The Robesonian. [volume] (Lumberton, N.C.) 1870-current, 1917-08-16
PEACE PROPOSALS EXPECTED

Possibility of Place Move Discussed
IN Unated States Some Months Ago
Proposals Cannot be Acceptedt
by United States and Allies as
ihey Stand and Possibly Not att
AH-Answer is Delicate Task
Washington Dispatch, Aug, is. I
Pope Benedict's peace proposals
were not unexpected to the United
States nor to any of the Entente Al |
lies.
The possibility of a peace move
was discussed with British Foreign
Minister Balfour and Vice Premier
Vivian when the British and French
Official missions were in Washing
ton, and it was agreed that all the
Allies, including the United States
should refuse to discuss peace terms
with Germany while Germany occu-
pied the territory she had taken by
force and thereby avoid what the Al
lied statesmen considered a GermanI
trap.
Now, the pontiff's proposal pre-
sents the question in somewhat diff
ferent light, difficult perhaps to
meet, because it offers to war
weary world a hope for peace.
Germany and her allies are ex-
pected promptly to accept the Pope's
proposals.
American officials acknowledge
that the Vatican's proffer is Of
nature calling for a reply. Diplo-
mats Of the Entente circle voice
nothing but an unanimous opinion
that it will be rejected. American
officials realize that convincing
reply is required for the worlds
page of history. That the proposals
can not be accepted as they stand is
certain. That they will not be aae-
cepted at all is probable.
An unofficial outline of the Mpe's
communication was received heresthis
morning. Members of the Presi-
dents Cabinet said it had not been
discussed at, this afternoons meet.
ing, but some Of the Presidents of
ficial family gave signs of the diffi-
Guilty which it has presented.
Is: The first appraisal of the proposals
by officials and diplomats was that
Eit was another attempt, by Germany,
this time working through Austria,
because of the latter's close relation
to the Vatican, to accomplish, what
she failed in her first offer of peacs
the assembling of peace delegatea
at a round table conference whers
the interests of one ally could be
played eff against the other with the
disruption of the grand alliances as
the stake. In no quarter is there any
| disposition to question in any way
the faith of the Vatican although
the peace activities Of the Roman
! Catholic elements in Germany am
Austria have been prominent fol
several months.
But, as the unofficial outline dis.
closed the terms Of Pope Benedict's
proposal, officials were astonished to
realize it's similarity with some Of
President Wilson's declarations on
the subject. international agree
ments to enforce peace, reduction
Of armament and recognition of the
national aspirations of the small peo-
pies, all were brought forward by
the President in his epochal ad
dress before Congress.
! Although the proposal to leave FOL
diplomatic discussion such grea
questions as Italia Irridentia, a free
Poland a7j1 Alade lDorraine might
} be rejected on many grounds, close
observers foresee the possibility O.
embarrassments in declining to dis
cuss proposals which the Presiden
himself brought before the world
The allied statesmen realize tina
once consideration Of any part o:
, the Pope's proposals begins, pa
cifists and Socialist elements are a
once enabled to take up discussions
which will embarrass their govern
ments.
Presidents Pronouncement Interest
ing
President Wilson's own view O.
what reply shall be made obviousl!
D.. can not accurately be asserted at th
present time. His latest public pro
nouncement on the most vital Of thu
proposals Pope Benedict makes ar
interesting.
When the new Russian governmen
:. was wavering on the point of max
ing a separate peace and declaring
for no annexations and no indemnl
ties, the President in a message t.
the Russian people declared:
"Of course the imperial Germa1
2 government and those whom it /
using for their own undoing are seek
e ing to obtain pledges that the wa
D will end in the restoration OF tn
e status quo ante It was the statu
e QUO ante out Of which this iniui
tous war issued forth; the power 0
e the imperial German government
e within the empire and it's widespread
: domination and influence outside o
: that empire. That status quo mus
I be altered in such fashion as to pre-
n vent any such hideous thing fror
$ happening again"
Two days later in his Flag Day ad
a dress the President, referring to tn
military masters of Germany said:
: eff they can secure peace now wit
n the immense advantages still in thel
It hands which they have up to tn
n point apparently gained, they WI
e have justified themselves before tn
g German people; they will have g;al1
n ed by force what they promised