The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1917-11-30
LORD LANSDOWNE'
urges REVISION
OF WAR AIMS OF.
ALLIED NATIONS.
Wants Peace Before "The
Ruin of the Civilized
World" Occurs
FAVOR's WILSON'S
LEAGUE OF NATIONS
Letter Expected to Create
Discussion at Confer
ence In Paris
fBv Associated Press.l )

(By Associated Press.l
London, Nov. 30.-The Evening
News says that at q representative
meeting of the unionist party today
Chancellor Bonar Law very strong
Iy repudiated Lord Lansdowne's let.
ter, describing il as disaster"
The newspapers in Germany today
publish the Lord Lansdowne letter
on their front pages, tslegraphs the
Amsterdam correspondent OF the Ex-
change Telegraph company. .The
beginning of England getting res
scnabIe."
The letter, the correspondent adds
has caused general satisfaction in
Germany where il is regarded as q
"semi- official feeler."
London, Nov. 30.-The strongest
impetus to a renewal Of the heated
discussions OF the rival schools on
the war policy Of the allies, was pro-
yoked yesterday from the most un-
expected quarter by the publication
of q. long letter from the Marquis Of
Lansdowne, strongly pleading for a
revision of the allies war aims, and
an attempt to secure peace before
the prolongation Of the war leads to
the ruin of the civilized world"
The Marquis Of Lansdowne is a
typical representative. OF the old
Tory party. He. was member Of
Asquith's coalition administration,
and was secretary for foreign affairs
In Lord Salisbury and Mr.. Balfour's
ministries, the viceroy OF India and
governor general Of Canada. He was
the last public man to be suspected
- = q
League of Nations.
The letter gives formal adhesion
to President Wilson's policy Of a
league OF nations. and he asks:
What will be the value of the
blessings of peace to nations so ex-
hausted that they can scarcely
stretch forth a hand to grasp them ~
Lord Lansdowne contends that an
immense stimulus would probably
be given to the peace party in Ger
many If it were understood:
First, that the annihilation of
Germany as a great power was not
desired; second, that we do not seek
to impose on the German people a
form OF government against their
choice; third, that, except as a Iegi-
timate war measure, we do not desire
to deny to Germany her place among
the great commercial countries;
fourth, that we are prepared after
the war, in concert with the other
powers, to examine the international
problems connected with the freedom
OF the seas; fifth, that we are pre-
pared to enter into an international
pact, under which ample opportuni-
ties will be afforded for the settle
ment Of international disputes by
peaceful means"
May Cause Controversy.
Lansdowne's long and intimate
connection with foreign affairs and
diplomacy, lends unusual authority
to such a pronouncement at the
moment Of the meeting Of the inter-
allied conference at Paris and be-
cause OF Clemenceau's recent declar-
alton against a league Of nations In
Guiding Germany, and already there
are indications Of embittered con-
troversy over It.
It is authoritatively announced
that the government had no previous
knowledge OF the letter, and the
strongest supporters OF the govern
ment in the evening press suggest
that the letter is very unwelcome to
the government.
Under the caption 'Iansdowne's
Strange Letter" and the sub-head,
The policy Of talking to the tiger"
The Evening News strongly demurs
against Lansdowne's suggestion on
the ground that Germany's word
cannot be trusted In any matter and
that an attempt to argue with her
would be a sheer waste of time.
On the other hand, the Asquith
papers hail the letter as one OF the
most remarkable documents that
the war has produced, The Star
greeting the letter as the most for
midable attack yet made on the
Lloyd George Knockout blow policy"
The matter has created quite a
sensation in the lobbies OF Darlia-
ment and 1t is understood will be the
subject Of discussion in the house at
an early date, probably Monday.
Letter Is Condemned.
London. Nov. 30.-The MARQUIS OF
Lansdowne's letter giving peace sug-
gestions holds first place in the edi-
tortal columns Of the leading morn
ing papers but with the exception Of
the radical Daily News which ap-
proves It and The Daily Telegraph,
which endorses II in part. Il is de-
Lord Lansdowne's great reputation
ana past services to the country are
recognized BY the hostile critics.
who.. however, fear that these add 10
the mischief which they believe the
letter viii cause, by misleading Ann
Continued on page III