War in Europe.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 3221, 5 January 1917, Page 3

War in Europe.

GERMANY'S PEACE OVERTURES. THE ALLIES' JOINT ANSWER. London, December 30. The joint reply of the Allies to the German Peace Note was to-day communicated by the French Government to the United States Ambassador at Paris.

The opening sentence reads The Allied Governments, united for the defence of the freedom of nations and by the faithful undertaking not to lay down their arms, except in common accord, and they have decided to return a joint answer. The reply then begins by stigmatising the proposal as illusory and protests strongly against two material assertions namely: (1) thatrin which the Germans profess to have thrown on the Allies the responsibility for the war; and (2) that proclaiming the victory of the Central Power. Both assertions are untrue and such claims alone are sufficient to render sterile all attempt at neogation. The Allies are as strongly devoted to peace today ai in 1914, but after Germany's violation of her solemn engagements Germany's promise is not a sufficient foundation on which to establish peace. The tmere suggestion without a statement of terms, that negotiations shouldf be opened is not a peace offer. Germany is putting forward sham proposals, lacking all substance and precision. It is less a peace offer than a manouvre. It is founded on a misinterpretation of the character of the struggle —past present and future. It fails to consider the facts, dates and figures which establish the fact that the war was desired, provoked and declared by Germany and Au tria. The reply proceeds to recall that it was the German delegate to the Hague Conference who refused all proposals for international disarmament; that Austria refused the satisfaction Serrbia offered; that subsequently Britain suggested a conference and France an international commission; that the Czar asked the Kaiser to go to arbitration, and that Russia and Austria actually came to an understanding on the eve of the conflict Hut to all these efforts Germany gave neither answer nor effect. Belgium was invaded by the {Empire which guranteed her neutrality an ! had the assurance to proclaim that treaties were "scraps of paper" and that "necessity knows no law."

Regarding theSfuture the Reply declares that innumerable enemy outrages against belligerents and neutrals demand penalties, reparation and gurantees of which Germany avoids mention. These overtures are nothing more than a calculated attempt to influence the future course of the war and finally impose a German peace; also to create dissention among the Allies and stiffen public opinion, in Germany and among her allies who are severely tried by tlieir losses, worn out economically, and crushed by the supreme effort imposed upon them. Another object is to deceive and intimidate neutrals, and finally to justify a new series of crimes—submarine warfare, deportations, forced labour, forced enlistments of inhabitants against their own countries and violation of neutrality.

Fully conscious of the gravity of the moment, equally concious of its requirements, the Allies, closely united with one another and in perfect sympathy with their peoples, refuse to consider a proposal which is empty and insincere. The re ly s ys, in closing, after detailing the sufferings of Belgium and her King and Government, that the Allies have but one aim—the establishment of peace and justice. But they only desire a peace which assures the country of legitimate reparation and guarantees and safeguards for the future.

THE WAY TO CALAIS

ANOTHER ATTEMPT REPORTED

London, Januaiy 1

The Daily Mail's Amsterdam correspondent states: It is reported from the Dutch frontier that Germany is transporting guns and material through Belgium westward. German spies in iiolland *\re spreading the report that, now that the winter campaign has exhausted the Russians' reserves of ammunition, von Hindenburg is preparing for a final effort to cleave his way to Calais. A SERIOUS ASPECT.

London, January 1. The position in Greece is approaching a most serious aspect. The allic-d Ministers are still aboard the warships. King Constantine is endeavouring to evade the movement of troops from Thessaly, obviously hoping that the German-Bulgar offensive aga:nst General Sarrail will break through, thus establishing a connection with tne Greek army and bringing food supplies. Meanwhile, the blockade is inexorably tightening the Grecian belts. VeilLzelists are languishing in prison, and their fate is unknown. Tne pro-Germans have a paramountcv throughout old Greece. It is 'presumed that Baron Schenck left ample funds; it is known that he received £500,000 shortly before his tlight.

BRITAIN AND RUSSIA

Petrosrrad. January 2

The British Ambassador (Sir George Buchanan), in a sjleech ai a New Year banquet, said peace was impossible till Germany's spirit of militarism had been exervi-ed. Great Britain had wholc-heariediy a-sented to Russias aim- regard,inl r Constantinople and wished to permanently eon.solilate the Anglo-Kusr-i m (alliance. He (stated that Briafin had advanced 11(500,000,000 to her allies fo'- the purchase ot war material, be-ile- what she had -upplied direct.

WHERE NAPOLEON FAILED

A GREATER MAY SUCCEED

Amsterdam, Januaiy •>

The Cologne Gazette says: "The Allies rejected peace because they intend. to swamp Germany with innumerable shells in the spring. Our situation grows harder every hour* but Ihe Entente's dancers are also increasing. Where Napoleon failed Hindenburg mav succeed."

The Cologne Voiks forecasts a huge allied offensive in the spring, after which the Allies will be I'oivwl to negotiate for jieace.

WAKING LP TO THE TRUTH

London, January '6

The Rhenish Westphalian Gazette says: "In plain German, the-Entente demands mean the handing back of all we have conquered, the payment of the enemy's war expenses, and the giving of guarantees which mean the handing over of German frontier territory. This ruth less"refusal of our offer ought, ;f the Americans really want peace, to cause a storm of indignation against the Entente. We fear the storm will nut ri-e."

IMPORTANT BATTLE IMMINENT

London, January 3. The Russians have reached the Sereth line where an important battle is imminent.

RUMANIAN CEREALS DESTROYED

London, January 3. The Austrian military authorities have authorised " the announcement that Russian, Rumanian, ami British commissions distroved the Rumanian cereals. The Austrian "ovulation are furious at the annouiU'Oiiient.

THE GRECIAN SITUATION

EFFICACY OF BLOCKADE

Rome, January 2. The Greek Cabinet, ha.- accepted all the Entente's conditions, and is hastening their execution in order to secure a cessation of the blockade.

GERMAN MASS LEVY

PLENTY OF MUNITIONS

London, January 2.

Berlin despatches show that Germany under her scheme of universal labour service, is turning out thousands of guns weekly, Skilled workmen withdrawn from the front are working at Krupps and elsewhere.

Tho "Germans estimate that it will be four months before there is a renewal of their full offensive on all the fronts . They expect first to attack Verdun.

The potato crop in Germany is disappointing, and there will be privations, despite supplies from Rumania, and food rations will be strictly limited.

GERMANY MEANT AGGRESSION

London, January 3

Professor Meinecke, historian, writing in the Frankfurter Zeitung, admits Germany intended military aggression, but the'"brilliantly-begun campaign collapsed at. the Marne, which was a strategical French success. He admits that the attacks upon Verdun were a failure, but warns small nations to consider the fate of Belgium, Serbia, and Rumania, and they imperil their lives if they attempt to touch the deadly electric wire of the Central Powers. The Times comments on this: "This is the most remarkable German war article yet published. It is the first free admission of the truth.'