NOTES FROM LONDON.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 145998, 3 December 1917, Page 3

NOTES FROM LONDON.

LORD LANSDOWNE’S VIEW. CONDEMNED BY ME. BONAR LAW By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn. LONDON, Dec. 1. At the Unionist meeting Mr. Bonar Law gave an exhaustive review of the situation. He said Lord Lansdowne had no official position in the party, and spoke for himself entirely. His views were not those of any of his colleagues, either in the Cabinet or outaide. Mr. Bonar Law added: “We want peace. It is horrible to look forward to a continuation of the war, but peace now would not give that security lor which we entered the -war. If the Germans realise that we can go on longer than they, it may produce a change of feeling in Germany, resulting in one, perhaps, out of which peace would grow. dhe Government could not continue the war unless it had the backing of the people, but he believed the people were behind the Government and would see it through. He absolutely disagreed with tne tone of Lord Lausdowue’s letter, which was nothing lees than a national misfortune, and suoukl not have been published now, of all times. The letter was based on. the strange assumption, that because Germany says she is ready to participate in a peace with the nations, and talks about disarmament, therefore peace is possible; but nobody pretends tnat Germany could be bound because she signed a treaty. The whole world was against her to-day, but it was unlikely it would be again if we don’t insist on' our rights now, a s*l how could we fight her tlien? Vi c nad got to show me Germans, in the ouly way that they can be made to realise it, that war doesn’t pay, and that their military machine cannot get the desired result. 'This is only obtainable by victory. If the letter stimulates pacihst influences in the House of Commons so that the Government cannot rely on a vote for war measure's, then there is only one. alternative, for the Government would •be powerless to win the war unless certain people support them. What, asked Mr. Bonar Law, would :be the position of the Empire.'after a peace made on this basis, which would really be a defeat? Already the war had been protracted, causing suffering in evory_ country, including the Dominions ; but, unless wo see it through, the unity of the Empire, which we hoped would be solidified and become a groat-, er reality us the result of the war, not continue. Steadiness is the .one thing that can save us. , Your duty is to set an example of unshaken steadfastness.” The audience cheered and sang the National Anthem. A strongly-worded resolution, condemning the publication of the letter, was carried with enthusiasm and cabled to the Paris Conference. FURTHER.UNFAVOURABLE COMMENTS. LONDON, Dec. 1. , Lord Robert Cecil, interviewed, said' that before publishing the remarkable, views regarding the means of ending the war Lord Lansdowne did not consult any member of the Cabinet. He spoke for himself alone. The letter in no way reflects any modification in Britain’s war policy, which was summed up in M. Clemenceau’s phrase, “Our war aims are victory.” Lord Lansdowne, said Lord Robert Cecil, does not represent any important body of thought. Mr. Austen Chamberlain, speaking at Northampton, said negotiations at this stage were impossible, Germany would always be one of the great Powers. We were unable and did not desire to annihilate her, but we must not permit her “peaceful penetration,” which, was part of Germany’s preparations' for war. NEW YORK, Nov. 30. The New York Evening Telegram editorially says it is difficult to conceive that Lord Lansdowne is a German partisan, but he appears in that fight and reminds America of Senator La Follette. NEW YORK, Dec. 1. The newspapers practically unanimously condemn Lord Lansdowne. They declare there is nothing new in hi's suggestions. President Wilson enunciated proposals much more impresiively. Some suspect he fears democracy will spread. All emphasise that the Allies can only deal with democratised Germany. The New York Times’ Washington correspondent says Lord Lansdowne’s view was calmly received in official, circles. The latter is suspending judgment until it ascertains the compelling motives. Partisanship is suspected. It is pointed out there is every indication 1 of the United States whole-heartedly, supporting Mr* Lloyd George,

THE AUTHOR’S POSITION.

I LONDON,' Dec. 1. Lord Lansdowne, interviewed, said: “The letter is entirely my own. I consulted no one and I received no suggestions from -anyone. I have nothing to add or retract.” [Lord Lansdowne,-who is 72 years of age, is one of the most trusted leaders of the old Conservative Party. .He has been Governor-General of Canada ■and Viceroy -of India, -Secretary for War 1895-1900, and Foreign Secretary 1900-1905. He -was a member of the Coalition Government until its -reconstruction by Mr. Lloyd George in December, 1916.] CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS. ELECTORAL DISQUALIFICATIONS. (Received Dec. 3, -8:30 a.m.) LONDON, . Dee. 2. The Government proposes that the electoral disqualification of conscientious objectors shall bo limited to seven years after the war and shall not apply to objectors i performing war services of .a national ■ character or Red Cross work. THE USE OF COAL GAS. FOR MOTOR VEHICLES. (Received Dec. 3, 9.30 a.m.) •The Government has appointed a committee to consider the employment of gas instead of petrol, etc., especially for the purposes of traction. NORTH WALES MEMORIAL. FOR BEAD HEROES. (Received Dec. 3, 8.30 a.m.) LONDON, Doc. 2. A Welsh-committee ;is -raising £150,--000 for a memorial to North Wales heroes, consisting of an extension of the University College, Bangor, and free university education for .the heroes’ children. THE STORY OF THE CZAR’S ’■ DAUGHTER. LONDON, ’ Nov. 30. The Morning Post states that the Czar’s daughter, Tatiana,-who was'reported to have escaped from Tobolsk and was journeying to America via Japan, really journeyed to -Moscow and j Archangel, disguised :in male clothes i nnd with short hair. She is now in England awaiting embarkation for America for a lecturing tour. . . LONDON, Dec. 1. Russian circles in Loudon ridicule the story of Princess Tatiana’s escape, and suggest it is a sheer fabrication. She certainly has -not arrived in London. It is impossible that a ; devoted -member of the Greek Church would consent to i the mockery of si sham marriage. Probably it is some woman intending to masquerade as a duchess in the United States.

REGISTRATION OF BUTCHERS. LONDON, Nov. 30. The Government is registering retail butchers with a view to controlling meat consumption. GENEROUS CONTRIBUTIONS. FROM THE MALAY STATES. (Received Dec. 3, 10.35 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 2. ■The’Federal Council of’Malay States has decided to contribute a further half-million sterling to the British Government -war expenditure -this yoamand £750,000 for 1918,