Wilson’s Latest

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 24, 22 December 1916, Page 5

Wilson’s Latest

TALK FROM AMERICA.

WILSON’S LATEST FOLLY.

, 'ILL-TIMED INTERFERENCE.

Press Association—Copyright, Austra lisa and N.Z. Cable Association.

(Received' 1.20 tt.rti.) s , ■■ New York, December 21. An American’ -Note, signed by Mr Lansingj says : The President has instructed me to suggest a course of action regarding the war which he hopes your Government will consider, as it is-suggested in the friendliest spirit. Coming not only from a friend, but also from the representative of a neutral whose interests are seriously affected by the war, and whose concern is for the war’s early' conclusion, there arises the manifest, necessity to determine how best to safeguard these interests. The President has long had a suggestion in mind. He is somewhat embarrassed to offer it at this particular time, be- . cause it may seem to have been prompted by the recent overtures of the Central Powers. It was not suggested by them, ,but the President considers the question pf peace may best be considered in j connection with other proposals havgj .the same view. The President begs that the suggestion be considered entirely on its merits. The President suggests that an early occasion be sought to ask the belligerents’ views on terms of peace, and their opinions as to an arrangement which would be a satisfactory guarantee against the renewal or kindling of any similar conflict in future. This, would make it possible to frankly compare views. The President is indifferent regarding the means taken to accomplish this. He would be happy to serve, eVen to take the initiative in any way acceptable. He calls attention to the fact that objects which the belligerents’ statesmen on both sides have in. l mind are virtually the same, as they have stated in general terms that each side desires to secure' the rights and privileges of weak peoples’ states against aggression, also to secure the rights and privileges of great belligerents. Each would be jealous of the formation of any more rival leagues to preserve the uncertain balance of power amidst the multiplying suspicions, but would be ready to consider a League of Nations. Before the final step can be taken, each deems if necessary to settle the issue of war tdrms which would safeguard the independence, territorial integrity, and ‘the political and commercial freedom of the Nations involved. The United States is vitally and directly interested in the measures to secure future peace, and also in the means to be adopted to relieve the smaller and weaker peoples; of the perils of wrong ami violence. the United States is ready and egger to co-operate with every influence and resource at her command, but the War must first be concluded. The terms whereupon it must be concluded the United States is not at liberty to' suggest, but the President feels that it is his right and duty to point out his interests in the conclusion of the War, lest he be too late to accomplish the great things lying before' its conclusion, lest the situation of the Neutrals become intolerable, and lest, above all, injury be caused to Civilisation which cun never be atoned. The President,

therefore, feels justified in suggesting the immediate opportunity for a comparison of views regarding the terms which must precede the peace arrangements. If the contest must continue towards undefined ends by slow attrition, until one group is exhausted, and if millions of human lives must continue to be offered until one side have no more to offer, resentment will be but kindled which 'will never cool, the liopes of peace will be rendered vain and idle, and the’ life of the entire world will 'be profoundly affected. No Nation stands outside its influence or beyond its disturbing effects, yetmthe concrete objects for which the. war was waged were never definitely stated. The leaders of the belligerents stated the objects in general 'terms', 1 but they never avowed the precise objects which would satisfy them, and the world was left to conjecture what would be the definite results of the guarantees of territorial changes or readjustments', and what would he the stages of military success that would bring the war to an end. It may he that peace is nearer than we know, that the terms are not so irreconcilable as some feared, and that an interchange of views would clear the way for a conference. •

The President is not proposing peace. He is not even offeiing mediation. He is merely proposing that soundings he taken in order to ascertain how near is the haven of peace for which all mankind has an intense and increasing longing. He believes that the spirit wherein he speaks and the objects for which 'he seeks are understood by all concerned; and he confidently hopes for a response which will bring new light into the world’s affairs, and which will insure the world’s peace and justice. (Received 9.15 a.m.) Washington, December 21. Surprise amounting to profound sensation was caused by President Wilson’s notes. It is pointed out that it was prepared prior to Mr Lloyd George’s speech.

The Germaii-American papers are delighted, and say .that President Wilson has won enduring fame. The New York Times does not think the Note will do any harm, but disagrees with President M ilson that the objects of all the belligerents are the same. Fortunately, the Times says, President Wilson does not offer mediation. The Herald says: The action will be construed in direct relation to Berlin’s cry for peace. If the sus-, picion is unwarranted, the coincidence is striking. The New York World says: Hie request is certainly without an ulterior or selfish motive, therefore it cannot be ignored. There has been a further sharp "decline in stocks in Wall Street.

Mr Lansing (Secretary of State) explains the Peace Note as a preliminary to the United States- asserting itself against all the belligerents which invaded its rights, and that it is not unlikely that the United Stajtes is drawing near to - the verge of war.

THE OFFICIAL EXPLANATION.

Press Associntioa —Copyngnt. Anstnr iiae and N.Z. Cable Association

(Received 1.40 p.m.) New York, December r I ■ Mr Lansing explains that the loin of President Wilson’s Note is due to American rights having been invaded. The situation is intolerable, and cannot continue long, America being on the verge of war; therefore he is entitled to know what the belligerents

seek, for the purpose of regulating America’s future conduct.

THE NOTE SUPPRESSES. j _ i BRITISH CENSOR AT WORK. Press Assn.—Copyright.—Australian Cable Association. ' (Received 9.30 a.m.) I New York, December 21. I Private advices from London state that the British censor suppressed President Wilson’s Peace Note. There is intense indignation in Britain at President Wilson’s action. ' FIERCE PRESS COMMENT. j Press Association—Copyright. I Reuter’s Telegrams. (Received 9.30 a.m.) Vancouver, December 21. ! The Tribune calls the President's ‘ plan a mistake, and adds: “A Nation : that did not protest when Belgium was invaded becomes known to-day and henceforth as the purveyor of. German peace as a profit-making manoeuvre.” SOCIALIST PEACE MEETING PROHIBITED. ; Press Association —Copyright, Ausua | liaa and N.Z. Cable Association. j Amsterdam, December 21. Tlie police prohibited a great Social- f ist peace meeting from being held at Leipzig. CONFERENCE SUGGESTIONS. [nut rtvohoiW A._ GERMAN INSPIRATION. | (Received 10.5 a.m.) Washington, December 20. Officials opine there is still a possibility of a Conference. Count Bernstorff expects a further exchange of Notes. Germany may offer concessions, hut will be unwilling to state specific terms prior to the Conference.