The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-12-27

time.
"CIause 6-Of the four allied pow
ers Germany alone possesses colonies
On the part of the German delega-
ton in full accord with the Russian
proposals regarding that. the follow
ing is declared:
Return German Colonies.
THE return of colonial territories
forcibly seized during the war consti-
tutes an essential part of German de-
mands, which Germany cannot re-
nounce under any circumstances
Likewise the Russian demand for i'm
mediate evacuation of territories oc-
cupied by an adversary conform to
of the nature of the colonial territory
of Germany, the realization OF the
right of self determination beside the
above outlined considerations in the
form proposed by the Russian dele
CATION is at present impossible
1.-The circumstances that in the
German colonies the natives, notwith-
standing the greatest difficulties and
the improbability of victory in a strug-
gle against an adversary many times
stronger and who had the advantage
of unlimited imports by sea, re-
manned in the gravest. circumstances
to their German friends may serve as
proof of their attachment and their
resolve by all means to preserve al
lance to Germany, proof which by
its significance and weight is far su-
perior to any expression of popular
will
The principles of economic rela-
lions proposed by the Russian delega-
ton in connection with the above six
clauses are approved wholly by the
delegations of the allied powers
who always have denied any economic
restrictions and who see in the re-
esta blishment of regulated economic
relations which are in accord with the
interests of all people concerned one
of the most important conditions for
bringing about friendly relations be-
tween the powers now engaged in
war"
Russia Protests Point.
President loft of the Russian dele
CATION expressed willingness to con-
clude peace on the basis of no an
nexations. no indemnities. self defini-
ton of peoples, but pointed out that
self definition of peoples within the
limits granted by constitutions as stat
ed by the German reply was not COM
plete.
"Renouncing the application of the
right of. the stronger nation were
agreed to-" he said. But the powers
of the quadruple allia nee at the same
time give all their opponents an i'm
mediate peace ground. They affirm
that the right of the stronger. after
unprecedented bloodshed, shall be
preserved with all its integrity within
each of the countries with no regard
for little and oppressed nationalities
The war cannot end without the
violated rights of those nationalities
being re-esta bnshed. The Russian
delegations insist that those national
tiles must in the very next treaty
esta blishing general peace among
all nationalities receive on the basis
of international agreement, guaran-
tee that their lawful rights will be
protected The lapse of time in no
case legalizes the violation of one
people by another"
Regarding compensation for the
maintenance of prisoners of war, the
Russian chairman said it might be
construed as an indemnity. He insist
ed that an international fund be used
to pay damages against private per-
sons He had no objection to Ger
many's request that her colonies be
evacuated by entente troops.
"Russia's delegation" he stated, in
conclusion. Notwithstanding the opin-
ion. thought that the German dec
laration that Germany has no agrees
sive plans, offered the possibility of
the immediate beginning of negotia-
tons for a general peace among all
belligerents." He proposed a ten-day
recess until January 4, so that the
peoples whose governments have not
Joined for a general peace may have
an opportunity to acquaiut themselves
with the principles of such peace as
now is being established"
AT the expiration of the indicated
time" he declared, the negotiations
must be resumed, disregarding wheth-
err or not other belligerents have joined
in the negotiations"
The next session of the conference
was set for December 90.
Resume Peace Conference.
Amsterdam, Dec. 27.-The Brest-
Litovsk house conferences between
Russian and German delegates were
resumed today. according TO Berlin
dispatches received here today.
Previous reports had indicated
postponement of the meetings.