FRIENDS OF THE ENEMY.

Colonist, Volume LVIII, Issue 14407, 18 May 1917, Page 5

FRIENDS OF THE ENEMY.

PACIFISTS IN THE HOUSE OF

COMMONS

ANOTHER ATTEMPT TO FORCE

NEGOTIATIONS,

MOTION BY MR SNOWDEN.

LORD ROBERT CECIL ON THE

ALLIES' AIMS,

ANNEXATIONS AND INDEMNITIES

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Association)

(Received May 17, 5.50 p.m.)

London, May 16. In the House of Commons, on the third reading debate on the Consolidated Fund Bill, Mr Philip Snowden moved a resolution welcoming the Russian Government's repudiation of imperialistic conquest, expansion, indemnity, or aggrandisement, and "calling upon Britain to join with the Allies in re-stating the terms of the war settlement. Ho declared that Britain must come into line with the new democratic policy of Russia, who was concentrating her attention on peace, thus voicing the' desire of all the belligerent democracies-. The Socialists of the various countries adopted the same attitude. The revolution, would not be confined to Russia, but wov,ld come in every country. The people of one of the Allied countries were on the verge of revolution. Allied diplomacy, following undemocratic methods, had welded the German classes together. The Government ought to regard the Socialist conference at Stockholm as a heaven sent means of extricating themselves from their awful position.

Mr H. B. Lees Smith, in seconding the motion, said it would do no harm to enter into negotiations.

Mr Ramsay Macdonald urged getting into confidential communication with the Russian- Workmen's Council if wo could establish sympathy. We were facing a grave danger of Russia making a separate peace.

Lord Robert Cecil, in replying, said the Allies adhered to their original war aims, and peace must justify their sacrifices. The Allies did not desire political annexations, but annexations emancipating enthralled peoples. It was impossible for the Allies to negotiate with Germany at the present moment. What did the plea for no annexation, mean? -Arabia had declared rer independence of Turkey. Was jt proposed to again place Arabia under Turkey? Then there had been the terrible slaughter of Armenians and similar atrocities in Palestine, and the German colonies in Africa. Britain would not have gone to war to rescu*. the natives .from this misrule, but having^ rescued trem, should we hand them back to Germany if the war were successful? Such- an. action would be abhorrent. Within, these limits Britain did- not oppose the policy suggested by the phrase "no annexation." Everyone was agreed regarding the position, of Poland, the Italian Irredenta, and Alsace and Lorraine. As regards no indemnities, wt at about Belgium ?

Mr Snowden interrupted: We have repeatedly stated that it is essential that any settlement nrost provide for the restoration of Belgium's independence and reparation for the damage.

Lord Robert Cecil: Does that cover Serbia? What about reparation for the peaceful merchant vessels? He

CABLE' NEWS.

[Paisa Association— Cgptbiqhi.]

certainly , would not be prepared to rule out reparation. It would be ludicrous to enter into negotiations with Germany till the spirit characterising Dr. yon Bethmami Hollweg'e speech had been exorcised. In order to ensure a durable peace there must be annexations and the emancipation of enthralled peoples, and possibly the retention of strategic positions to safeguard the future. He did not believe there was any difference of opinion between England and the Russian democracy regarding war aims. X the Government could secure a peace based on justice and chivalry and respect for obligations and respect for the weak they would gladly co-operate with any members of the House in erecting barriers against'the recurrence of a devastating war.

THE DEBATE CLOSURED.

MOTION NEGATIVED WITHOUT

DIVISION.

(Received May 18, 0.15 a.m.)

London, May 17./ .After further discussion, the dosui'i was carried by 238 to. 32. \ Mr Snowden's amendment was negsj r tived without a division. ° \