New Britain herald., 1917-08-14

ASSSAVSo AAOAA 0IASAAA oOoA w posals will be published toda,
 Washington Knew of Proposals.
 Washington Aug. 14.-The state de- partment acknowledges that it had received unofficial knowledge of Pope Benedict's peace proposals before to- days news despatches were received here. No official cognizance can be taken of it until the proposal is con- veyed officially. Whatever considera- tion is given to it will be after con- sultation with the Allies.
 At the Apostolic legation all knowl- edge of the Popes proposal was dis claimed. It was said the Papal dele gate had not transmitted it to the United States government and did not expect to do so. The opinion was ex- pressed that it would come through a neutral government. ss
 Within the Entente diplomatic cir cle the opinion was freely and prompt ,y expressed that the peace proposar was inspired by Germany and was an attempt to split the Allies in a con- flicting discussion of their war aims.
 The extent of the state departments information docs not indicate through what channel the proposal will be conveyed and gives no informaion from which an inference might be drawn as to whether 1t will come through one of the Allied governments or through a dignitary of the church.
 Officials were unusually explicit in saying that it could not be discussed until it came officially before the gov- ernment and were emphatic in declar- ing that no statement whatever could be represented as reflecting the off, ctal view.
 Will Be Accepted in Good Faith.
 If an inference might be drawn from the under-currents which were started in official circles by the re- ture the opinion that the proposal is one which would be discussed in good faith by the Allies but that 1t does not meet their war aims. 1t was indicated that peace proposal coming from the Pope-the first actual proposal of the kind to come from the Vatican-would necessarily have to be considered carefully and and that an answer con- vincing to the world would necessar- fly have to be made.
 How far the peace proposal reflects the close relationship of the Vatican with Austria, whose earnest desire for peace despite German influence is 1 well known, or how far it reflects the l Catholic agitation for peace in Ger l many no one here would venture to 1 say It was recalled, however, that leading Catholics were prominent fig ures in the recent peace furry in l. Germany.
 Announcement that the Spanish at Rome had transmitted Pope Benedict's proposals to the Italian government and the opinion at the Apostolic delegation | here that they might be delivered to the United States by neutral led | to the possibility that the Spanish | am mba assador here, Juan Riano, might | them to the state department
 The Spanish embassy's only infor- | nation today, it was said, there had been received from the Associated f Press despatches.
 Endorses Wilson's Views.
 The Pope's proposals, which al- ready have been delivered to the resident ambassadors and ministers of the warning powers in Rome is quite lengthy, making in print some thing more than a column of large type. Although special eff forts are made to facilitate it's trans to the United States, this may not be effected for at least a day or two
 Meanwhile, however, an accurate outline of the principal of the Pope's is in the hands of the i here and already has re- cefved thoughtful consideration.
 In elcuuent language the Pontiff declares the terrible conditions exist Ing in Europe which he declares is headed for destruction unless the