New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-12-13
Will Never Give Up Real
Guarantees Won"-Vienna

vienna, Dec. L.. Al oiuCidl austrian
statement, referring TO the Germanic
allies peace offer, says:
"When in the summer of 1914 the
patience Of Austria-Hungaiy was eE-
hausted by a series Of systematically
continued and ever-increasing provoca-
tons and menaces, and the monarchy,
after almost fifty years OF unbrOken
peace, found itself compelled 10 draw
the sword, this weighty decision was
animated neither by aggressive pur-
poses nor by designs of conquest, but
solely by the bitter necessity of self
defence. to defend its existence and
safeguard itself for the future against
similar treacherous plots Of hostile
neighbors.
Points TO Conqucsts
"That was the task and aim of the
monarchy IN the present war. In COM
bnation with its allies, well tried in
loyal comradeship in arms, the AustrO-
Hungarian army and fleet, fighting,
bleeding, but also assailing and con
quering, gained such successes that
they frustrated the intentions of the
enemy.
The quadruple alliance not only has
won an immense series Of victories,
but also holds in its power extensive
hostile territories. Jnbroken is its
strength. as our latest trcacherous en-
envy has just experienced.
"Can our enemies hope 20 conquer
or shatter this alliance Of powers
They will never succeed in breaking 10
by blockade and starvation measures.
Their war aims, TO the attainment OF
which they have come 10 nearer IN the
third year of the war. will in the
future be proved 70 have been com
pletcly uuattainablo. Useless and un-
availing, therefore, IS the prosecution
OF the fighting on the part OF the en-
envy.
"The powers Of the Qusdruple Ali
snce, on the other hand, have effectively
pursued their alms-namely, defence
against attacks on their existence and
integrity, which were planned In con-
cert long since, and the achievement OF
real guarantees, and they will never
allow themselves 60 be deprived of the
basis of their existence, which they
have secured by advantages won.
Would End Slaughter
"Tho continuation of the murderous
war, in which the enemy can destroy
much, but cannot as the Quadruple
Alliance is fully confident fate,
Is ever more seen TO be an aimless de-
struction OF human lives and property,
an act OF inhumanity justified by no
necessity and crime against civiliza-
ton.
This conviction, and the hope that
similar views may also be entertained
in the enemy camp, has caused the idea
20 ripon IN the Vienna Csbnet--in full
agreement with the governments OF the
allied (Teutonic) powcrs-of making a
candid and loyal endcavor TO come 10 "a
discussion with their enemies for tic
purpose Of paving way for peace.
The governments Of Austria Hun
gary, Germany, Turkey and Bulgaria
have addressed to-day identical notes
70 the diplomatic representatives in the
capitals concerned who are intrusted
with the promotion Of enemy nationals
expressing an inclination 10 enter into
peace negotiations and requesting them
10 transmit this overture TO enemy
states
This step was simultaneously
brought 20 the knowledge OF the repre- q.
sentstiyes Of the Holy See IN a special
note, and the active int rest Of the
Pope for tins offer Of pese vas solicit