may be a satisfactory guarantee against the renewal or kindling of any similar conflict in the future. This will be made possible if we frankly compare views. The President is - indifferent regarding the means taken to accomplish this. He is happy to serve and even take the initiative in any way acceptable. He calls attention to the fact that the object which the belli-, gerents' statesmen on both sides have in mind are virtually the same. As they stated in their general aims each side desires to secure the rights and privileges of weak peoples and small States agrainst aggression ; also to secure rights and privileges of the great belligerents. Each would be jealous pf the formation of any more rival leagues to preserve the uncertain balance of power amidst the "' multiplvinsr suspicions, but would be ready f o consider a League of Nations before the final step can be taken that each deems necessary to settle the issue of the war on terms which will safeguard the independence, territpry, integrity, political and commercial freedom of the nations involved. . The United States is vitally ' and directly •nterested in measures to secure fufure peace: also in the means that will be adopted to relieve the. smaller and weaker peoples of the peril from _vronjGr .and violence. The United States is ready and eager to co-oper-nte with even' influence and resource *t their command, but the war must be concluded. The terms upon 'vhich it will be concluded the United Sfate? is not at liberty to suggest Huf the President feels 'that it is his nght and duty to point out his interests in the war's conclusion lest it *hings lyinfif before its conclusion, lost the situation to the neutrals bebe too late to accomplish the great ponies intolerable, and lest, above all. injury be caused to civilisation which ran never be atoned.. The President, therefore, feels justified in suggesting an immediate opportunity for a comparison of views regarding the terms which must precede peace arrangements. If the contest must con" tinue towards undefined ends by slow attrition until one group is exhausted, if millipns of human ' lives must continue to be offered until one side has no more to offer, if resentment must be kindled which will never , cool, hopes of peace are- rendered vain and idle, and the life of the entire , .w-m-m will be orpfoundly affected.. No ntmon stands outside the influence or beyond the disturbing effects, yet the ( concrete objects for which the war was waged, were never definitely- stat- ; cd. The belligerents'' leaders have • stated their objects ijjf.geheral terms, : but have never avowed : . the precise objects which would satisfy thenii * he, world was left to. ' conjeGtureClteM^t ' would be the definite results 1 guarantees of the territorial iJsmEjs§, [or readjustments, and . what military success would bring' tne\ war to an end. Maybe, peace is nearer npw than we know, that the terms are not so irreconcilable as some feared, and that an interchange of views would clear the way for a conference. TbV;President is not proposing peace. He "is not even offering mediation ; he • is. merely proposing:, th»t soundings . be taken in order to ascertain how , 1 near we are to the haven" of peace, \ , for which all mankind has ah intense ' _ and increasing longing. He believes I that the spirit wherein he speaks and > the objects which he seeks are underj s.tood by all. concerned! He confidently hopes for a response which " will bring new light into the world's J affairs and which will ensure the - /world's peace and justice. ENGLAND .INDIGNANT.- , .!. - ■'■ ■ I NOTE SUPPRESSED .BY CENSOR. 1 NEW YORK; December 21 5 Private advices from : London state v that the British censor suppressed President. Wilson's peace/ Note: There '^intense indignation in Britain ac 3 -President. Wilson's acton. ri - . ■ _ /."''" ' \ — X Shp will.be delitrhtpd: with a charmt injr little erift of jewellery; th'i.s vChrist- , mas. J. ..Cairnev.' the jewpl'er, is showin jr a feallv. good selection of such • |?rti.clesi and will be nle^.ed to show j them to you if you will call.