New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1917-08-31
PEACE NOW WOULD
les
Be MERELY TRUCE
War Would Be Resumed When
Germany ReCuperated

Washington, Aug. 31.-An all inn
portant point in President Wilson's
reply to the Pope and one which has
a direct bearing on the huge military
program of this government is ex-
planned authoritatively here.
In the event of a drawn war,
brought about through the possibility
of the German military machine fore
ing a stalemate against all opposition,
the United States and the Entente
would regard any peace settlement
simply in the light of a truce or
breathing spell to prepare for con-
tinuing the battle of democracy. Dis
armament, means of enforcing endur-
ing peace, freedom Of the seas, equal
opportunities for all peoples would all
be eliminated from the negotiations
These important facts were dis
closed when explanation was asked of
the presidents statement that he did
not sanction economic leagues aimed
at Gripping any one of the belliger-
ents after the war. This statement
did not mean that the Paris trade
conference of last year, which de-
vised means of gripping German
trade, had been abrogated. 1t meant
that such a punitive league would not
be sanctioned provided peace was
made with the German people.
But If circumstances should by any
chance force the United States and the
Entente to deal with the Imperial
German government as now consti-
tuted this league would find full sane
ton together with every other form
Of com bined power to weaken and
to destroy the power Of German au-
tocracy
1t is admittedly conceivable that the
German government might Illustrate
democracy's combined military efforts
to the extent of virtually forcing a
cessation of hostilities. In case the
peace negotiations, so far as the
United States and the Entente are
concerned, would aim at paving the
way for the next war, which diplo-
mats regard as inevitable if the Ger
man government remains in control.
Would Prepare All Over.
Peace forced by the German govern
ment would mean that the United
States and the Entente would, in self
protection, have to insist upon these
features for the emmidiate future:
Maintaining and developing ar
mament and military measures to
the maximum point of efficiency.
Ironclad agreements whereby
German trade would be black
balled in all the Entente countries
and the United States.
Combined efforts Through
secret treaties and otherwise)
whereby every means would be
adopted to weaken Germany
economically.
Necessity of preventing German
subjects from sharing in financial
and commercial opportunities
which could accrue to the
strength of the Imperial Govern
ment
President Wilson and Entente
statesmen realize that in dealing with
the present German government
(should it become necessary they
would have to fight fire with fire and
resort to every form of selfish and
discriminating policy as a military
measure. In contrast to terms which
might be made with the German gov
ernent, the features of a final peace
pact with the German people would
include:
Disarmament and means of en-
forcing enduring peace.
Equal opportunity for Germans and
effort to assist rather than retard
democratic Germany.
No discriminating trade agree
ments.
Officials of the United States and
Entente governments do not antici-
pate having to deal with the present
German government when peace ne
gotiations begin, for they are con-
WINGED that German military autoc-
racy will fall of it's own weight as
soon as the combined military pres
sure of the United States and the
Entente makes itself felt.
Secretary Lansing said today it was
assumed that within a reasonable
time newspapers of the European
neutrals would carry the mote into
Germany If this should be prevent
ed he said, some other way would
be found. It was recalled that the
presidents war message was dropped
behind the German lines by hundreds
Of allied airmen