PEACE PROPOSALS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3244, 17 May 1916, Page 21

PEACE PROPOSALS.

THE KAISER ANXIOUS. LONDON, May 10. Several peace stories traceable to the Vatican have been published. The Daily News' correspondent at Rome reports: " I am informed from a trustworthy source that Prince von Bulow has been summoned to headquarters in connection with the Kaiser's peace initiative. The Kaiser is determined to open direct negotiations with the Allies if the mediation of neutrals is not acceptable to them. The Kaiser is prepared to give tangible proof to convince the Allies that Germany desires peace and is prepared to make reasonable sacrifices. Dr von Bethmann-Hollweg will remain in Berlin while Prince von Bulow will go" to headquarters. Prince von Bulow has been busy in Rome and Switzerland discussing peace." THE LATEST PEACE KITE. LONDON, May 10. The German Humanity League is circularising the European peace societies, declaring that it knows from a trustworthy source that the Kaiser sent an aide-de-camp with an autograph letter to his Holiness the Pope, urging the pontiff to seek King Alfonso's assistance to secure an armistice for the discussion of peace without detriment to the legitimate aspirations of nationalities. The league adds: " The failure of German arms m France, with the stupendous sacrifices at Verdun, have greatly impressed the Vatican. Special envoys from the Kings of Bavaria and Saxony had a prolonged conference with Cardinal Gasparri (Pontifical Secretary of State). The league mentions that there aro numerous signs of restlessness throughout Germany, but they are unworthy of much attention.. The Vatican promptly destroyed the latest German peace manoeuvres. It is officially contradicted that the Pope telegraphed to the Kaiser or to President Wilson regarding peace negotiations. The Vatican authoritatively adds: "The Pope has taken no such step." The latest peace kite has not excited the slightest interest in Great Britain. It is realised that it is obviously insincere, and is the outcome of Germany's desire to win the sympathy of neutrals and delude the German people with the idea that they are fighting a defensive war. The Daily Mail restates the irreducible allied peace terms: " The evacuation of all allied territory; the surrender of Alsace and Lorraine; and an indemnity for damage done to allied property by bombardment and looting. The Mail adds: ' The Allies cannot make peace while the German fleet remains at its full strength."