THE DRAWN WAR.

Free Lance, Volume XVII, Issue 915, 25 January 1918, Page 6

THE DRAWN WAR.

The Card Up Germany's Sleeve

TTORATIO Bottomley's fear, referred to elsewhere in this issue, that the stupidity and bungling of the politicians may in the end prevent us from reaping the fruits of victory, chimes with the opinion expressed by Mons. Andre Cheridame, who, in his book entitled "The Pan-German Plot Unmasked" (published in 1916) exposes Berlin's formidable peace-trap of "The Drawn War." Cheridame was also afraid that the politicians might by bungling interference, nullify the bardwon gains made by our soldiers and sailors. And Cheridanie's opinion carries some weight, for he warned Europe of the German danger long before war broke out. The Pan-Ger.man plot, according to him, was the sole cause of the war. Its aim is to absorb Austria-Hungary in Germany, reduce Belgium, Holland.. Turkey, and the Balkan States to vassalage' and take territory from Russia. That would realise her scheme of "From Hamburg to the Persian Gulf." These results are almost achieved. and that i& why Germany would be glad to have peace on the basis of the status quo, just as the burglar would like to get clear away when his loot is safely bagged. ' ■ • . ; . - .-.--.-.

Writing before the Russian revolution took place. M. Cheridaine pointed out that Germany would try to possess' herself of Esthonia. Livonia. Lithuania.--' and Volhynia in Russia, which she has now done, and make them subject to herself to act as buffers between herand Russia, in.the future. He als<* warned the Allies impressivelv that: Cxermany's last dodge—if beaten— would be to play "the drawn game"" against them and that the victory of the Allies cannot be won and a lasting peace cannot be established unless this dodge is frustrated. Unless that i s done Germany would emerge from the war with her objects achieved. , Her 77 millions of people would have mad 6 12/ other millions subservient to tliem,and the Hun would be on the high road to the mastery of the world Britain and America would live in constant fear of the day when he would teel strong enough to renew the wartor their final overthrow. Therefore, there must be no "drawn, game" in the present war. Whatever the cost it must be fought to a finish.