THIRD EDITION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16620, 17 August 1917, Page 6

THIRD EDITION.

TEXT OF POPE'S MOTE.

SUGGESTIONS FOR PEACE.

EVACUATION OF TERRITORY

SYMPATHY FOR POLAND. REDUCTION OF ARMAMENTS Australian and X.Z. Cable Association. (Reed. 1.5 a.m.) LONDON, August 15. The text of the Note addresed by the Pope to the heads of the belligerent peoples has been published. The Note is prefaced by the statement that the Aim. of His Holiness eince his accession has been to oberve absolute neutrality and, concurrently, to do everything in his power to hasten the end of the war. It states that he has not ceased, during three painful years, to exhort the belligerent peoples and Governments to resume their fraternal relationships, although everything done to attain this object has been without publicity. The Pope refers to the non-success of the previous Papal peace effort, since when the war has become more cruel, extending over land and sea and even into the air, which defenceless cities, quiet villages, and innocent inhabitants have been stricken with the desolaton of death. The Note envisages the multiplied aggravated sufferings that must be endured if the war continues, perhaps for years, and asks : Mast the world become a field of death and Europe speed to the abyss of her own suicide? Concrete Proposals. The Pope continues: A sense of supreme duty as father of the faithful, also the solicitations of our children imploring intervention, as well as the voice of humanity and reason, impel us to renew a pressing appeal for peace, but in order not to confine ourselves longer to general terms, as previously, we now submit more concrete, practical proposals. We invite the belligerent Governments to deliberate on the following points, which seem to form the basis of a fair and lasting peace. I

The fundamental point ought, to be the substitution of material force of arms by the moral forces of right, and an agree ment for the simultaneous reciprocal reduction of armaments, according to rules, and guarantees, to the degree only necessary for the maintenance of public order in each State; then the establishment of arbitration, providing for concerted action and penalties against a State refusing to submit international questions to arbitration, or accept the decisions.

Once the supremacy of right is thus established rules could be fixed assuring the real liberty and freedom of the seas, thus eliminating numerous causes of dispute and opening to all new sources of ' prosperity and progress. It is impossible i to see other means of solving the I question of reparation and payments j of war costs than complete mutual liquidation . as a general principle. Besides the immense benefits from disarmament, it is ' incomprehensible that, carnage can continue for economic reasons. Territorial Questions. Peaceful agreements are impossible "without reciprocal restitution of occupied territories. Consequently Germany should evacuate Belgium, guaranteeing her unhampered independence. She also should evacuate French territory. The other group of belligerents should restore German , colonies. In regard to territorial questions between Italy and j Austria, and Germany and France, the nations should conciliatorily examine matters, taking into consideration the people's aspirations as far as possible, and co-ordinating special interests for the general good of human society. The same spirit of equity and justice should animate. the examination of other territorial and political questions, particularly those relating to Armenia, the Balkan States, and the territories comprising the' old Kingdom of Poland. The noble historic traditions, and the long sufferings of the lattery especially in the present war, should arouse the sympathies of all j nations. " ' I

The Note proceeds: The acceptance of the foregoing leadings points would prevent the recurrence of quarrels and prepare a solution of the economic question. The Note concludes with an earnest prayerful appeal to the belligerents to turn a favourable ear to the communication.

Cardinal Gasparri; Papal Secretary, in a covering letter, asks King George' to rtTrJZST*? *5? Note to the Presidents King of Ttfllv • Ln,t * d States and the £ing <" Italy, m consequence of the ahPowers plomatlc relations with these