PEACE PROSPECTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17084, 16 August 1917, Page 5

PEACE PROSPECTS

ACTION BY THE POPE. SUGGESTIONS TO BELLIGERENTS. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. ROME, August 14. The Pope baa renewed his peace proposals. NEW YORK, August 14. Despatches from Rome state that the Pope has suggested to all the belligerents the restoration ,of Belgium, Serbia, ami Rumania, and a peaceful solution of the problems concerning Alsace-Lorraine, the Trentino and Trieste, and Poland. Renter's Telegrams. WASHINGTON, August 14. (Received Aug. 15, at 6.25 p.m.) An unofficial outline of the Pope's peace proposals shows that tlhey include a reduction in armaments, freedom of the seas, and that there shall be no retaliatory struggle for the world's commercial supremacy. COURT OF ARBITRATION SUGGESTED. ■ Heater's Telegrams. ROME, August 14. (Received Aug. 15, at 8.35 p.m.) The Pope's proposals also suggest the formation of a supreme court of arbitration for the solution of future disputes, no annexations nor indemnities except in particular cases, instancing Belgium and some Flench and Serbian regions. The Pope proposes a solution of- the future of Alsace, Lorraine, the Trentino, and Trieste according to the aspirations of the peoples, and he proposes the restoration of the ancient kingdom of Poland, Belgium, and the occupied French departments in exchange for the German colonies. PAPAL SECRETARIAT BUSY. DIPLOMATS INTER VIE WED. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. ROME, August 14. (Received Aug. 15, at 11.15 p.m.) The announcement of the Pope's proposals were the sequel to great diplomatic activity by the papal secretariat, Cardinal Gasparri interviewing many diplomats. The appeal is addressed also to neutrals. The Pope sent the document to the Italian Government. FEELING IN AMERICA. EARLY PEACE PREDICTED. NEW YORK, August 14. (Received Aug. 15 at 11.15 p.m.) Regarding the Pope's proposals it is authoritatively annpunced that the United States Government is willing to listen to a bona fide peace suggestion only if it ensures the attainment of America's objects in entering the war. It is not believed that the Pope "will hasten the end of the conflict. Diplomatic quarters are predicting peace before the expiry of 12 months.