Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-08-21
STATE SECRETARY FEELS WAY
TO ANSWER poPE's PEACE
PROPOSAL.
GETTING VIEWS OF
ALL ENTENTE NATIONS
Allies Appear to Be in Agreement That
Proposal. Are Impossible Of Accept
anee-Russia Ressnts Tone of Note
England Expected to Act For Most
OF Entente Nations.

Washington, Aug. 21.-Secretary Of
State Lansing admitted last night that
this government Is informally ex-
changing views with the entente ma
tons on Pope Benedict's peace propo-
sal. No other authoritative informa-
ton on the subject was available in
official quarters, except the statement
that there would not be an immediate
reply, and that this government be-
fore replying would not enter into any
formal conference with other belliger-
ents on the subject.
1t is understood that President Will
son is DESTROYS especially of obtaining
the Russian view OF the vaticans pro-
posal before drafting the reply of the
United States.
Russia's Views Sought.
It is realized. however. that pecu-
liarly upon the United States devolves
the paramount duty, imposed by this
country's present superior influence.
of holding Russia true to the cause Of
the allies, and for this reason the
president is expected to seek. thru
Ambassador Francis at Petrograd. the
effect Of the proposal on the provis-
lonal government and its probable ac-
ton with regard 10 it.
Such Is the anticipated course Of the
United States, and it is considered
Quite Possible that the american and
Russian answers will coincide in many
particulars, while at the same time
being in entire harmony with the re-
plies from the other allied countries.
The reply to be written by President
Wilson, it is believed. will go further
and state a practical plan for the
adjustment Of Prussian militaristic
autocracy. the chief obstacle in the
way of the conclusion Of peace.
No Doubt About Russia.
Significant in this connection is the
following statement issued by Ambas-
sador Bakhmetieff at the Russian en-
bassy today:
'"The answer to the popes peace pro-
posals has not yet been formulated by
the Russian government. but there Is
feeling in Russia that those proposals
have been made with some inspiration
from the central powers. It is consid
cred In Russia that the very bases Of
the vatican's proposals are inconsis-
tent with the democratic aims Of the
Russian people in this war and are not
acceptable from that point OF view"
The Russian ambassadors staten ent
is the frst authorized statement Of the
position Of any country at war with
Germany, and apparently sets at rest
any doubts which may have been felt
concerning the course Russia would
pursue. II also is indicative of the
importance the Russian government
attaches to a right understanding by
the American people and the American
government OF Russia's appreciation Of
Americas participation in the war
England May Act For Allies.
The impression Is growing that Brit
ain will reply for most Of the entente
powers, as was the case in the allies
answer to President Wilson's proposal
to the belligerents to state their peace
terms. Belgium replied in supple
mentary note, and 1t is likely It will
make a separate reply to the pope.
italy. however, which has not ex-
changed notes with the vatican for
many years, is thought to be willing
for England again to be the entente's
spokesman.
Russia probably will be compelled to
make a separate reply on account of
popular pressure in that country. espe-
cially because Of certain insistence by
the workmen's, soldiers and peasants
delegates.