PEACE PROPOSAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3275, 20 December 1916, Page 19

PEACE PROPOSAL.

[By Cable.]

A German official wireless message States that Dr von Bethmann-Hollweg Rimounced in the Reichstag that "Germany, with her Allies, is conscious of her responsibility before God, before man, before the nation, and before humanity, and proposed this morning that the hostile Powers should enter into peace negotiations."

Dr von Bethmann-Hollweg in the morning received the American, Spanish, ana Swiss representatives, presented them with a Note proposing peace, and asked them to transmit the Note to the hostile Governments. Vienna, Constantinople, and Sofia simultaneously issued an identical Note, the text of which was communicated to the Holy See and all neutrals. The message adds: "The four Allied Powers put forth propositions which, according to their firm belief, form an appropriate basis for the establishment of a lasting peace." Germany offered to give up all conquered territory, and return to an antebellum status. THE CHANCELLOR'S SPEECH. Practically every member of the Reichstag responded to the unexpected summons, and hastened to the capital. A crowded House and a thronged gallery listened to the Chancellor in respectful silence. Dr von Bethmann-Hollweg said : " The date of summoning the Reichstag was left to the President's discretion, because ifc was hoped that happy events would soon occur in the field. This hope has been fulfilled quicker than we expected. Actions speak for themselves. Rumania entered the war in order to roll up our position in the east, and simultaneously a grand offensive on the Somme sought to pierce our west front, while renewed Italian attacks aimed at the paralysis of Austria-Hungary. The situation was serious, but with God's help our troops had so shaped conditions that our security is greater than ever before."

Dr von Bethmann-Hollweg, after announcing the peace proposals, added : "Rumania entered the war in order to roll up our position in the east, while the Allies' offensive on the Somme had as its object piercing our west front. Both failed. Marshal von Hindenburg gave the enemy no rest with military operations. At the same time, firm foundations were laid for out economic needs. Great stocks of grain 4 victuals, and oil were captured in Rumania, and its transport to Germany has begun. Great deeds have also been accomplished by German submarines. The German Empire is not a besieged fortress, but a gigantic and firmly-disciplined camp, with inexhaustible resources.

" Our west front stands firm, and despite our Rumanian campaign our west front is equipped with larger reserves of men and material than formerly, and efficient precautions have been taken against the Italians' attacks. Von Hindenburg, with unparalleled genius, has captured the whole of Western Wallachia and Bucharest. These sword strokes are laying new foundations. As to our economic needs, we captured great stocks of grain, foodstuffs, and oil, the transport of which has begun. Despite our scarcity we could have lived on our own resources, but now our safety is beyond question. To these great events on land add the heroic deeds of equal importance performed by our submarines. The spectre of famine which our enemies intended to appear before us now pursues them without mercy. Behind our fighters stands a nation at work. German;/ is not a besieged fortress, as our adversaries imagine, but a gigantic disciplined camp, ■with inexhaustible resources. . We have progressed with firm decision, and will continue to progress, always ready to defend ourselves and fight for our national freedom and safety in the future. We are always ready to stretch out a hand for peace. Our strength has not made our ears deaf to our responsibilities before God and humanity. Our adversaries evaded our former declarations concerning our readiness for peace. Since the outbreak of war—when the Kaiser had to make the gravest decision that has ever fallen to the lot of a German, when he was compelled to order mobilisation, following the Russian mobilisation —the Kaiser's single thought has been how peace could be restored, safeguarding Germany after her victorious struggle. With a deep moral and religious sense of duty towards the nation and towards humanity, the Kaiser now considers the moment has come for taking official action towards peace." Dr von Bethmann-Hollweg's first sentences evoked applause from all sides, and after every paragraph in the first portion of the speech the assembly demonstratively assented Later, when came the peace question, differences of opinion were manifested. The applause was mainly from the Roman Catholic, Centre, and Left parties. After the Chancellor had ended the majority of the House along the lines mentioned applauded, and people in the gallery joined, clapping hands and making a huge demonstration. Herren Bassermann, Westarp, and Lcdebour favoured an immediate discussion, but Herr Spahan's proposal, leaving the summoning of the next sitting to the President's discretion, was voted for overwhelmingly

SUBMITTED BY GERMANY. DECLINED BY ENTENTE POWERS.

The President, in closing the sitting, declared that " the nation and its delegates always support the Chancellor's policy, , which is far-sighted, firm, and intelligent." THE KAISER'S MESSAGE. I The Kaiser has sent the following mes | sage to all hij generals and soldiers : ! "In agreement with the Sovereigns of i my allies, and with the consciousness of j victory, I have made an offer of peace to ! the enemy. Whether it will be accepted lis still uncertain. Until that moment ! arrives wa will fight on." NOTE TO NEUTRALS. The German Note to neutrals asks them to bring their communication before the Allies. The Note adds : " Germany aims not to shatter or annihilate her adversaries ; she is prompted by a desire to .".void further bloodshed and end the atrocities of the war. The Central Powers are willing to enter upon peace negotiations." | The Note then proceeds: "The most I terrific war in history has been raging for two and a-'lialf years —a catastrophe which ! and a-half years —a catastrophe which ■ 2000 years of civilisation have been unable to prevent. The spiritual and material progress which was Europe's pride is threatened with ruin. Germany and her allies have given proof of unconquerable strength. The continuance of war will not break our resistance. We were obliged to take up arms to defend justice, liberty, and national evolution. We do not aim at shattering or annihilating our adversaries. Despite the consciousness of our military strength and readiness to continue, we propose a peace guaranteeing the existence of our honour, liberty, and evolution. If our enemies refuse reconciliation Germany and her allies are resolved to continue to a victorious end. We solemnly decline the responsibility, before' humanity and history, if our enemies refuse to stop the slaughter in order to continue their plans of conquest and annihilation. Every German heart will burn with sacred wrath. God will be our judge. We shall proceed fearless and unashamed, ready for fighting or ready for peace." The Note to the Pope says : "Unlimited treasures of civilisation have been destroyed, extensive areas are soaked in blood, millions of brave soldiers have fallen, millions have been invalided, there is grief in every house, the destructive consequences weiglV heavily on belligerents and neutrals, trade is depressed, and Europe, formerly devoted to the propagation of religion and civilisation, is now an immense war camp." The Note to his Holiness continues : "Germany is seized with pity at the unspeakable misery of humanity, and is ready to give peace to the world. " The Pjjjfpe has unswervingly demonstrated his solicitude for the innumerable victims of the war, and Germany is confident that her allies' initiative will find a friendly welcome on the part of his Holiness and that the work of peace can count upon the Holy See's support."

THE PEACE TERMS. I Tt is stated that the German Embassy to the United Slates has i-eceived the text of the German peace terms, providing, in addition to those cabled, the complete restoration of Belgium, the evacuation of Northern France, the retention of the bulk of Serbia by Austria, the restoration to Bulgaria of the territory lost in the second Balkan war, the restoration to Austria of territory captured by Italy, and Turkey's retention of Constantinople. A prominent official in the German Embassy to the United States informed the United Press that Germany's peace terms include practically a return to the territorial status which existed ante bellum, with the following exception.-?: The establishment of the kingdoms of Poland and Lithuania. A readjustment of the international boundaries of the Balkans, though the latter question is so complicated that it means at least the partial restoration of Serbia and Rumania. The terms include the return of Ger. 1 many's lost colonies. The Embassy official added : " The factors which have led to the German proposals are the favourable military position of the Central Powers, the fact that winter necessitates a cessation of hard fighting, and the desire to convince the world that Germany is not fighting a war for territorial conquest. Another important question is to discover whether the Allies will talk of peace." The German Embassy retracted the above peace terms, declaring that they must be interpreted as what Germany would like to get, and what she expects to get. Any terms now suggested are " talking terms," and are less important than the necessity of starting a peace conference. The Embassy adds that the Central Powers are counting on neutrals taking an important part in influencing the Allies towards peace, and much hope is placed j in the coming conference at Copenhagen I between the Scandinavian Powers and ! Switzerland, with Spain and Holland poa- : sibly also represented i German press reports of Dr von Beth- '■ mann-Hollweg's speech show important 1 »■ o^ nauc ies from what appears in the

wireless propaganda reports. He indicated that Germany is not proposing terms, but would present them in the event of negotiations being opened. Other passages have been doctored to remove the gloominess of the speech. Count Bernstorff says that a conference of the belligerents is an essential preliminary to any steps towards peace. Germany wants a round table conference at The'Hague to ascertain whether a basis for discussion can be reached. Count Bernstorii' professes to be " optimistic regarding the chances of the Allies agreeing to such a conference. It is stated in German official circles in the United States that limitation of armaments is an item in their peace pro-

gramme. The German Embassy to the United States has authorised the statement that it is certain that one of the most important subjects for discussion at a peace conference will be the universal limitation of armaments. Count Bernstorff interviewed Mr Lansing. Count Bernstorff states that if the belligerents will agree to meet at a conference Germany will submit definite plans and terms. According to the German Embassy peace will bo worthless unless it renders the prewar armaments unnecessary. THE AUSTRO-HUNGARIAX NOTE. An official telegram from Vienna in connection with the peace proposals reiterates that Austria is fighting in self-defence; '.' nevertheless, in combination with loyal allies, the Austro-Hungarian army and fleet are fighting and bleeding, but also conquering. They have frustrated the intentions of the enemy. The Quadruple Alliance has won not only an immense series oE victories, but holds extensive hostile territories. Our latest treacherous enemy can testify that our strength is unbroken."

The telegram declares that the enemy blockade and starvation measures will never succeed in shattering the alliance. It is useless and unavailing for the enemy to prosecute the fight. The enemy cannot alter fate by continuation of the war. The Quadruple Alliance is therefore impelled candidly and loyally to endeavour to discuss peace term*. Thus the Quadruple Alliance has gi n a new and decisive proof of its love of peace.

FERDINAND'S BUMPTIOUSNESS. King Ferdinand of Bulgaria has sent a message to the Bulgarian army • "All our enemies are conquered. We and the Central Sovereigns, inspired by our victories, have proposed peace. We will soon see if that highly humanitarian action is justly appreciated by our enemies. Meanwhile we will win new victories with the help of God." THE KAISER AND MILITARISM. The Kaiser, reviewing troops at Mulhausen, said : "I feel we are absolute concjuerors. We have offered to negotiate with the enemy. All rests with you if the fighting must continue. If the enemy still thinks he has not had enough, then I know," the Kaiser concluded, with a military gesture calling forth a grim smile on the men's faces. Speaking to the officers, the Kaiser reaffirmed his faith in militarism. He believes that Germany's terms will have the consent of President W 7 ilson. COLOSSAL BLUFF. London and Paris regard the Kaiser's peace declaration as a colossal piece of bluff, typical of Teutonic sophistry. The Germans know that the military position can never be more favourable to them than now. The position is that Bulgaria, who has got the maximum of plunder, wants peace just when the avenger, in the shape of Mr Lloyd George, is about to administer chastisement. Nevertheless, the worldwide publicity of the declaration proves that Germany is anxious for immediate peace, so as, if possible, to secure some spoils. The British attitude to the Kaiser's proposal was well summed up by Mr Henderson, who said : "All the most unscrupulous military forces are against us. Peace at present would mean that the Allies would soon have the whole thing to fight over again." IMPORTANT SPEECHES. Mr Arthur Henaercon, .Labour member of the War Council, speaking in London, saicl that the ■Uovernment did not as yet know anything of tlie text of the German proposals. Germany's motives remained a mutter for speculation. Judging by recent events, she probably wouici not err on the side of magnanimity. Mr Henderson added that Britain, from her love of peace, was anxious to appreciate the real moaning of the proposals, and if any were put forward they would be examined with the greatest care. We must remember that Germany desired peace with Britain in August, 1914, but it was on conditions fatal to our honour and loyalty. The same spirit of loyalty to our brave, loyal allies would determine the spirit with which we would examine the fresh proposals. Any proposal must be scrutinised in the light of our obligation not to conclude a separate peace. We must remember the greater sacrifices of France, Belgium, Serbia, and Poland. Any peace jmust be a just and permanent peace, with r the supreme condition that it conserved the principles for the maintenance of which we entered the war. There must not only be reparation for the past and security for the future, but there must be guarantees for the duration of peace. Germany might have such a peace if she furnished proof of good intentions, but if the overtures were merely a pretence, if she was seeking an armistice for breathing space in oi-der to lay fresh plans of aggression, the people of these islands, however tempted, must set their faces like steel against the proposals. Mr Gordon Flewart, Solicitor-general, speaking at Leicester, said that the Government Avould consider i>roposaTs to nego-

tiate subject to two conditions. Out aims and ideals in the war must remain unchanged ; secondly, Ave must act in concert with the Allies. *

HOW BRITAIN RECEIVED THE OFFER. London refuses to become over-excited about the peace offer, though people were naturally greatly eager to hear what all the Reichstag mystery was about. The newspapers take the matter calmly, and mostly dismiss the matter by reiterating Mr Asquith's Guildhall declaration as to the Entente's war aims. They point out that it is impossible to discuss the idea in detail until a con crete offer is made. It is safe, however, to predict that the supposed detailed oiler emanating from the German Embassy at Washington, which leaked out at a lata hour, will not bear discussion in the London organs. They contrast Dr von Hollweg's bombast with M. Briand's and Mr Lloyd George's simple declaration of a resolve to fight on to victory, contained in their exchange of congratulations. Fear is expressed in some quarters that one upshot which seems possible is an accession to the strength of the pacifists. The Daily Chronicle fairly reflects press opinion when it says: " If Germany wants peace she can always have it on our terms. She has only to inquire what they are. Britain seems less concerned about the prospects of peace than about Germany's motive. Few people believe that Germany really imagines that she is able to bluff the Allies into a peace corresponding in the least degree with Chancellor Hollweg's version of the military situation. It is conjectured that she is trying to play upon the feelings of the pacifist minorities, also the weaker members of the Entente, if any such exist." The newspapers opportunely quote influential German organs to show that the food problem in Germany is much more serious than was supposed. Continental correspondents of the London papers ad duce fresh facts to the same effect. They also assert that the German mass levy is a last expiring effort, especially in view of the revelations of the enormous German losses on the Somme and at Verdun. These organs conclude that Germany s offer is proof of approaching exhaustion, and. that now is the time for the Allies to go in and win. This means supreme national efforts by the Allies.

The peace kite was worth flying for domestic reasons, such as. possibly, the internal distress and the weakening of German discipline. Her rulers want to stiffen the people. Nevertheless, Germany as a whole accepts Dr Hollweg's reading of the situation, and if her rulers require farther sacrifices from the people they will use the refusal of their peace offers for the purpose. The Daily Telegraph's Rotterdam correspondent emphasises this view, and warns the Entente that German boastfulness has lately revived, and if the German rulers want Germany to make greater efforts this peace dodge will probably succeed in spurring them to those efforts. BRITISH PRESS COMMENTS. The Times denounces the peace proposals as a sham. The Daily Mail says the proposals are the outcome of empty German stomachs. The Daily News says it is not a genuine offer, but merely a diplomatic move to influence neutrals. The Manchester Guardian is inclined to regard the proposals as genuine. The Spectator says the proposals are a good specimen of Teutonic impudence. FRENCH OPINION. M. Briand, in the Chamber of Deputies, said the Allies were justified in feeling more confident to-day than in 1915. Germany had found it necessary to issue peace proposals. He warned France to beware of such poisonous attempts at a time when Germany was arming to the teeth, and added : "The German proposals are merely vague words, designed to trouble the consciences of Frenchmen. The German proposals are a clumsy artifice to dissociate" the Allies, and can be only regarded with suspicion." M Briand stated that his impression was that Germany feared she would be unable to hold what she had conquered. Trie change in the French Cabinet and Administration aimed at concentrating authority for the more vigorous conduct of the war. The War Committee would sit to permanently deal with all matters pertaining to the war. Germany, despite her victories, was unable to achieve a decision anywhere. Commenting upon the German mass levy, M. Briand said the Government refused to inflict such, an unnecessary inconvenience upon France, but would demand all needful sacrifice. Thunders of applause greeted the announcement that the Government would demand the suppression of alcohol. France, he said, must make efforts corresponding with Germany's. The French newspapers do not regard the peace offer seriously, pointing out that it is made at a time when Britain, Russia, and France are concentrating for greater efforts. It is taken to indicate that military and civilian exhaustion is approaching in Germany. The Times correspondent with the French headquarters writes: "The French so'cliers scout the peace offer. They want the war fought to a finish." RUSSIAN OPINION. The Time.: correspondent at Petrograc 1 advises that Germany's latest attempt to divide the Allies has fallen absolutely flat. The Duma unanimously resolved against entering upon any peace negotiations whatever at the present time. The resolution expressed the belief that the peace proposals are a now proof that the enemy is weakening, and that they are a hypocritical attempt to shift the responsibility of the war on others. The resolution declares that a premature peace would not only be short, but would raise tho danger

of a new and bloody war. Real peace can! be possible only after the enemy's military power has been decisively broken and after Germany definitely renounces the aspirations which rendered her blameable for the present struggle. In the Duma the Foreign Minister said that Germany's offer had not surprised the Allies. She had previously put out feelers for a separate peace, and now, recognising her powerlessness to break the unshakable alliances, she had officially proposed negotiations. Their real meaning was an attempt to profit at the last moment from her fleeting territorial conquests before her domestic weakness was revealed. Russia indignantly repudiated the mere idea of suspending the struggle against the enemy, whose forces were shaken hut unbroken. Germany was seeking a breathing space by a deceitful offer. The inflexible decision of Russia and the complete agreement of the Allies allowed of no subterfuge to prevent the carrying on of the war till the enemy was crushed.

WAS AN OFFER MADE TO BELGIUM? The Daily Telegraph states that from an unimpeachable source it has been gathered that Germany offered Belgium peace, and threatened that if the offer were not accepted she would destroy monuments, buildings, and even towns. , The Daily Telegraph says the Central Powers have offered Belgium the following terms : —Belgium to insist upon immediate peace; Germany to restore her independence and financially assist her economic rehabilitation. The Belgian Legation in London denies that there was any recent Austro-German offer of peace to Belgium. JAPAN'S VIEWS. The peace proposals came as a surprise to Japan. There was a panic on the Stock Exchange, and shares fell heavily. The Exchange has been closed till the 16th inst. The New York Herald's Tokio correspondent learns that Japan will not consider peace on a status quo ante helium basis. Japan will stand staunchly by her allies until Prussian militarism is overthrown. Japanese statesmen" will not consent to the restoration of Kiao Chau and the islands in the Pacific. They may approve of the return of Kiao Ghau to China, but are determined to drive out the German menace from Asia. EXCITEMEnTIn GERMANY. Berlin was beflagged, and a crowd mim bering 100,000 gathered round the Reich stag on Tuesday night. The city was deeply excited on Wednesday, nervous, ecstatic hope prevailing. German telegrams show that the masses firmly believe that the Government's offer brings peace within measurable distance. There were frenzied scenes in Berlin when the purport of von Bethmann-Hollweg's speech was known. Men rushed wildly from cafes, and women crowded the churches, where Protestant pastors and Roman Catholic priests offered extempore prayers for peace. The scenes showed how heavily the nightmare of war weighs upon the German people. The excitement was reflected on the Berlin and Frankfurt Bourses. Shares rose with astounding rapidity, but collapsed with equal suddenness on receipt of the unfavourable forecasts of the Allies' answer Popular excitement continues at feve* pitch. There were crowds standing a!) night in a snowstorm outside the news paper offices hoping for good news fror, the Entente capitals. There are great rejoicings among th* German soldiers on the various BelgianDutch frontier places, for they believt peace to be imminent. Their behaviour everywhere is that of a victorious army. The Daily Telegraph's Rotterdam correspondent says : "An unexpected sequel to the peace proposals is a great crop of extravagant, optimistic rumours in Germany, culminating in the widely-believed fable, that the belligerents have begun to discuss the terms. This rumour spread like wildfire, necessitating inspired cautions in the newspapers warning the people that nothing has happened beyond what has been officially announced." Horse meat is retailing at 3s per lb. MORE FRIGHTFULNESS THREATENED. German newspapers are surprised at the Allies' coolness" towards the peace proposals. They blame Great Britain, towards whom they are adopting a menacing tone. The Rhenish Westphalen paper threatens the Allies with ruthless and most bloody warfare if the offer is rejected. German agents are disseminating rumours of " frightfulness " if the Entente Powers reject the peace proposals, including the blockading of Great Britain by 400 submarines and scattering germladen bombs in London. General von Bernhardi, in the Vossische Zeitung, writes : " Germany's peace term.-? concerning the west should contain a prohibition of Belgium having an army or anindependent diplomatic representatives." HIXDENBURG'S CONGRATULATIONS. Marshal von Hindenburg telegraphed to Dr von Bethmann-HoUwog, congratulating him on his speech, which he had read " with deep emotion and great satisfaction. It is a great moral demonstration of the strength of Germany." Von Hindenburg addst "We soldiers know that there is not a higher or holier duty than prosecuting the war to victory with enr utmost energy, and living and dying for the Koi«er and the FatherTand." Dr von Bethmann-Hollweg replied : "The deeds of the army on land and water have cleared the way for this magnanimous decision bv the Kaiser and his allies. If

our enemies are not pleased to terminate the war to-day our soldiers will fight on to secure for the Fatherland a strong and lasting peace." AUSTRO-HUNGARY. Count Karoly's party in the Hungarian Parliament are demanding the terms of the peace offer. Count Tisza's speech in the Hungarian Chamber reveals the fact that Count Burian initiated the peace proposals. He approached Austria's allies, who sympathetically received his proposals. THE UNITED STATES RECEIVES THE NOTE. ■ The United States Department has received Germany's Peace Note. It ; s identical with the published text above. It is officially announced that the United States has forwarded the Central Powers' peace proposals to the Entente without comment. OPINION IN THE UNITED STATES. The peace proposals from the Central Powers came as a distinct surprise to official and diplomatic circles in the United States. The prevailing opinion there 's thaht Germany is making her offer in the expectation of making terms acceptable to the allies of Britain, and which in effect might possibly cause the British to yield to the pressure of the nations fighting with her. It is generally acknowledged in Entente circles that Germany is trying to bring about a position where she may make a separate peace. The New York newspapers give prominence to the Reichstag speech, with cross-the-page headings and pictures of the Chancellor and the Kaiser. There was excitement in Wall street over the first announcement, but quieter trading followed due to the belief that the Allies will absolutely refuse to accept peace. The indifference in the J. P. Morgan financial circles is interpreted to mean that the American financial representatives of the Allies will not consider the possibility of peace, believing that Mr Lloyd George, having the organisation for a tremendous offensive, is determined resolutely to pursue the war. The New York Times says: " Germany knows that she cannot win. The food scarcity reaches the verge of starvation, but her overtures cannot be dismissed as a clever manoeuvre. Such a view would put the Allies deplorably in the wrong. The Allies in a joint statement should proclaim definitely the purpose for which they are fighting, and they would thus retain the neutrals' goodwill. The New York Herald says: "The Allies will not overlook the Prussian terms outlined by the Washington Embassy. Count Bernstorff's volte face shows that he has talked too freely, and that another plan has been spoiled owing to his eagerness to outline the terms in the minds of Prussian diplomacy." The New York Sun characterises the peace offer as Berlin's " trial ball." Stocks continued to decline in New York 3 to 10 points, and there were wild

disorders following rumours that peace was more possible, though the market was slightly stronger at the close. Chicago wheat slumped over the peace rumours. December options, 150 to cents ; May options, 163 to 156 cents. Mr W. J. Bryan has appealed to Mr Lloyd George urging peace negotiations. He says that all international disputes are capable of adjustment by peaceful means, and adds : " Do not, I pray you, by refusing an exchange assume the responsibility for a continuation of the unspeakable' conflict. Your decision may mean life or death to millions of people." Senator A. P. Gardner has introduced a resolution asking the United States Congress not to participate in promoting an unjust peace on the ground that Americashould not support peace unless it provided for the return of all territories' now occupied, payment of indemnities to the Allies, and the disarmament of Germany. LORD NORTHCLIFFE'S OPINION. Lord Northcliffe, in the course of an interview with a United Press representative, said: " The peace move is due to food shortage in Germany, the strained relations of Germany, Austria, and Turkey, and the fact that Germany knows that Great Britain will have thrice the number of guns and shells that Germany will have in 1917. The proposals have been received in England with contempt, and she is gratified that America has seen through the bluff. The Allies stand firm as a rock." CANADIAN OPINION. The Canadian papers are unanimous in declaring that the German peace proposals are premature and should be refused. Sir R. L. Borden (Premier), who is on a recruiting tour, said the determination of the people of Canada was that there should be no truce, but there must be peace, which means peace for many years to come. Sir George Foster, Acting Prime Minister of Canada, has telegraphed to Mr Lloyd George: "Canada will stand with you and the Empire for a vigorous prosecution of the war until complete victory is attained." DUTCH OPINION. Dutch opinion is that the language of the Note and its presentation when the Allies are appointing strong Cabinets show the hollowness of the German proposals. The Kaiser, recognising Germany's unpopularity throughout the world, is merely making a Machiavellian attempt to injure the Entente Powers in the eyas of neutral nations. AUSTRALIAN VIEWS. Press and public opinion is sceptical regarding the peace proposals. It is considered that Herr von Bethmann-Hollweg is bluffing with ulterior motives, and in order to cover the real position in Germany. Peace on German terms is unthinkable. Mr Hughes declares that a peace which

would not punish Germany would be an outrage against all laws human and divine, and one that would not prevent a recurrence of present horrors would be a hollow mockery. In reply to questions in the House of Representatives Mr Hughes (Prime Minister) stated that he had not received any communication from the Imperial Government regarding Germany's peace proposals. He added, amid a dramtic expression of approval from members :" Untill the international criminal Germany s no longer able to outrage the world there will be no peace." Mr Hughes, evading the question whether he intended to ask that Australia be consulted before peace terms are agreed upon, said the terms had been considered by the British Government, and its opinion expressed thereon. He would be glad to lay them before the House to enable r» embers to express their views. THE RAND. The Rand newspapers denounce the peace offer as a clever attempt to' disunite the Allies. MR MASSEY'S VIEWS. Mr Massey, speaking at the Hotel Cecil, said that whether the proposals were serious or not peace negotiations should not be entered upon until the Germans were driven beyond the Rhine and expelled from all occupied territory. A MAORI OPINION. A meeting of representative East Coast Maoris passed a resolution that, while cordially endorsing an honourable termination of the present world struggle, no terms of peace will be acceptable which do not include full reparation to the nations wronged' by Germany for her unparalleled outrages against humanity. Failing this, they desire, at whatever sacrifice, to continue the fight. THE POWERS DECLINE. Semi-official : Statements from all the Entente capitals indicate the refusal of the German peaco offer.