Arizona republican., 1917-05-16
SAYS MUST MAINTAIN
 RESERVE: [:
Republican A. p. Leased Wire]

BERLIN, May 15, (Via London)-ln one of the most vigorous and plain spoken speeches he mas yet made pe- fore the reichstag since the outbreak of the war the German chancellor to- day bluntly refused to enter intoa dis cussion of Germany'S peace aims as de- manded in interpellations by the con- serVatives and socialists. Dr. Von Beth mann -Hollweg asserted that these called for the governments specific peace program, the announcement or which would at the present time not only be premature, but which it would he difficult to formulate and of no practical service to the nation in the present situation.
 While appreciating the passionate de- sire of all classes to know the govern ment's views, the chancellor plainly de- clared that he would not permit him. self to be sWayed by pressure from any source and that he was not under the spell of any party or clique. The best interests of the nation, he believed, de- manded that the reticence he had inn posed on himself in the face of con- tinuous clamor since December, 1915 should be observed by him until the moment was ripe He was sure that such a course would be endor sea by the nation at large, which continued to rally around it's emperor and also wOuIG meet the views of the majority of th1 members of the reichstag.
 The chancellor then briefly reviewed the present military situation and Ger manys relations to the neutrals, in the course of which he warmly praised the attitude adopted by Spain.
 These interpellations demand from 11fT. sA- tion of our war aims" said the chan- cellor ITO make such a statement at the present moment would not serve the country's interests. I must. there fore, decline to make it.
 Since the winter of 1914-15 I have been pressed now from one side, now from the other publicity to state our war aims, if possible, with details. Every day they were demanded from me. To forces me to speak an attempt was made to construe my silence re- garding the program of the war aims of individual parties as argument Against that 1 must again resolutely protest.
 On giving liberty for the free dis cussion of the war aims I had it eX- pressly declared that the government could not and would not participate in the conflict of views. 1 also protested against any positive conclusions what ever regarding the governments atti- tude being drawn from the govern ments silence.
 T now repeat this protest in the most conclusive form. What I was evel able to say about our war aims I say here in the reichstag publicly. The, were general principles-they could no be mOre-but they were clear enough to exclude identification such as WA attempted with other programs Thes. fundamental lines have been adhered |, up to today. They found furthe solemn expression in the peace offe made conJointly with our allies of De cember F, 1916
 The su~~osition, which has recent arisen, that some differences of opin ion existed on the peace question be tween us and our allies belongs to th realm of fable. 1 expressly affirm thi now with certainty. I am, at the sam ume, also expressing the oonvictio 2 that the leading statesmen of the DOW CTS which are our allies are with us.
 T thoroughly and fully understoo the passionate interest of the people i the war aims and peace conditions.
 understood the call for clearness whic today Is addressed to me from tn right and the left. But in the discus sion of our war aims the only guidin line for me is the early and satisfaC
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