The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1917-12-28
British Opinion ON Hun Proposals.

London, Dec. 2S.-Opinion here on
the reply of the Germanic powers TO
the bolshevik peace terms. as far as
can be judged from editorials in the
morning newspapers, follows two main
lines. On one hand, il seems to be felt
that the central powers have made
perfectly sincere effort for peace; on the
other hand, belief is expressed that the
Germanic rulers have planned to win
the war Immediately, for which they
are said TO have set cunning trap,
in which they hope, although vainly, to
catch the allies.
The former view is not confined to
papers generally regarded as having
pacifist leanings. 1t is supported
strongly, for instance by the Daily Ex-
press, which uncompromisingy stands
for victory over the central powers, and
is an ardent apostle of antiPrussianism.
In all the papers taking this view,
the statement of the central powers is
regarded as being addressed less to Rus
sia than to the allies collectively, and
the offer. made through Count CZernin
Austrian foreign minister, is assumed
to be an initial proposal which the cen
tral powers probably are prepared TO
modify in the course of bargaining.
The terms may be taken as Ger
-
course. wholly Inadequate, but it is sig
ihhcant that the idea of conquest has
been abandoned completely This is the
first indication that Germany has be-
gun to realize the true position with
which she is confronted.
ReparatiOn is Ignored Totally.
"At the same time, the demand of
the allies f1' reparation is ignored to-
tally. There is no doubt that the ne
gotiations are form of cameufiage |
which Germany is attempting to talk |
to the allies through Russia. 1t is a |
general peace that Germany and Aus
ria-Hungary want, and behind Czernin's
words there is. we think, a perfectly |
sincere desire to end the war at once.
The offer, for what ii is worth, is oh
vious1 genuine, Germany is pledged
to the principle of restitu-
ton, thereby bluntly repudiating Won
TirpitZ and the other pan-Germans. but
while restitution Is accepted, reparation
is secuted Reparation will be ac.
cepted as the price of the restoration
of those economic relations. without
which Germany cannot live.
"An authoritative allied reply TO
Count Czernin might be "a demonstra
ton to the German people that the
allies have no wish TO contrive their
hinder their development or
threaten their independence. When
hey once understand what the allies
stand for and what really are their in
entions, the German people themselves
viii complete the destruction Of that
nilitarism which set out to conquer the
world"
Meant for United States.
The Daily Chronicle says II is a stIsk
ng fact that the central powers have y
ccepted the formula of no annexations
nd no indemnities. and continues:
The new peace offer of the central /,
covers is meant, not primarily for Rus +
la. but for the allies at large. and es
ecially the United States Coming at
he same time as threats and warnings r
{ tremendous German efforts on the [
front. il is no doubt merelv the
orerunner Of proposals more formal
. character. The terms of the central
over offer no security whatever u
gainst recurrence OF the war. when i
YER the original disturhers Of the peace n
re strong enough to fight again with
better prospect OF victory %
The Daily News. which warmly en- r
orsed the recent naciist letter of the Y.
Iaruuis of Lansdowne. and L. regarded Il
: being linked with paciasm contends. C.