Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-09-04
StraWs in Wind Indicate Pos
sibIe Attitude of Brit
ish Officials.
LONDON HAS NO PART
IN STARTING AGITATION
Declared Free Belgium and Death to
Militarism Will Be Terms
Of England.

LONDON. September 4-Although it
has been established rather definitely
that London has no part in the initia-
ton OF informal peace discussions, it is
plain that official circles are inter
ested keenly in the news of activity in
this direction. There are straws in the
wind which indicate that what are
designated as proper peace overtures"
on the part of Germany would meet
with consideration. However, the gen.
eral public, not so we'll informed as
is the government. probably would re-
gard such overtures as premature.
View of British Press
Reports from Washington that efforts
IN the direction of peace negotiations
are receiving impetus from German
sources are commented on generally by
London newspapers. which take the
view that if such movement has been
launched 1T is with the object of pro-
curing diplomatic and financial sup
port from neutrals.
There is no doubt, says the Pail
Mall Gazette, that mockery of peace
Is to form the theme for a widespread
press campaign in neutral countries"
Although no representative OF the
government would place himself on
rumors. the following expression was
obtained from high official, who de-
clined permission to use his name.
What Will Be Demanded.
II am inclined to believe that Ger
many is making some move in the di-
rection of peace, but I can state that
England has absolutely no intention of
making at the present time any con-
cessions other than those enunciated in
Premier Asquith's famous Guildhall
speech November 9, last, when he said
the irreducible minimum of terms in
cluded the restoration Of Belgium, Sc
cur1ty for France against aggression,
the rights of existence for small ma
tons and the overthrow of the Prus-
sian military machine OF course, the
sole decision does not rest with Eng
land as, for instance, France must
judge what constitutes her safety from
aggression.
IF suggestion of peace terms should
come from the United States it would
be received here with the same atten-
ton that is always given any commu-
nication from the country with which
We have SO much in common How
ever, our government is absolutely
bound not to entertain any suggestion
OF a separate peace. Anything done
allies. who are equally determined not
10 conclude separate peace.
Blockade Not to Be Modified.
Recent events in Russia have had
absolutely no effect upon this deter
mination. AS for Germany's action in
regard to her submarine policy, 1t can
not be said that 1t will result in any
modification of Great Britain's food
blockade, which We contend is per-
fectly legal. If We become convinced
of its Illegally we will suspend it at
once.
Vague talk of freedom of the sea is
all very well, but just now freedom on
land Is much more important. In this
connection, i cannot see anything in
Sir Edward Grey's recent statement to
the press which would bear out the
Interpretation that he limited at pos
sible peace discussions. Germany may
have some obscure intention behind
her submarine concessions to the
United States. as 1t is an extraordi-
narily striking thing that she should
recognize the illegality of this form of
warfare after 1T is apparent to every
one else in the world"
Officials decline to discuss Cardinal
Gibbons visit to President Wilson in
Washington until they know what
overtures the cardinal was authorized
10 make.