Peace Talk

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 45, 18 September 1918, Page 5

Peace Talk

CEMENTED ALLIES. BALFOUR'S SOUND ARGUMENT. NO IRRESPONSIBLE CONVERSATIONS. Press Association—\Jopyright, Austria lian and N.Z. v Cable Associs-. , London, September 16. Sir Charles Lucas presided at the ; Colonial Institute luncheon to the overseas journalists. Mr Balfour, supporting the toast of "The Guests," said the Empire, was one in spirit before the war, but had reached a new degree of unity sjhee. "Common sacrifices, made ou a scale ■wholly unimaginable before the war, have cemented us in a closer unity than ever. . Nothing that, can occur can ever dissolve it." Referring to the Austrian peace proposal, he said he had had no opportunity of consulting his colleagues, and therefore what he said most be taken as an individual utterance. The calamities imposed on mankind by the continuance of hostilities were so overwhelming that he would never treat with disrespect any proposal from a responsible quarter, yet he could not honestly say the proposals now made offered the slightest hope of the at-

tainment of peace. Austria suggests conversations without the cassation

of •■hostilities* but under the conditions now prevailing) he was utterly unable to see how conversations could be pro/fitably initiated. Personally he could V see nothing acceptable in the present • pwnosals. During the past four years tueTxermans had not made anything

deserving of being called a peace proposition. "-■'■■.. "Before we reach the irresponsible conversation stage," continued Mr Balfour, "there are bigger questions to he determined, and on these there seems to he no likelihood of an agreement at' present. What is the use, then, of entering into conversations when Germany is 'going to .demand the return of her colonies? Here is a point whereon there can be no-mis-understanding. Germany sfl&nds «* one point; we stand at the other, ft is impossible to conceive any conversation that would bridge a difference so deep as to restore to Germany those populations she misused, or -e----tum naval bases which give her control of communications between parts of the British Empire, as well as between the civilised nations of the world, "The Germans last week si-id Hhey would not give up any pare ol German territory. ' How, then, arc conversations going to deal «'i,n Alsace-Lorraine? Also, Germany >s about to determine the terms of >oivitude she is to impose on t.astern neighbors. That is an exploit 1.0 irresponsible conversations will explain

away. ~ Until the Emperor, the Uinnwlloi, and the Reichstag, were prepared to show an open mind in conformity with what the Allies believe to be the anise of justice, civilisation, and tight,, •■« ventured to say mere conversat.on* would be fruitless.. '1 he pr.blr; oi the Entente countries were passionately desirous of peace, hut they were not so stupid as some of their critics m the Central "Powers suppose. We are, therefore, forced to the conclusion that; the enemy knows there is no chance of the proposals being accepted, but hoped they might do something to divide the Allies and weaken their co-ordinated effort to victory, Which is showing itself on every frbnt. It certainly is not an honest desire to

arrive at an understanding . upon terms which it is possible to use or accept. "The enemy's efforts will not produce division amongst the Allies. Never in the world's history has there been a coalition animated by so strong a, desire for the. common good as the present coalition of tiie 'Allies. ; We will not be victims of the clumsy German diplomacy. Even though lie dresses himself in president Wilson's colors the mailed fist always appears. His policy will never take in the simplest of our countrymen. The Austrian proposal will not take us a yard nearer peace." Mr George TYnwick. managing director of the Otago Daily Times, New Zealand thanked Mr Balfour for his inspiring speech. He hoped Germany would be compelled to pay indemnities to the fullest measure.'

NO TRUCK WITH HUNS. AMERICANS UNANIMOUS. Press Ausociation—Copyright, Australian and N.Z. Cable Association Washington, September 16. Mr Taft; as the head of a league to enforce, peace, has called a meeting to discuss the offer. With the exception of the New York Times, the American . press stresses the impossibility of considering the Austrian peace offer. Official circles refrain from expressing ah opinion until the President has digested the note from Vienna, but it is understood there is not the slightest doubt the reply will be but a reiteration of President Wilson's appeal to force and "nothing but force" as a means of imposing the Allies' will Upon the enemies. It is felt that Austria' is merely flying Germany's peace, kite. The United States is not willing to lie taken in by insincere promises as to future good behaviour. The general belief is that the American advance at St. Mihiel led to Austria's action.

AMERICAN PRESS NOTICES. "THIS GERMAN THING." I'ross Associav ion—Copyright, Austra. liau and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received 9.30 a.m.') Xew'York, September 17. The Tribune says: This German thing we are resolved to destroy is ;t criminal outlaw, who cannot be parleyed with. Our business with the enemy is to get him dead or alive, though we go to Berlin to do it. The Herald welcomes President Wilson's prompt refusal to parley. President Wilson realises that we must smash the serpent's bead, not talk to it. We have just begun to light. Senator Lodge,. Republican leader, unqualifiedly endorsed President Wil-r son's curt refusal to discuss peace. He said: "Germany shall not now talk ami bargain for a decision. We mean to put her in physical bonds." FRENCH PRESS OPINION.

I'rwHS A.ssocmtion—Copyright, Aust lian and N.Z. Cable Asaixuatioa Paris, September IC, Tlie Austrian pence proposals art regarded as the outcome of tlu- Allied successes. It is tlic general opinion that. France, Hritain, and Am-c-ricsi will refuse the. offer, but Lhere i s speculation whether the Allies will seize the occasion to address llie peoples of the lour hostile countries di-

reel rather than through their rulers. Le Journal says the offer is a confession of weakness. L'Homnie Libre says that our victorious forces arc driving out the invaders. We shall not allow them to lay down their arms. Le Petit: Journal says that Austria, j is now testing the ground. If the test fails, Germany will disavow connection therewith. ! Le Matin says that.such an obvious peace comedy will deceive nobody. CERMAN VIEWS. The North German Gazette states that the German Government will be ready and glad, without delay, to participate in the discussions suggested by Austro-Hiingary. German newspapers dissociate Germany from Austria's action, and con- 1 sider the Note will merely strengthen the pacifists among the Central Pow-i ers. They anticipate an Entente re- 1 jeefion, which will be further proof of the enemy being responsible for the prolongation of the. Mar. j DANISH NEWSPAPERS. [ Danish newspapers do not believel the manifesto improves peace prospects. AMERICA'S ANSWER. "ONLY ONE REPLY"—NO, t WILSON'S DIGNIFIED REJECTION OF PROPOSAL. ,'■■( PUBLIC OPINION. Press Associations-Copyright, Austin* lian and N.Z. Cable Association.' (deceived 8,55 a.m.)

Washington, September 16. The Secretary of State issues the following statement: I am authorised by .the President to slate that the following will he the, reply of this Government to the Note from AustriaHungary proposing an unofficial conference of belligerents: The Government of the United States feels that there is only one reply which it can make to the suggestion of the Imperial Austria-Hungary Government.. It has repeatedly and with entire candour stated the terms upon which the United States would consider peace, and can and will entertain no proposal for a conference upon a matter concerning which it has made its proposition and purpose so plain."

.President Wilson's reply was announced immediately after the United States received the, Austrian Note. Officials, senators, and congressmen warmly endorse President Wilson's reply.

The newspapers also support the President's attitude. Senator Chamberlain, chairman of the Senate Military Committee stated "The time is not .ripe for the consideration of peace. The war must be fought out until the enemy is decisively beaten."

Senator Mocks said: "The Central Powers are now coming to the Allies and crying for peace. They are beginning to waver, but England, France, and America will demand unconditional surrender." Senator Brandenee stated; "We will first thrash the Bully of Europe. After that we can talk of peace."'