PEACE TALK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3315, 26 September 1917, Page 17

PEACE TALK.

THE CENTRAL POWERS.

American papers allege that tho Pope haa made a last peace proffer, believing that the 'war must continue two or three years, and that tho full effect of tho United States power must be fclt_ before it ends. The Vatican will publish all its diplomatic papers after tho war. j Germany's reply to the Papal Note claims that for 26 years the Kaiser proved hia desiro to preserve peace. Germany did not start the war, which has throughout been waged for tho defence of Germany. Her Allies first showed a disposition to terminate hostilities. The German nation Stands firm behind the Emperor. Germany is anxious to participate peacefully tn economic competition with all nations. The Government had carefully examined the Pope's proposals, and discussed them with the people's representatives. They Would welcome a condition whero moral forco and justice should replace the might of arms. From this reform there- would result a system of international arbitration and tho gradual reduction of armaments. Germany _ entirely agreed with the suggestion _ for the" stipulation of guarantee* for tho simultaneous limitation of armaments, with' true liberty for all peoples and free use of the seas. These ideals phould form the ba.~is of international relations In future, and the nations would then bo left tho task of solving international disputes in accordance with the new spirit of tho times. Tho German Government will therefore support every proposal compatible with tho vital interests of the German Empire and people. Tho geographical situation makes Germany dependent on peaceful communication with her neighbours and countries overseas. No nation has more reason than Germany to dcoiro tho replacement of the present general hatred by a spirit of reconciliation.

Then it will not be difficult to settle tho outstanding matters in dispute. The reply expresses tho hope that Germany's enemies will find in the Papal proposals a suitable basis for preparing peace conditions in agreement with tho spirit of justice and the situation in Europe. Austria says the futuro of tho world must bo based on tho elimination of armed force and tho introduction of a rulo of international justice and legality. Austria is prepared to submit international disputes to compulsory arbitration. Armaments on land, sea, and air should bo reduced simultaneously and reciprocally; gradually the high seas should bo opened equally for tho use of all. Tho Austrian Note adds: " We are prepared to enter into negotiations on this proposal, and it should not then be difficult to settle other questions in a spirit of justice." The Tageblatt's Vienna correspondent states that Turkey's and Bulgaria's replies to tho Pope were delivered on tho 22nd, Turkcv demands her territory inviolate, and Bulgaria demands, the regulation of hei frontiers. OPINIONS ON THE REPLIES. Littlo importance is attached by British official circles to tho Central Powers' reply to the Pope. The newspapers describe it as vague and hypocritical, leaving tho situation unaltered. Its most notable feature is the lack of reference to the restoration of and restitution to the invaded countries. The French newspapers regard the general tenor of the Central Powers' replies to the Popo as devoid of sense. .They contain no distinct or concrete indications of any sort. Unofficial reports from Rome indicate that the Vatican has received private communications from Vienna and Berlin for the Pope's personal guidance, and on these will greatly depend any future Pontifical peace action. Vatican circles believe that the published replies wero to a great extent framed for particular homo consumption. Tho Gionale d'ltalia states that the Austrian and German replies have created two different views at tho Vatican. While Cardinal Gasparri considers them wholly unsatisfactory, the Pope regards them as adhering to the Pontifical suggestions. It is believed that the Holy See will reply by verbal Notes, hoping io obtain more specific statements. The Cardinal-archbishop of Budapest presided over a pacifist meeting there. Herr Erzberger was the principal speaker, and Count Karolyi and other Hungarian politicians, were present. The meeting carried a resolution in favour of peace, on tho basis of the Papal Note. The New York Sun satirises Germany s reply by writing it "as Wilhelm would if ho were deprived of the ability for lying." The New York Tribune says: "Tho devil quotes Holy Writ when it suits his purpose. The Kaiser cynically misjudges the civilised world's capacity for righteous indignation." The New York Herald says : "The replies are scraps of paper, quite valueless to any. but a junkerman. An unconditional surrender Note must come." The officials comment on the apparent sincerity of the Austrian reply. The Now York World's Stockholm correspondent reports that Herr Maximilian Harden, in a speech in Berlin, said he was convinced that peace can be had this year if Germany deolares she will not subjugate Belgium in any form.

ANOTHER NOTE CONTEMPLATED. The Pope is contemplating sendmg a new Note to the. belligerents after tho Allies' replies have been received, saying that the questions upon which they all agree represent the foundation of a new order of worldly things,, "and a new era of peace for humanity. The secondary problems can easily bo adjusted through goodwill and friendly discussion. Cardinal Gasparri, Pontifical Secretary of State, favours the suppression of conscription, and the institution of a boycott against the nation which first attempts to restore it. A telegram from Berlin states that Dr Michaelis will make a peace statement in the Reichstag on tho 27th inst. .A NOTABLE SPEECH. Herr Erzberger, in a speech to his constituents, said the practical effect of submarines on England was not noticeable, and England remained unconquered. Before voting a new war loan the Reichstag should consider a way to shorten the war. The fourth year would cost £2.500,000,000, while 1250 men were killed daily. The world's harvest was bad, and a general shortage of coal; fat, and leather was causing greater hardship this winter than during the past three winters put together. They could not have a peaoe dependent on might and oppression. Germany's answer to tho Pope would greatly disappoint the Pan-Germans. Thero would be a big stride towards a world peace, based on tho Reichstag's resolution. The basic conditions would be that no nation must be subdued by another. [Tho Reichstag's resolution referred to was somewhat cryptic. It commenced by claiming that Germany was fighting for her freedom an independence; that a forced acquisition of territory and politioal, economic, and financial disabilities were inconsistent with tho lasting peace which the Reichstag desired; protesting against tho economic blockade after tho war. demanding tho freedom of the seas, and advocating the establishment of an International Court.] The newspaper Germania (Catholic) has been suspended for publishing Herr Erzberger's speech in full. BELGIUM'S FATE. In a notable article the Munchener Neuesto Nachrichton says: "Germany still holds Belgium firmly, and this fact must bo the starting point for peace negotiations; but Belgium cannot be considered separately, and her fate must be settled with all tho other war problems. Germany is ready to renounce territorial and economic conquests if her enemies are ready to do likewise, especially Britain. Germany would bo willing to restore Belgium's independence under guarantees for her neutrality and the rights of her various nationalities.

The article is attracting much attention, and it is understood that it represents Berlin's official views.

Reuter's .correspondent learns that the Belgian Government has receiver] information during the past three weeks to the effect that portion of the civilian population of Bruges has been removed in order to perform military work behind the Gorman front. All news filtering aeros3 the frontier shows that for two months the civilian population on the new Gorman front in Flanders has been gradually re-

moved towards the rear, only the men who are obliged to work for the army being retained. -GERMAN INTERNAL AFFAIRS. Vorwarts states that a manifesto is boing circulated in Germany stating - -that thd 'citizens of the Fatherland aro in worse peril than in 1914. The enemy to-day aro working in our midst." Tho paper comments that persona responsible for this manifesto want war against their own people, and says: "Let us have it j but the Reichstag must take care that nothing shall interfere with the pcoplo's defenco against agitators for civil war. ' FOOD SHORTAGE IN AUSTRIA. Hundreds of Russian prisoners in Austria aro dying daily from starvation. Doctors do not visit the camps, declaring that food —tho only remedy—is unprocurable. Diplomatic advices to Italy states there have been many riots in Austria-Hungary owing to lack of food. Thousands of people aro making pilgrimages to the shrines, imploring Divino intercession for peace. There is a growing dislike to Prussianism, and German officers aro frequently insulted in the streets.

The Swiss newspapers ai-e urging the Government to prevent the continuous influx of thousands of rich, hungry Germans and Austrians, who are eating up Switzerland's limited food supplies.