New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-12-20
Llovd George

70 N. German peace proposal was simple
and straightforward. 1t was the only re-
ply that any responsible minister OF an
Allied nation could make. It did not make
war upon the idea Of peace, but 1t die
make clear that only one peace was pos
sible. and that was peace which restored
70 full vigor that whole structure and body
Of international law and national right
which Germany invaded two years and
half ago.
Il is not enough that Germany should
now suggest a conference 70 restore peace
Sir Edward Grey proposed a conference
10 preserve peace thirty months ago. In
that hour Germany believed that she could
impose her Will upon Europe and she de-
cided for war.
It is not enough that Germany should by
the vague hints Of ambassadors suggest
that German terms will be liberal. Eu-
rope is not now prepared TO make peace
with victorious Germany. Nor has ku-
rope reached the condition where Germany
can speak as a conquerOr
Germany brought on this war by her
,wn decision. Having brought it on. Ger
many conducted it in manner which was
n defiance Of all the well founded doctrines
IF humanity and the universally accepted
PRINCIPLES of Justice. Her invasion Of Bel
rum was the destruction not alone Of her
,wn pledged faith, but Of the value Of all
International undertakings. Her cam
1aign Of murder. Of violence, Of beshahty
~ Belgium and Northern France is unex-
IMPLIED in the history Of a civilized nation.
Her submarine and Zeppelin campaigns
are without defence
Today Germany comes to her foes, still
n the field and to-day stronger in all that
makes armies strong and nations capable
Il carrying on war than ever before in
heir history. and suggests that there be a
Conference 10 settle the war, 70 end the ter
.ible affection which this stupendOus strug-
yle is
But nothing in the German note asking
peace suggests that there is on Germany's
mart any renunciation of the barbarities
which led her 70 make war or the methods
By which she made WIZ. Rather the Ger
man Chancellor's tone suggests that vic
torious Germany is imposing her will upon
Europe and indicates a clear conviction
that the only peace possible is a peace in
which Europe recognizes a German vic
tory. Nor does this view lose weight when
II is weighed in the light Of the Kaiser's
words 70 his army ct the moment when
the peace note was dispatched
Neither now nor at any time in which
they have left the strength TO fight or the
resources to maintain armies can the ma
lions of Europe consent 10 discuss peace
on such a basis The war has not been
won by tho Allies; but it has not been won
5y Germany. The long procession of Ger
man triuuphs which the Chancellor re-
cites n his nots 10 the Allied countries
might well be balanced by reorganization
OF Allied successes which have closed the
sea to the German flag, swept away every
German colony and made Of Germany a
besieged fortress Tho French victory be-
fore Verdun the other day was a satisfy
ing evidence Of the falsity Of the German
assumption IN the peace proposal.
Europe cannot afford 70 hght Germany
after Germany has consented TO live within
the law Of nations, but Europe cannot con-
sent TO negotiate with Germany which
demands that its violations Of the law Of
Europe be recognized in terms Of the tenn
porary profits which have accrued 20 her
by reason Of her violations Of the laws OF
rations. Either Germany desires peace
sufficiently 10 concede In advance that she
will live within the law or else there is no
chance that peace can be restored and no
warrant for the nations which have sacri-
feed so much 10 enter into a discussion Of
peace with Germany
II the issue Of the war is settled, and
Germany recognizes that il is settled, this
recognition can be disclosed IN the terms
which Germany is prepared to accept not
TO impose. And there can be 70 discus
ticr which does nor in advance recognize