NEXT GERMAN PEACE MOVE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16800, 16 March 1918, Page 7

NEXT GERMAN PEACE MOVE

OFFER TO SELL COLONIES. CONCESSIONS TO FRANCE. READY TO SACRIFICE RUSSIA. (Received 8.10 p.m.) United Service-. LONDON, Mar. 14. > Tho Manchester Guardian states that it is rumoured that the German peace terms will include an expression of willingness to sell her colonies provided she is not excluded from an equal share in their trade. The idea of making a bargain is likely enough, it states. Germany will hardly risk the loss of another million men without trying to secure a partial gain by sacrificing the rest. i Mr. Arthur Henderson, tho Labour J leader, speaking at the women's suffrage celebration in the Queen's Hall, said that the nation had reached a critical stage. It was possible for von Bulow, on behalf of the Central Powers, to say, " We are prepared to recognise the status quo ante bellum, and make considerable concessions in Alsace and Lorraine, and adjust differences in regard to the colonies, but we must be entirely free to deal with Russia." Such a cynical peace would contain the seeds of future war. Wo must stand as flint against deserting Russia. We must have peace consistent with the ideals for which we entered the war. Tho British Weekly reports that Germany contemplates tempting Franco by offering to guarantee the large French loans to Russia, and thus appeal to tho so-called avarice of French peasants. The British Weekly adds that France will repudiate tho offer with scorn. NEW YORK, Mar. 14. Tho Washington correspondent of the New York World states that advices from Switzerland state that a Bulgarian agent sounded tho United States Charge d'Affaires at Berno with a view to enlisting America's influence towards peace. The agent attempted to ensure most favourable terms for Bulgaria. The despatch describes his representations as " monstrous, hypocritical, and contemptible." ] j