TOO SOON FOR CONVERSATIONS.

Grey River Argus, 18 September 1918, Page 3

TOO SOON FOR CONVERSATIONS.

GERMAN COLUMES MUST BE HELD. EASTERN AND ALSACE DIFFICULTIES. PEACE NOT A YARD NEARER. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, September ib. Mr Balfour, speaking as an individual member of the Cabinet, said that there was not the slightest hope ot peace being reached through the Austrian proposals. (Ree. September 17. 7.27 p.m.) LONDON, September 17 In-the course of his speech, to the toast of "Our Guests" at the luncheon at the Colonial Institute, Mr. Balfour dealt with the peace question. In referring.to the Austrian peace proposal, he said that he had had no opportunity of consulting his colleagues, and therefore what he said must be taken as an individual utterance. The calamatics imposed on mankind by the continuance of hostilites were so overwhelming, that he never would treat with disrespect any proposal from a responsible quarter. Yet he could not honestly say that the proposals now made offered the slightest hope for the attainment of peace. Austria had suggested a conversation without any cessation of hostility, but under the conditions now prevailing, he was utterly unable to see how such a conversation could be profitably initiated. Personally, he could see nothing acceptable in the present proposals. During the past few years the Germans had not made anything deserving of being called a peace proposition. He continued: "Before we reach the irresponsible conversation stage, there are bigger questions to be determined, and on these there : seems little likelihood of an agreement at present. What use then is there is entering into conversations, when Germany is going lo demand the return of her colonies. Here is a point on which there can be no misunderstanding." Germany stands at one pomt —we stand at the other. It is impossible to conceive any conversation that would bridge a difference so deep as that existing over the restoring to Germany of those populations whom she has misused, or- over the return of naval bases which would give Germany control ,of the communications between jjarts of the British Empire, as welU as between the civilised nations of the world." The Germans, he said, had last week said they would not give up any part of German territory. How then were conversations going to deal with Al-sace-Lorraine? Then Germany was about to determine the terms of servitude sho was to impose on her Eastern neighbours. That was an exploit which no irresponsible conversations wo.uld explain away. Uuntil the German Emperor, Chancellor, and Reichstag, wero prepared to show an open mind in fonfoimity with what the Allies believed to be the cause of justice, civilisation, and right, he ventured to say that mere conversations would be fruitless. The public of ihe Entente countries were passionately desirous of peace," but they were not so stupid as some of their critics in the Central Powers suppose. We were therefore forced to the conclusion that the eneniy knew there was no chance of these proposals being accepted, but hoped he might do something to divide the Allies and weaken their co-ordinated effort to victory, which was showing tself on every front. It certainly was not hn honest desire for an arrival at an understanding, upon terms which it was possble for us to, accept. The enemy's efforts would not produce divisions amongst the Allies. Never in the world's history was there a coalition animated by so strong a desire for the common good as the present coalition. 'The Allies were not going to be the victims of clumsy German diplomacy. Even though he dressed himself m President Wilson's colours, the mailed fist always appears. His policy would never take in the- simplest of our countrymen. "The Austrian proposal." he concluded, "will not take us a yard nearer peace." Mr. Fenwick (JJunedin, N.Z.) thanked Mr. Balfour for his inspiring speech. He hoped that Germany would" be compelled to pay indemnities to the fullest measure.