War News.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 29, Issue 39, 22 May 1917, Page 6

War News.

PEACE OFFER STILL OPEN. MILITARY POSITION AS GOOD AS EVER. AMSTERDAM, May 16. Herr Roesicke, Conservative leader in the Reichstag, opened a debate on the war aims by inquiring tbe Governn ent’s atitude towards the Socialist Raders' 1 recent decision. Herr Schiedemann, on behalf of the Socialists, inquired whether Dr. von Bethmann Hollweg was ready to endorse the Russian Provisional Government's formula of peace without annexation. Dr. von Bethmann Roilwcg, in the ••oursc of his reply, said he had consistently clung to the peace offer made on December 12th. The rment suggestions of differences of opinion be tween the Central Powers belonged to the realm of imagination. He had always looked favourably upon any prosp< ct of a speedy and favourable termination of the war, but if, as now, the general situation imposed s'lc-me ho would keep silent. He would not swerve from that attitude whatever pressure was brought to bear. Their enemies to-day evinced no abatement of their extravagant aims of conquest and economic annihilation-

"Does anybody,” lie continued, “expect to induce such enemies to conclude peace by a programme of renunciation or abstention? Shall I simply grant them license to continue the wax indefinitely without any risk of losses to themselves? Shall I tell them, ‘AVhutover happens, wo, under all circumstances, will renounce our war aims, whilst you who axe making an attempt upon our existence are free to try conclusions without risks?’ Shall I compromise the Empire by endorsing the in every respect one-sided programme which relinquishes our successes? I decline such a policy, which would imply the meanest ingratitude for the heroic achievements of our people on the battlefields and at home. It would permanently lower the standard of life of the entire nation, and sacrifice the country’s future. ’ ’ The Chancellor said he equally declined to outline a policy of conquest. Germany did not enter the wav to make a conquest, but to defend her existence.

Dr. von Bethmann Hollweg said he did not doubt that an agreement could bo reached with Russia satisfactory to both parties. Germany would not make demands incompatible with the liberty and will of nations.

“By outlining a programme,” ho proceeded, “I would bo only playing tho game of the foreign ruling Powers, and thus facilitate their task of misleading their respective nations, which arc weary of the war, and thereby prolong the war. This would also be mean ingratitude to our soldiers. Regarding Russia, she would appear to decline all plans of conquest by violence. Whether Russia will and can influence her Allies in the same direction I am at present unable to foresee.” Ho did not doubt that England, assisted by her other allies, was endeavouring by all means to bring Russia further under the yoke of Armageddon, and frustrate Russia’s longing for the speedy establishment of the world’s peace.

‘‘ ‘ Our military position is as good perhaps as it has ever been since the beginning of the war,” ho continued. “Our enemies in the West, in spite of the most gigantic losses, are unable to pierce our front. Our submarines are working with increasing success. Neutrals will recognise this, and as far as our duty to Germany permits wo will respect neutrals' interests.

Dr. von Bethmann Hollweg concluded: “Time is working for us, and wo are entitled to believe that, we are approaching the successful- termination of tho war. Then will be the moment to negotiate concerning war aims, regarding which I am in full accoxd with, tho supremo army command. Then we will win a peace giving us liberty to reconstruct by the -powerful use of our forces all that the war has destroyed, so that from so much blood and so many sacrifices the realm and people wii' emerge strong and independent, never to be ‘threatened by enemies, and a protecting tower of peace and industry.”