ABOUT THE ENEMY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12193, 17 December 1917, Page 2

ABOUT THE ENEMY.

THE PEACE MOVE. GERMANY'S EXPLANATION. iieuter'a Teiograina AMSTERDxLM, December 14. The German oliieial explanation regarding Air Baltour's statement in the House of Commons .on December 11 says: —Germany received a communication from Air Balfour so couched as to warrant the belief that it was made with the knowledge by Britain that Germany was ready to answer an inquiry. It was considered that a direct verbal reply through a neutral was the best course, but Germany's opponents did nothing to facilitate such a direct reply. Mr Balfour's statement was the first- news received in Germany that the Allies were ready to receive a communication from Germany. No further steps were taken by Germany. (Mr Balfour stated that in September last the Government received from Germany a communication, sent t\hr,ough a neutral diplomatic channel, stating that Germany would be glad to make a communication to the British Government regarding peace. The Government replied that it was orepared to receive any communication Germany desired to make to it, and to discuss it with Britain's Allies. The Government informed France, Italy, Japan, Russia and the United States of the German suggestion' and of the reply sent. No answer had been returned, and no other official communication had been reneiy«d.)