LORD ROBERT CECIL'S VIEWS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LX, Issue 17066, 20 August 1917, Page 5

LORD ROBERT CECIL'S VIEWS.

N 0 SHORT CUT TO PEACE.

THE NOTE CRITICALLY DIS-

SECTED.

(A.vs. & N.Z. Cable Assn. & Reuter.)

Received August 19, 5.5 p.m. LONDON, Aiugust 18. Lord Robert Cecil, interviewed regarding the Pope's Note, said the conviction was apparently becoming general that there is no short cut towards peace. While prepared to admit that the Holy Father is insnired by the highest and purest motives, Lord Robert Cecil regretted his serious omission of not mentioning German outrages in Belgium and by submarines; The Pope acted in the capacity of a judge summing up for both sides. 'Lord Robert -Cecil would not say that in the heat of conflict both sides had not committed errors, but the Pope's silence regarding Germany's policy of atrocities was most notable. Replying to a suggestion that the good points in the Pope's Note might outweigh others, Lord Robert Cecil said it was difficult to say what the future would bring forth. The Allied Governments must consult before formulating a reply. It was impossible to say whether President Wilson would be the chosen medium for the reply, although President Wilson had already made proposals on the same altruistic lines. But America was now at war and would not act except in accordance with the Allied policy. The Pope's Note would have a good effect if it induced Germany, who was boasting about her victorious war map, to come out and state definitely her aims. However, Lord Cecil was of opinion that we have to win before we would get peace. He did not know whether the Allied Governments actually intended to reply to the Pope. No consultations had yet been held.