Pourparlers for Peace.

Manawatu Times, Volume XL, Issue 1372904, 26 October 1917, Page 5

Pourparlers for Peace.

What Germany Proposed. To Sacrifice Russia. [Aust. and N.Z. Cable Association.] (Received Thursday, S) p.m. LONDON, Oct. 25. The 1 'Daily Telegraph’s” Milan correspondent gives the following details of the German peace proposals which were the cause of At. Ribot’s resignation, as the Socialists allege that Ribot should have made the proposals public. * The German proposal was to restore Belgium and cede Alsace and Lorraine in exchange for compensation by Russia. The proposal was made to M. Briand by an accredited Belgian diplomat from Switzerland. Count Buolow had nothing to do with the proposal which came direct from the German Government through a regular diplomatic channel. AL Briand immediately made it a condition that all the Allies must be informed before a reply was given.

Mr Balfour was the first Minister to bo informed. * He thought the proposal would not be acceptable. Ho conferred with his oclleagucs, who agreed. The Italian Government gave a similar negative reply.

All the Allied Governments answered with a full knowledge of the matter. The pourparlers lasted a month, ending on. the Ist October. Germany was most anxious to have the proposal accepted, but it was not acceptable, not only because it implied annexation of huge slices of Russia but contemplated no concessions to Italy, Serbia and Rumania, and no disavowal of German militarism. The Germans’ offer of financial aid to Belgium -was coupled with demands for privileges in regard to Antwerp. Acceptance of the proposal would have been a huge triumph for German militarism.