, 1917-08-23

ALTOS to be imposed on q state wnIcn
would refuse either to submit O ma
tional question to arbitration or to
accept its decision.
Once the supremacy of right has
thus been established, all obstacles to
the means OF communication Of the
peoples would disappear by assuring,
by rules to be fixed later, the true lib
erty and community of the seas which
would contribute to end the numerous
causes of conflict and also would 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 mean of solving the question
than by submitting as a general prin-
ciple the complete and reciprocal con-
donation which would be justified
moreover by the immense benefit to
be derived from disarmament, so
much so that no one will understand
the continuation of a similar carnage
solely for reasons of an economic
order.
If, for certain cases, there exist par
ticular 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
reciprocal restitution of the territory
at present occupied.
All Territory to Be Restored.
Consequently on the part Of Ger
many, the complete evacuation Of Bel
GUM, with the guarantee Of her full
political, military and economic indie
pendence towards it.
The evacuation of French territory.
On the part Of other belligerent par
ties, similar restitution of the German
colonies.
AS regards the territorial questions.
as for example those which have aris-
en- between Italy and Austria and be-
tween Germany and France, there is
reason to hope hal in consideration
of the immense advantages of a dur
able peace with disarmament, the par
ties in conflict would wish to exam
inc them with a conciliatory disposi-
ton, taking into consideration, as we
have said formerly, the aspirations of
the peoples and the special interests
and the general welfare of the great
human society.
Demands Justice for Poland.
The same spirit of equity and jus
tice ought to be followed in the X
animation of other territorial and po-
litical questions, notably those rela-
tive to Armenia and the Balkan
states, and territories making a 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
the nations.
Such are the principal bases where
on we believe the future reorganiza-
ton of the peoples ought to be built.
They are of a nature to render impos-
sible the return of similar conflicts,
and to prepare a solution of the eco
nomic question so important for the
future and for the material w~ell-being
of all belligerent states.
Pleads In Name of Prince of Peace.
Therefore, in presenting to you, who
direct at this hour the destinies of the
~belligerent nations, we r animated
to see them accepted and to see thus
the conclusion at an early date Of the
terrible struggle which more and more
appears a useless massacre.
The whole world recognizes that tho
honor of the armies of both sides Is
safe. Incline your earl therefore TO
our prayer. Accept the fraternal In
vitation which we send you in the
name of the Divine Redeemer, the
Prince of Peace; reflect on your very
grave responsibility before God and
before man.
On your decision depends the epose
and the joy of innumerable families,
the life of thousands of young people
in a word, the happiness of a people
for whom it is your absolute duty to
obtain their welfare.
May the Lord inspire your decision
In conformity to His very holy will.
May God grant that while meriting
the applause of your contemporaries
you will also obtain in the future gen.
erations a splendid name Of pacifi.
Gators.
AS for us, closely united in prayer
and in penitence, with all those faith
full souls which sigh for peace, we i'm
plore for you the light and counsel
of the divine spirit. (Signed):
BENEDICT.
At the Vatican, August l.