The Washington herald., 1916-03-13
By JOHN l.. BALDERsTON.

Copyright, isls)
Havre, Feb H.Iiermany, in the early
part OF this month, tried to conclude a
separate peace with the Belgian govern
ment. The offer was refused, but King
Albert and his ministers used it to ex-
tort from the allies a pledge that II
Germany cannot be compelled to in
demnify Belgium the allies themselves
will do so.
1t has been officially denied by the Bel
gian cabinet here that peace proposals
were discussed or ever brought forward
by Germany That denial is literally
true, for the proceedings were unor1cial
and nothing was committed to paper
nor did the German government appear
in the negotiations. From a source
worthy of credence, I have obtained an
outline of what really happened.
The papel nuncio accredited to the court
of Brussels, who by reason of his posi-
ton can move freely through the bellig-
erent countries, submitted the proposal
of the Kaiser to King Albert and his cab
met. He did so unOfficially, and even
lin the verbal conversations that took
place I am given to understand that no
thing was said by him committing the
German government to anything. The
mission purported to be, and probably
was, a sincere effort in the interest OF
peace by an impartial mediator, who may
or may not have been acting on behalf
Of the Pope. The reported offer of Ben
edict to use his good offices I have not
been able to confirm.
How Trick Was Worked.
The consultation followed soon after
the appointment as Belgian foreign min
lister of Baron Beyens, the inclusion in
the cabinet of three members of the par
1 nd
livered at The Hague by Huysman and
Vandervelde, the leaders of the Belgian
Socialist party Their speeches were
taken in Germany to indicate a belief
that Germany cannot be conquered, the
enlargement of the cabinet was believed
to show King Alberts anxiety to lay the
situation before representatives Of all
shades Of opinion in Belgium, and the
appointment of Baron Beyens, who has
many friends in Berlin, was thought to
be an intimation Of a more concilatory
disposition. 1t seems probable now that
these moves were intended to trick Ger
many into making proposals, the effect
of which has been to immensely
strengthen Belgium's position.
King Albert and his ministers were told
that Germany is willing to evacuate Bel
GUM and pay an indemnity for all dam
age done in the country. covering all
warlike operations, but fines imposed
for misconduct" on Belgian cities and
towns. In return. It was suggested that
Belgium agree to a commercial treaty
which would give Germany preferred
treatment at the ports of Antwerp and
Ostend. a treaty which should in no way
penalize Belgian commerce, but give Ger
man trade advantages over England and
the rest of the world.
Would shorten German Line.
The German reasons for making this
proposal are evident 1t could only be
accepted II the French and British agreed
to permit the German armies to with
draw. unmolested, through Belgium. The
Germans could then establish them
selves on the Mouse. eyacuating nearly
all Northern France. but shortening their
line by One-half. planting their right upon
the fOrtresses of Montmedy and Longwy
and holding their present line in the
WOevre and the Vosges. Standing on
such a line, with the neutrality of Bel
GUM guaranteed, military experts believe
/ the Germans with half their present force
could defy the efforts of the French and
! British armies, and nearly a million men
would be released for the eastern front.
Such a move would, of course. end all
chance Of Germany getting a decision in
the west, but in the east the Russians
might be unable to withstand a greater
blow than that of last spring.
The loss of prestige involved in a re-
nunCiation of northern France might be