GERMANY'S "TERMS."

Colonist, Volume LX, Issue 14621, 28 January 1918, Page 5

GERMANY'S "TERMS."

IMPUDENT AND INSOLENT

FARRAGO

WHOLESALE ANNEXATIONS

BELGIUM AND NORTHERN FRANCE PAWNS IN THE GAME

ALSACE-LORRAINE TO BE

RETAINED,

PROPOSED SPOILATION OF

BRITAIN.

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Association)

(Keceived Jan. 27, 5.5 p.m.) Amsterdam, Jan. 26. Hertling proceeded :— Until the enemy, -unconditionally concede tl-e Central Powers territorial integrity I shall reject all proposals. We have removed the Belgian question from j joint general negotiations. Northern France is a valuable pawn in Germany's hands. Germany does not wish for a violent annexation, and the conditions of evacuation racist be arranged between France and Germany. There could not V any talk of ceding AlsaceLorraine, 'which was German in 1789, wl: en France incorporated it, and 87 per cent, of the population now speak German. Hertli.nJ, in welcoming President Wilson's reference to tte freedom of the seas, said it was of the highest importance that England ..should abandon Gibraltar, Malta, Aden, Hong Kong, the Falklands, and other strong naval points d'appui. The settlement of Poland must be arranged by Germany and Austria alone. Hertling said he did not anticipate difficulties respecting open diplomacy, the demolition of- trade barriers, and i reduction of armaments. Germany was ready to discuss the basis of a league1 of nations when all otter questions had been settled. "President Wilson's and Mr Lloyd George's statements,' J he

continued, ''contain certain principles for world pence, to which Germany can also agree, and which can form points1 for negotiation, but where concrete questions are concerned the Allies' will for peace is less observable. They speak as a conqueror to the conquered. The actual situation is that our position was never so favourable. If our Allies force us to continue tlen they must take the consequences. If the Allies alter their programme for peace we will test it earnestly, for our aim

is; to reconstruct a durable general peace. This is impossible while the lasting integrity of the German Empire, the security of its vital interests, and the dignity of the Fatherland are not ensured." The Chancellor concluded: "Our

motto is, 'Remain together calmly and await events.' We are entirely agreed in this aim. There may be varying opinions as to the methods and conditions, but through all differences let us be ever mindful of the Fatherland's welfare and good. Peace will and shall come. The German workers know low to differentiate between the realities of life and fantastic dreams. Such a nation cannot go under. God is with us, and will .remain with us." (Cheers.) Hertling, replying to President Wilson, said trere wotld be some difficulty regarding the colonial question, because it was most important to England, but President Wilson's proposal could be considered in conjunction with Germany's demand for the colonies. He believed.it could be left to the greatest colonial empire, namely, the British, to make up its1 mind concerning America's proposal. When s\ich Auglo-American ftsireement was reached Germany could see what agreement was possible at the peace negotiations from her side, since sle also advocated a new con-1 struction of the colonial "situation. Herfcling added that the evacuation of Russia. concerned only Russia, and the. Central Powers. The Belgian question could only be settled at the peace conference, but Germany nevor demanded violent incorporation of Belgian • territory. The "Cologne Gazette" reports that Hertling's speech was well received in moderate German circles, where the fact that tre Chancellor discussed President Wilson's speech seriatim is regarded as possessing considerable importance. Germany now believes that the Alsace question is finally settled, ; and that the legend of her plans for the annexation of Belgium and Northern France has been exploded. , I The Independent Socialists and the Conservatives reproach Hertling for not defining Germany's war aims. The Austrian press • received the speech with marked coolness. The Dutch press says the speech brings peace no nearer. It rejects President Wilson's terms except those advantageous to Germany. Severe rioting occurred at Berlin, the mob shotting "Peace!"