PRESIDENT'S ASTUTE DIPLOMACY

Waikato Times, Volume 89, Issue 13886, 11 October 1918, Page 5

PRESIDENT'S ASTUTE DIPLOMACY

GENERALLY APPROVED IN AMERICA GERMANS MI ST DRQP THEIR MASK. ACCEPTATION OF TERMS IMPROBABLE. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received October 11, 9.55 a.m. NEW YORK, October 10. Mr Wilson's Note-has created widespread interest. All the evening newspapers emphasise the fact that Mr WiUoa-will not talk of peace until -GdVrfiatis withdraw from the occupied territory. They also give prominence to the President's astute diplomacy in so framing his reply as to compel Germany to disclose her real intentions.

Opinion supports Mr Wilson's action, and it is generally conceded that he showed remarkable cleverness by outmanoeuvring Prince Maximilian by forcing the German leaders to drop the mask. Many prominent, men believe that the Note is merely a forerunner of an unmistakeable definite reply, which will shake Germany's last hopes of peace except on the basis of unconditional surrender. The Times' Washington correspondent says that the opinions of Congressmen on the President's Note vary, but Mr Wilson is strongly supported. Some critics wanted a decisive negative reply, while others believe that the Note will be justified by its forcing Germany to show her hand. The most outspoken critic was Senator Lodge, who said: "I am keenly disappointed that the President should enter into a, discussion with the German Government. Prince Maximilian represent* no one but constituted German authorities. I feel a painful anxiety reitardiiisr the effect of the Note on our Allies and our soldiers." Senator.jlore said: "1 hope the result of the Notes will be that the thrones •if the Haphburg and Hohenzollerns will In 1 vacated and their people entrusted with their own government." Washington correspondents of the New York newspapers sum up the situation by stating that it is not believed that Prince .Maximilian will agree to the terms, therefore Washington feels there is no peace in sight. The newspapers throughout the country g< n< rally approve fully of Mr Wilson's Note. Put some admit disappointment l.at the door is left even slightly ajar to Germany. The majority. however, trust Mr Wilson's wisdom in dealing with the situation, and fee! that the Note turns the table on the Central Powers. Some papers point out that Germany must follow Bulgaria's way if she wants peace. S!R ERIC GEDDES' VIEW. DANGERS OF PEACH TALK". (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received October 11, 11.30 a.m. WASHINGTON, Oct. Mr Chamberlain, chairman of the Senate's .Military Committee, considers that President Wilson's reply is calculated to place the German Government in a difficult position. Germany will be unable lo comply with the Presidential conditions except by surrendering forthwith and reiiring from the invaded ! territories. President Wilson's Note is really a way of suggesting unconditional surrender. Sir Eric Gcddes. in an interview, said that peace talk at this stage was merely calculated to impair the efforts of the soldiers and munition workers. To get the world talking of peace was all that Germany wanted. REPLY RECEIVED IN BERLIN. STEPS TO BE CONTINUED. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received October 11, 10.30 a.m. AMSTERDAM, October 10. President Wilson's reply has been published in Berlin. It is semi-offlcially announced that the peace steps will be continued.