THE PACIFISTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17156, 8 November 1917, Page 4

THE PACIFISTS.

The inopportunenoss and undesirability of discussions cm peace aims in the House of Commons, such as that which was initiated on Tuesday by one of the small, pacifist group of members, should be generally recognised. If any substantial support were given to declarations in favour of the opening of negotiations with Germany, subject to the offer of a small concession on hor part, the only effect would be to create in enemy countries a belief that Great Britain was becoming doubtful of her ability to prosecute tho war to a successful issue and that her sense of loyalty to her allies was being impaired. Fortunately it is only an uninnuential section of members of the House of Commons that misrepresents the feelings' of the country on this point. When Mr Ramsay Macdonald invited the House, a little more than three months ago, to accept, tho "peacfi resolution." of the Redcli-

stag—a resolution which, as Herr Eaussmann, «a prominent deputy, has since admitted was a pure piece of tactics with the object of "paralysing the enemy war will"—his supporters mustered 21 all told, and Mr Lees-Smith discreetly refrained on Tuesday from pressing his peace proposal to a division. If it is suggested that Germany is prepared to negotiate for a peace of such a nature as will satisfy the Allies' objectives, it is for her to make the move. Mr Balfour pointed out, however, that neither in reply to President Wilson nor in reply to the Pope did Germany indicate the terms upon which she was prepared to make peace. The Allies, on the other hand, hare clearly stated what their war-aims arc, and, whatever modifications in detail they may have to undergo, they romain in principle the same to-day as Avhen they were enunciated. If Baron von Hertling indicates, in the speech which he is expected to deliver this month, a readiness on tho part of Germany to concede to the Allies the main points of their demands a basis for the settlement of peace may be provided. Not otherwise. If he is as evasive as liis predecessors in the office of Imperial German Chancellor were, his country must submit to a prolongation of the war until it is in a more chastened mood. The temporary successes which Germany has gained over the Italians do not, it is to be admitted, justify the expectation that the Chancellor's maiden speech will supply the basis on which the terms of an abiding peace niay be arranged. But no peace other than an abiding peace will be acceptable to the Allies. They did -not seek the war. It was forced upon them. But, having reluctantly entered into it, they are determined to secure a peace that will preserve mankind from the danger of another such war. There must, as Mr Lloyd George has said, be " no next time."