GERMANY AND PEACE.

Northern Advocate, 1 December 1916, Page 3

GERMANY AND PEACE.

DVJiWTIM Or if 'ttAMTY

IAFE'S SANCTITY

HOLUWE-G UNBURDENS HIMSELF

Australian and X Z. Cable Association (Pres-.s A.s'sn.—Reed. 8,5 r> p.m.) J NEW YORK, November Si). A Berlin correspondent reports a;: interview with Hen , yon Bethmaiv.iHollweg, German Chancellor of tin.' Exchequer, who said: "Again we have declared our willingness to enter into negotiations for peace, but there has been no response. Our attitude in some quarters is represented as dictated by weakness. S > far surely, as the events of the pas' year demonstrated, we didn't spea'.c out of weakness or fear, just, as the events of the coming year will also demonstrate. If we adhere to our willingness to consider a cessation of the struggle, we are obeying the simple dictates of humanity, not oi apprehension. I say this without concern as to the ultimate issue of the struggle, however prolonged, but under a solemn consciousness of tho. sanctity of the flame of life, which shouldn't be lightly extinguished by human misunderstanding which a I common counsel might dissipate." ■ 'The Chancellor, shrugging his : shoulders, continued: "But of course, if oar enemies are obdurate and choos-e to continue, we will make them pay a bitter price for their folly. The German soul is resolute and undaunted. Against our firm and farreaching lines the billows of attack break in vain. There is nothing to ' affright us in any quarter. To-mor- I row we embark on an enterprise ■of j defence of staggering magnitude. There has never been a mobilisation of national energy on so 'great a scale. An act for mobilisation for non-military service will be introduced in the Reichstag to-morrow (Wednesday). Germany is absolutely determined to carry the war through, and thus is summoning the whole power of her united people; yet while the will of the people grows more determined to carry the struggle to any length necessary, an indication of our national integrity and destiny has ever been, and is now, our desire to resume amicable exertions towards peace as soon as we are allowed." Herr Hollweg quoted extracts from the speeches of President Wilson, .Mr Asquith, and his own speech in the Reichstag, and contended that they all evidenced a desire for an eventual world tribunal to enforce peace. Me commented on die similarity of the sentiment in the speeches. 'Herr Hollweg added: "The death of .the Empenbr .Franz * Josef only means the passing of the sceptre into younger hands, which have the same firm purpose and determination. Austria will stand shoulder to shoulder with Germany in the common 'impulse to vindicate the Imperia' destiny.' .