GERMAN REPLY TO AMERICA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3277, 3 January 1917, Page 17

GERMAN REPLY TO AMERICA.

Germany, in her reply, says: "President Wilson's Note leaves the choice of road open. Therefore, in the sense of her declaration in the cable of December 12, Germany proposes as the most appropriate road an immediate conference of belligerents at a neutral meeting-place." The Note adds: " The work of preventing future wars can begin only after the present war is ended, when Germany will be ready to collaborate with America in this exalted task."

Germany's reply states that Pres: lent Wilson's high-minded suggestion of the creation of a basis for the establishment of lasting peace will be considered by Germany in the friendly spirit expressed in the Note, but the great work can be taken up only after the ending of the present conflict of exhaustion. United States officials are of opinion that the German reply will not be acceptable to the Allies, because it does not state any terms, thus evading the fundamental purpose of President Wilson's Note. Count Bernstorff, German Ambassador to the United States, says that Uermany's Note constitutes an acceptance) of everything suggested in President Wilson's Note. American opinion regards the German reply as a deliberate rebuff to President Wilson, unless he has received confidential information in the meanwhile. American papers state that Germany's reply is most disappointing, and the United States officials regard it as most unsatisfactory and evasive, greater frankness having been expected. It is a shock to the Administration, and President Wilson is chagrined and disappointed. Nearly all the. papers admit that Germany's reply evades the issue. The peace negotiations are exciting the closest interest in the United States. President Wilson is having daily consultations with Mr Lansing. Officials assert that complete failure of the negotiations will be followed by a most serious crisis with Germany on the submarine issue. Correspondents believe that Germany's peace terms are known to Count Bernstorff, who has been invested with extrapowers in order to deal with the situation. President Wilson expects a supplementary Note from Mr Gerard, in Berlin, am. plifying Germany's reply. Count Bernstorff hints that Germany is ready secretly to inform Mr Wilson of her terms.

The German Embassy to the United States has issued an inspired statement that if the Entente Powers consider guarantees for the future essential there might be some declaration of principles, to which Germany would be willing to subscribe, leaving details to settlement at a conference. ALLEGED GERMAN INTENTIONS The Cologne Gazette, in an inspired leading article, states : " Germany intends returning the Baltic provinces to Russia. The new position of Poland cannot be changed, but by losing Poland Russia will be able to form a united homogeneous empire. Germany is unable to allow Constantinople to go to Russia, but is willing to try. to arrange with Turkey that all warships and merchantmen may use the straits of the Bosphorus and Dardanelles." The Vossische Zeitung £ays: "We be lieve the question of the Dardanelles can be solved satisfactorily for Russia without continuing the fighting." The Vorwarts contains a remarkable hint that France would find Germany's terms very favourable to her. The French do not know how good is the p-eace that the could obtain now. The Yorwarts hints that it might be better to state the terms openly instead of keeping them secret until the proposed conference. The New York World's Washington correspondent understands that Germany is prepared— To abandon her demand for the inde pendence of Poland and Lithuania. To evacuate Russia, Belgium, and France. To restore and indemnify Belgium and admit that its invasion was illegal, but .-in unavoidable military necessity. Germany, in turn, demands the territorial integrity of Germany's allies and the restoration of the German colonies. The Manchester Guardian says it is believed that Germany's peace formula provides that Germany shall retire on to her western frontiers and rebuild Belgium herself. The Alsace-Lorraine boundary may be altered by a separate, commission. An independent Poland and Lithuania. Germany to retire from the Baltic provinces to her old frontiers. Italy to keep Gorizia. An American commission to settle the Balkan boundaries. Germany would agree to the loss of her colonics except East Africa.

GERMAN SOLDIERS FAVOUR PEACE.

The German commanders on the eastern front informed their troops that the Central Empires were after peace. There was great jubilation among the Austro German troops, the men solemnly and pompously singing hymns in celebration of what they described as the beginning of peace nc-go-tiations. The German commanders led their men to believe that the Allies would accept the peace offer joyfully. The Russians, in the midst of the Teutonic rejoicings, opened a heavy lire, and completely nonplussed the enemy, who ceased their hymns and seized their rifles. The enemy frequently hoisted placards on the breastworks of the trenches depicting Russians and Germans shaking hands. The Russian sharpshotters promptly riddled the boards with bullets. AUSTRIA SAID TO BE WAVERING. The text of the Austrian reply to Mr Wilson's Note- differs slightly from the reply originally issued. The text embodies the following paragraph :—" The Austrian Government concurs in the opinion of the

President that only after the termination of the present war will it be possible to undertake the great and desirable work of the prevention of further wars. At the appropriate time Austria will be ready to co-operate in the realisation of this noble aim."

The Daily News's Geneva correspondent reports:- "A party of Austrian diplomatists arrived here. It is believed that Austria, though unwilling to de.-:ert Germany, is prepared to negotiate direct with England and France. Her idea is that, as Austria, England, and France have not yet met in actual hostilities, they might/ discuss evacuation questions at a full conference of belligerents, preferably at Geneva."

On Christmas Day peace demonstrations were held throughout Austria. Prominent Socialists addressed great gatherings in Vienna, the police not interfering. The New Y ork Tribune says : " We have the highest authority for the statement that Austria is near the point of secession from her alliance, owing to acute economic stress. FRANCE'S REPLY. The French Senate carried a resolution that France cannot discuss peace terms while her enemies occupy French territory. The war must be concluded victoriously. The German paper Vorwarts says regarding the resolution: "This conception of honour amounts to fanaticism. If the French believe it is possible forcibly to drive the Germans from French soil, they may calculate on the slaughter of their entire male population. France will never win a more favourable peace than now."

THE CZAR OF RUSSIA'S MESSAGE. In the course of his message to the Rus sian army and navy on December 25 the Czar savs:

" It is upwards of two years since Germany, in the midst of peace and after long and secretly preparing to enslave all the nations of Europe, suddenly attacked Russia and our faithful ally France, compelling Britain to join us. Germany's complete disdain of international law, da monstrated by the violation of Belgium and her pitiless cruelty to tho peaceful inhabitants of the occupied provinces, gradually united the Great Powers against Aus-tria-Germany. Under the pressure of the Germans, who were well provided with technical aid 3 to warfare, Russia and France -were compelled in 1914 to give up portion of their territory, but this tem porary reverse did not break the spirit of the Allies." " Peace at this moment would mean failure to utilise the fruits of untold trials of his heroic troops and fleet. Who dared to think that he who commenced this war should have it in his to conclude it at any time he liked? Pea<o could come only after the enemy had been driven from the Russian borders, and then only when finally broken so as to give the Allies reliable proof of tho impossibility of a repetition of trea-chcrous attack. By the strength of these guarantees they would be bound to secure fulfilment in peace of those things they had undertaken." "The concentrated efforts of the Govern ment gradually reduced the inequalities between the Russian and German technical resources, while even from tho autumn of 1915 the enemy Avere experiencing the difficulty of retaining a single portion of Russian soil, and in the spring and summer of 1916 suffered a number of severe defeats and assumed the defensive along the whole front. Their strength is apparently waning, but the strength of Russia and' her gallant allies continues to grow. Germany, aware that the hour of her complete defeat and retribution is near, offers to enter into peace negotiations, hoping to complete them before her military talent is exhausted; but the Allies, including mighty England and noble Italy, are so strong as to be able to choose their own time to make peace. That time has not yet arrived. The enemy are not yet ejected from the occupied provinces. Russia's task of regaining Constantinople and the Dardanelles, and creating a free Poland, is not yet accomplished. " To conclude peace would mean failure to utilise the fruits of Russia's unfold trials. Who dares think that the precipitator of war has it in his power to conclude the war whenever he chooses? I do not doubt that every faithful son of Holy Russia in the firing line, or of England, with her industrial increase and sea strength, is convinced that peace is only possible when the enemy has been finally broken, so as to give reliable proof of the impossible repetition of a treacherous attack and a firm assurance that ho will keep the promises he is bound by the strength of the guarantees to fulfil in peace time the obligations thus undertaken. Let us be firm in the certainty of victory and the All Highest will bless our standards and cover them afresh with glory and a final peace worthy of your heroism." Street criers read the Czar's order, and also posted it on hoardings, thus dispelling the effect of the peace agitation. Great crowds assembled in the streets, and wore enthusiastic. OTHER RUSSIAN VIEWS. The New York World obtained an interview with the President of the Russian Duma, M. Rcdzianko, regarding the peace Note, and he said : "Speaking for a body of the Russian people, I can say that to talk peace when the Allies are finally prepared adequately to meet Germany only offends us. We can begin to talk peace only 'when Germany is beaten to her knees."

M. Pontrowski, the new Foreign Minister, informed press representatives that after the war the military alliance between Russia, France, and Britain would be consolidated by a close economic union. The war would be continued, he added, a l'outrance till a decisive victory was won. President Wilson's Xote could not alter the situation. The Allies would reply fully, but would refuse Mr Wilson'.? proposal. They would reiterate that they

rm 1 —* would continue the war until restoration of the ravaged territories, and until th* existence of small nations had been secured and a now world-conflagratiou rendered impossible. The Minister indicated that furtber military mea-mres would be taken to finally end Greek vacillations. In consequence of the receipt of th« Peace Motes subscriptions to the Russian war loan are increasing.

JAPAN LOYAL TO THE ALLIES. Japan notifies her entire adhesion to all the Allies' decisions regarding the German* American, and Swiss Notes. OPINIONS IN BRITAIN. The significance of the possible result* of the American Note are the dominant theme of public discussion and many pulpit references, including a striking denun* ciation by the Dean of Westminster preaching in the Abbey. A crowd, consisting chiefly of soldiers, broke up a peace demonstration in Trafalgar square. The police protected ths speakers The Daily Chronicle's New York correspondent reveals the inner history of the Note, which was due to the machinations of Count Bernstorff. The Germans are now, it says, en' deavouring to make Mr Wilson the depository of pretended secret terms, thus sealing his mouth and making a diplomatic break impossible. The Manchester Guardian, analysing th» press criticisms of President Wilson's Note, warns the Government against a hasty or ill-considered reply. It believes that the Note, if wisely answered, will only help the allied cause and emphasise the weak* ness of the German position. The Guardian warns the Allies against being betrayed into playing Germany's game if they put themselves m the wrong with America. THE VATICAN. A Swiss wireless states that Austria and Germany are strenuously endeavouring to induce the Pope to support the peace overtures. The Morning Post's Rome correspondent reports that his Holiness the Pope, in replying to the Cardinals' Christmas greeting, did not refer to President Wilsons Peace Note. This remarkable omission is widely commented upon. The Pope restricted himself to generalities regarding the horrors of war and the blessmgs ol peace. His Holiness the Pope will not issue a peace Note, considering that peace efforts are premature after the Czar's manifesto. M. Caillaux, an ex-French Minister, and a disturbing element in French politics until driven out of power by the scandal* following on his wife shooting dead M. Calmette, editor of Figaro, who had published some violent attacks on her husband, recently visited Rome. It is believed that he came as ft peace missionary, stating that Germany was prepared to treat France liberally and grant Italy almost the whole of her ambitions at Austria's expense, Germany recouping; her own war sacrifices in the East and the Balkans.

M. Caillaux met with several rebuffs, including the Vatican, where he failed to obtain a papal audience. It is reported that the Italian Government was on the point of requesting M. Caillaux to depart, but he had already started. It is supposed that M. Caillaux represents certain international financiers. SWITZERLAND'S PEACE NOTE. Switzerland's Peace JNote to the bet Hgerents, after reciting the fact that tin Swiss Federal Council has been for a considerable time in touch with President Wilson, guided therein by the desire that hostilities may soon end, and after reviewing those portions of President Wilson's Note discussing the desirability of international agreements, together with the necessity for bringing an end to the present war, says: "The most meritorious personal initiative on the part of President Wilson will find a mighty echo in Switzerland. True to the obligation arising from the observation of strict neutrality, and united byj the same friendship for the States of both warring groups, situated like an island 1» the midst of the seething waves of a terrible war, with our ideals and mutual interests most sensibly jeopardised < and violated, Switzerland is ready to assist by its small means to establish the foundations for the beneficial co-operation of all peoples. The Swiss Federal Council la therefore glad to seize the opportunity to support the efforts of the President of th« United States, and would consider itself happy if it could act in any way, no matter how modest, for the rapprochement of the peoples now engaged in the struggle and for reaching a lasting peace." DANISH, SWEDISH, AND NORWEGIAN AGREEMENT. It having been alleged that a Swedish Peace Note had been presented to the belligerents, the Swedish Legation in London denies Sweden's adherence to the American and Swiss Peace Notes. ti adds: "After Entente Ministers' speeches and the Czar's manifesto, all steps towards a conference would be premature." The Danish, Swedish, Rnd Norwegian Governments, after mutual negotiations, have instructed their Ministers to inform the belligerents cf their agreement with President Wilson's Note. They express their warmest sympathy with all effort* made to end the sufferings and moral and material losses which are steadily increasing through the war. The Dutch branch of the League o£ Neutral Nations has passed a, resolution to the effect that the spirit animating the Central Empires will endanger the world's peace and the political and economio independence of the neutral countries j therefore the war of liberation must bt continued until the Allies have gained A

complete victory, which is essential in the interests of entire htimanitjo CONGRESS OF SOCIALISTS. Mr Arthur Henderson, M.P., and Mr O. H. Roberts, M.P., were among the jpeakers at the Socialist Congress \n

France. Mr Henderson received an ovation when lie declared that England was resolved to continue the war until Prussianism was smashed. Mr Henderson emphasised the view that militarism, with the inevitable consequence of armaments, suspicions, and aggressions was Democracy's greatest enemy. "War," he said, "is the brutal negation of our high ideals of brotherhood and internationalism. We cannot remain under the constant menace of military aggression. It forced to maintain big armies for our safety, we cannot develop. We should be on the road to ruin. Hence our light for a lasting peace which nothing can disturb. To make peace now, even to think of peace at any time, without getting a complete indemnity for the past and absolute security for the future, would be to betray the cause of liberty." Mr Van der Velde, Belgian Minister, said tho Belgians were still confident and courageous. Any idea of peace could not be entertained until France, Belgium, and Serbia had been liberated.

j Mr Roberts denounced the hypocrisy of ! Germany's proposals, and pointed out that ; they emanated from the original disturbers | of the world's peace. i The French Socialists passed a resoluj tion affirming that Germany's Note does I not constitute a genuine peace proposal, • nor contain terms. The congress asks I that the Allies' reply shall stale that the j Allies desired peace, but accepted war ! courageously, and that they are now ready I for peace, provided reparation is made, i together with, the ending of injustices and j of militarism, and the establishing of a [ league of free rations. GERMANY'S REAL POSITION. The Daily Chronicle's Amsterdam correspondent recounts a remarkable conversation between a German of high social status and a Dutch visitor. The German admitted that Germany has been beaten by starvation, not by arms, and that this is England's doing alone. : Germany's only mistake was that her fleet was not large enough, but in Hie next three years she will create a fleet which will annihilate England. It was for this reason that she hns carefully preserved her fleet in the present war. Germany now, he said, after some show I of hypocritical diplomatic resistance, will concede every British demand, even al nndoning her allies and giving up the Kaiser; but on the day that peace is signed sho

will begin to prepare for settling accounts with England. The German added that great masses of workers in Germany regard the new compulsory civilian work with the deepest suspicion and distrust. There have been frequent huge demonstrations of workers at Essen, Cologne, and other centres, at which the men demanded an immediate increase of wages to meet the high prices. Sudden strikes in various directions indicate that, despite all repression, the workmen are beginning secretly to reorganise against the general severity of conditions. It is understood, he added, that the Government's projected wholesale compulsory municipal feeding is intended not only to control stocks of food to the best advantage, but to liberate an immense number of women from domestic work for labour of a direct national or military character. This combing out is expected to provide another four million German soldiers of one sort or another.

A SYDNEY DOMAIN MEETING. A big anti-conscription and peace demonstration in the Sydney Domain protested against panic legislation, in vieu* of the grave danger of lawful associations, including Labour bodies, being hampered in their efforts for reform. The meeting further expressed the hope that Britain and her allies would be undeterred by the vauntings of the bellicose press, and would give grave consideration to President Wilson's Note Many peace sermons were preached in Svdnev and suburban churches on the 24th ult. MISCELLANEOUS. Brazil, Argentine, and Chile have given in their adherence to President Wilson's Note. The Novoe Vremya suggests that German influences at Washington prompted President Wilson's Note. Authoritative circles in Holland regard Germany's promptness in replying to President Wilson as an indication of urgency in escaping overwhelming internal difficulties and securing peace at all costs while the military situation is favourable to her.

German agents at The Hague are discreetly inquiring as to hotel accommodation for peace delegates. On the Exchange at Rotterdam and on the Berlin Exchanges on the 23rd there was heavy betting that peace would be signed before August, 1917. The Premier of Spain denies the state ment from German sources that Spain has given her adhesion to Pie American and Swiss isotes. The Government has informed President Wilson that it is- unable to support his Peace Note.