Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-08-16

thus been established all obstacles ~ ~
means Of communication OF the Fp14<'
Piles would disappear by assuring. ~
rules TO be fixed later, the true liberty
and community OF the seas, which
would contribute to lessen the numer-
Gus causes Of conflict and would also
open to all new sources Of prosperity
and progress.
"As to the damages to be repaired
and as to the war expenses, we see no
other means of solving the question
than by submitting as a general prin-
cfpls the complete and reciprocal con-
donation which would be justified more
over by the immense benent to be de-
rived from disarmament so much so
that no one will understand the con-
tinuation Of q similar carnage solely
for reasons of an economic order.
IF for certain cases there exist par
ticuiar reasons they would be DELHI
Grated upon with justice and equity,
but these pacific agreements with the
immense advantages to be derived from
them are not possible without a re-
ciprocai restitution of the territory at
present occupied.
Complete Evacuation Of Belgium.
consequently on the part of Ger
many the complete evacuation of Bel
GUM. with the guarantee of her full
political. military and economic fnde-
pendence toward it.
The evacuation of French territory
On the part Of other belligerent parties
similar restitution of the German
colonies.
"As regards the territorial questions,
as. for example. those which have
arisen between Italy and Austria and
between Germany and France. there is
reason to hope that in consideration
OF the immense advantages of a durable
peace with disarmament, the parties in
conflict would wish to examine them
with conciliatory disposition, taking
into consideration, as we have said for
merly. the aspirations of the peoples
and the special interests and of the
general welfare of the great human
society
THE same spirit of equity and JUS
tice ought to be followed in the exam
nation of other territorial and politi-
cal questions, notably those relative to
Armenia and the Balkan states, and
territories making part of the ancient
Kingdom Of Poland. whose noble and
historical traditions and sufferings
which it has endured. especially during
the present war. ought to conciliate
the sympathies of nations.
Such are the principal bases where
upon we believe the future reorganiza-
ton OF the peoples ought to be built
Ihey are OF nature to render impos-
sible the return of similar conflicts, and
to prepare a solution of the economic
question SO important for the future
belligerent states.
Therefore. in presenting to you, who
direct at this hour the destinies of the
belligerent nations, We are animated to
see them accepted and to see thus the
conclusion at an early date Of the ter
rible struggle which more and more
appears useless massacre.
The whole world recognizes that the
honor OF the armies of both sides is
safe. Incline your ears, therefore, to
our prayer. Accept the fraternal invi-
taticn which we send you in the name
OF the Divine Redeemer, the Prince of
Peace. Reflect on your very grave re-
sponsibility before God and before man.
On your decision depend the repose
and the joy of innumerable families
the life of thousands of young people;
in word. the happiness Of a people
for whom 1t is your absolute duty to
obtain their welfare.
May the Lord inspirt your decision
in conformity to His very holy will
May God grant that while meriting the
applause of your cotemporaries you
will also obtain in the future genera
tions a splendid name of pacificators.
AS for US. closely united in prayer
and in penitence with all those faithful
souls which sigh for peace. we implore
for you the light and counsel of the
Divine Spirit.
(signedD BENEDICT"
AT the Vatican, August L.