Norwich bulletin., 1916-12-13

The Teutonic allies declare them
selves ready to discuss peace. Also
they are ready to continue the war If
the entente allies do not find the time
propitious for such a discussion.
The readiness of the central powers
has been made known in identimal
notes to United States, Spain and
Switzerland, who are asked to make
known contents Of the notes to the ma
tions at war with the Teutonic al
lies. Notes also have been transmit
ted to the Vatican and the active in
terest of the Pope in the peace offer
solicited.
While no conditions for peace were
mentioned in the notes, it was assert
ed that the propositions to be made by
Germany, Austria Hungary, Turkey
and Bulgaria would have for their OBJ
ject a guarantee of the existence, OF
the honor and the liberty of evolution
for these nations and would prove IAN
appropriate basis for the establish
rnent of a lasting peace"
Chancellor Won Bethnann- Hollweg
in communicating to the reichstag the
fact Of the despatch of the notes said
the step was taken on the ground of
humanity. The Teutonic allies, he
said, could not be conquered and they
awaited the answer of the entente
allies" with that seriousness of mind
which is guaranteed to us by our ex-
terror and interior strength and by oul
clear conscience"
The identical notes said in respect
to a refusal of the entente to agree tt
discuss peace and reconciliation thai
the four Teutonic allied powers are
resolved "to continue to a victoriou:
end. but they disclaim responsibility
for this before humanity and history
Emperor William has addressed G
message to the army and navy. saying
that with consciousness of victory he
had made offer of peace but whether
II would be accepted was uncertain
Until that moment arrives you will
fight on" the message concluded.
Note Presented to Papal Secretary.
Berlin, Dec. 12.-The note present
ed by DR.. Won Murlberg to the vatican
to Cardinal Gasparri, papal secretary
Of state, follows:
According to instructions receiv-
ed have the honor to send to You
Emfnence a copy of the declaration
which the imperial government, by tbs
good Offices OF the powers entrusted
with the protection of German inter
ests in the countries with which tn,
German empire is in a state of war
transmits to those states and in which
the imperial government declares II
self readv to enter into peace negotia
tions. The Austro- Hungarian. Turk
lsh and Bulgarian governments ais
have sent similar notes.
Reasons Which Prompt Germany.
"The reasons which prompted Ger
many and her allies to take this ste
are manifest. For two years and
half terrible war has been deva stat
ting the European continent. Unlimit
IF nfui1i1afinT
destroyed. Extensive areas have bee
soaked with blood. Millions of brav
soldiers have fallen in battle and mil
lions Iave returned home as invalid.
Grief and sorrow fill almost eve
house.
Europe One Vast War Camp.
mot only upon the belligerent ma
tions but also upon neutrals the de
structiye consequences of the siganti
struggle weigh heavily. Trade an
commerce, carefully built up in year
of peace, have heen depressed. Th
best forces of the nations have bee
withdrawn from the production of use
full objects. Europe, which fornerl
devoted to the propagation of reiigio
and civilization, which was trying
find soJutiors for social problems an
was the home Of science and art an
all peaceful labor, now resembles a
immense war camp, in which til
HcDleVeITIcHlb anu WOIhS VI UldIiy uS
cades are doomed to annihilation.
Germany Claims War of Defense.
Germany is carrying on war
defense against her enemies, whic
aim at her destruction. She fght
20 assure the integrity of her front
tiers and the liberty of the Germa
ration, for the right which she claim
10 develop freely her intellectual an
economic energies in peaceful compe
tition and on an equal footing wit
ether nations.
Iron Wall Inpenetable.
Gan the efforts of their enemies al
unable to shatter the heroic armies
the (Teutonic) allies which protect tt
frontiers of their countries, strength
ened by the certainty that the enem
shall never pierce the iron wall.
Supported BY Whole Nation.
"Those lighting on the front kno
that they are supported by the who
nation, which is inspired by love fl
lis country and is ready for the grea
est sacrifices and determined to d.
Enud to the last extremity the inherit
MI traaaura c8 inteilsct1ai and ectI