Albuquerque morning journal., 1916-12-25
Carl W, Ackerman, Cabling
From Berlin, Says Teuton8
Are Willing to Go Far in
Concessions to End War;
READY TO INDEMNIFY
BELGIUM FOR LOSSES
Entente Powers to Refuse to
Discuss Peace Terms Until
King AIbert'S Territory Is
Evacuated by Kaiser

What Germany will concede and
what the allies will demand as condi-
tions for ending the war probably are
set forth with fair accuracy in the
following dispatch from Carl w. Ack-
erman in Berlin. and in the subjoined
article from Providence OR. l.) Jour
nal which usually has spoken in this
country, with greatest accuracy the
policies of the British government.
That Germany may grant more is
possible, and that the allies may make
peace with less than is indicated, is
probable.
The following is an excerpt from Mt
Ackermans dispatch from Berlin:
Ackcrman's Statement
The next step will be Germanys,
as soon as the formal reply Of the
allies. which. London dispatches say
will be along the lines covered by
LLOYD George in his speech yesterday,
reaches Berlin. Diplomatic circles
which enjoy the confidence of the
Teutonic representatives were positive
today that the central powers Will try
to meet the British position Ger
many, these diplomats say, is willing
to 60 far to restore peace. She is
willing, it is believed, to:
First. Guarantee the future if her
enemies will do so. This guaran-
tee undoubtedly would take the form
of partial disarmament and the crea-
ton Of a league Of nations to compel
peace through an international court
Second. indemnify Belgium and
Luxcmburg and very likely consent to
enc rtori1'nr Of Serbia Rnd M2Nte-'
negro il a peace conference should de-
eide such action was wise.
Third. Use her influence to permit
Italy to retain the territory captured
by it during the present war from
Austria.
Fourth. Agree to withdrawal
from France and Belgium if absolute
ly guaranteed that the entente itself
will agree to a peace conference which
viii be given complete authority to
end the war,
at can be stated on authority that
Germany does not believe that the
territorial status of 1914 furnishes a
real basis for peace The contrary is
the case. The Balkans must be re-
organized, the Germans believe, so
that their position as "firebrands of
Europe" will be eliminated.
Against the entente demand for
indemnities for France and other ma
tions-except Belgium and LuXem-
burg-Germany is expected to inter
pose demands for indemnity for the
overrunning Of East Prussia, while
Austria Hungary will ask recompense
for invasion by Russia. 1t admittedly
is the German belief that if a peace
conference can be arranged the ques-
ton of indemnity will be dropped by
both sides, excepting that for Belgium.
THE next few days will be fraught
with serious developments. On them
will depend whether the way can be
kept open for negotiations. All of the
neutral nations ar@A-axpected to us"
their influence to prevent either bel
ligerent from shutting the door to ne
gotations And officials here say that
i'm their opinion the chances are
about equally divided
In this connection, however, it Is
known that Germany is relying on
Great Britain bringing France and
Russia around from their seemingly
irreconcilable attitude against a peace
conference. Any move by Germany
from now on is expected to be along
lines designed to influence Great Bri-
tain, who will then be expected to
hold her allies under control"
The article from the Providence
journal follows:
The Entente Demands.
"The answer of the allied powers
will say that they stand for peace;
that they have always stood for peace,
that there is no disposition on their
part to ignore any proposition honest
" put forth looking toward the con-
clusion of a war disastrous to clNlll-
2ation and humanity. It will declare
the firm conviction that Germany's
PROPOSALS are fraudulent that they
are deliberately put forth to create
public sentiment in favor of her
cause that they mean less than moth
ing. and that there is only one way
by which the Teutonic governments
can come before the bar of public
opinion in this matter in any honor
able way.
THE allied governments will state
that even if any suggestion of a peace
parley could be contemplated at this
time the allies will never consent to
go one inch in that direction until
Germany voluntarily withdraWs from
the entire territory of Belgium, and by
that act shows her willingness to ap-
proach somewhat nearer the level OF
the civilized nations with which she
seeks to treat
'The withdrawal from Pelgium in
other words will be made sine qua
non for any movement looking to
conference BY this demand the allies
will seek to bring plainly before the
world, and to emphasize among the
people of the neutral nations and
particularly the people Of the United
States. the fact that they have never
retreated from their original attitude
with regard to the violation Of Bel
GUM.
The conferences that have been
held in London during the last four
days between the ambassadors of Rus
sia, France and Italy and British cab
met officers have made it apparent