THE AMERICAN NOTE.

Colonist, Volume LVIII, Issue 14293, 23 December 1916, Page 5

THE AMERICAN NOTE.

AN EXTRAORDINARY DOCUMENT,

OBJECTS OF THE WAR NEVER

STATED

CONTEST FOR UNDEFINED ENDS

UNITED STATES VITALLY

INTERESTED

VERGING ON WAR.

BRITISH EMBASSY ASTONISHED

<Australian and N.Z. Cable Association

and Reuter.)

Washington, Dec. 21. President Wilson's Note to belligerent and neutral nations suggesting that an early occasion be sought to call from all nations now at war an avowal of their respective views as to terms upon which the war might be concluded and the arrangements which would be deemed satisfactory

as a guarantee against its renewal, continues:—: "Each nation is jealous of the formation of any more rival leagues to preserve the uncertain balance "of power amidst multiplying suspicions, hut is ~~~ .ready to consider a League of Nations. Before the final step can be' taken each deems it necessary to settle the issue of the war, the terms of which will safeguard the independence, territorial integrity, and political and commercial freedom of the nations involved..

"The' United States is vitally and directly interested in the measures to secure future peace; also in the means to be adopted to relievo the smaller and weaker peoples of the peril of tht. violence of the strong. .The United States is ready and eager to co-operate with every .influence and resource at its command, but* the war'Tniist fir^t he concluded on terms which the United States is not at liberty to suggest,but the President feels that it is his yight and duty to point out his interest in. the war's conclusion lest the situation of neutrals become intolerable^ ?est, above all, injury be caused to ■civilisation: which can never he atoned -for. . ' - ' ■>

The President, therefore, feels justified in suggesting an immediate opportunity for the comparison of views regarding terms -which must precede the peace arrangements. If the contest

must continue towards undefined ends, by slow attrition until one group is exhausted, if millions of human lives nm,st continue to be offered until one

side has no more to offer, if resentment must be rekindled, peace will be rendered vain and-idle and the life of the entire world will be profoundly affected.

"No nation stands outside the influence or beyond the disturbing effects*. of the war. Yet the concrete objects for which the war has been waged have never been definitely stated. The belligerents' leaders have stated their objects in general terms1, but never have they avowed the precise objects which would satisfy them. The world was left to conjecture what definite .results, what guarantee of territorial changes or readjustments, and what stage of military success would bring the war to an end. It may be that peace is nearer than we know, and the terms are riot so irreconcilable as,souiO; i'ear.ed and that an interchange of t yiews would '.clear the way' for & conference,^ is not .), proposing. iwace, and is notYeven1 offering media-; tion. He is merely proposing 'that soundings, be 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 in which he speaks and the objects which ho 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." , . . ;' ■ Mr Lansing explains that President Wilson's Note was sent because American rights have been invaded. The situation is intolerable, and . cannot continue long. America..is verging on war. She is.' therefore entitled tc know'what the belligerents seek, for the purpose of regulating America's future conduct.

Mr Lansing later explained that the United States had no intention of departing froni neutrality at iinv time. The British Embassy officials are ■utterly ■surprif-ed at President Wilson's Note, and emphatically state that there were no exchanges whatever through the Embassy as a preliminary.

There is much confusion in official circles on the interpretation of tho reasons for the Note. After Mr Landing issued to-day's nxplanation he conferred with the President.

Mr Lansing, in a supplementary statement, said : "I did not intend to intimate that the Government was considering a change of policy from the neutrality which it has consistently pursued. I regret that my words* wore open to other construction."