Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-24
PEACE TALK Should
NOT SLACKEN j. s.
WAR PREPARATION
Secretary Baker Says Ger
man Propaganda Is Forerun-
ner of Western Offensive.
RECALLS SIMILAR OFFER
MADE LAST CHRISTMAS
War Review Indicates Enemy
Would Have World Believe It
a. Can Dictate Peace.

Would Have World Believe It
Can Dictate Peace.
Germanys newest peace propa-
ganda, viewed as a forerunner to
an offensive in the west unless a
German-made peace is accepted
by the allies and the United States,
should not for a moment induce
us to slacken our preparations for
war; says Secretary Baker today
in his weekly review of the mill
, tary situation
THE Germans realize, contin-
ues the statement, "that within a
short time our armies will form
the principal body of fresh stra-
tegic reserves remaining available
on the battlehelds of Europe"
Our armies constitute the reserves
of victory
The review points out that the fight
ing morale of Italy may be relied upon,
no matter how intensive the German
ace campaign becomes, and says:
The Italian theater once again is the
scene of important military activity.
The enemy, impatient of the delays
which have occurred in bringing about
the successful penetration of the Ital-
ian plain and the overthrow of the
Italian armies, has dispatched further
fnrraa n "a tn 10 ant with vie
to achieving a decisive result.
Classic Strategy Attempted.
The Germans are endeavoring to
follow the precepts of classic strategy
and by successful enveloping move
ment effect the destruction of the Ital-
ian and allied forces
TT would appear that they are anx-
tous to conclude their Italian adven-
ture in manner similar to the pre-
vious campaigns of Russia, Serbia and
Run1ania. where, as result of the
stragetic development, gained at rela-
lively small cost. vast tracts of terri
tory were conquered.
Enemy pressure continues intense
along the entire front.
Before proceeding with any opera
lions In the west, the Germans hope to
drive the Italians back to the Adige. an
tfcipating that such a reverse would
have a very disintegrating influence
throughout Italy.
1T Is apparent that the Germans have
not given up all hope of bringing about
Social unheaval in Italy, as they did
In Russia after their victorious cam
paigns of 1915.
mo matter how intensive this new
subyersive propaganda may be. never
Sheless. we can confidently rely on the
fighting morale OF the italian people
Along the western front the enemy
has continued his harassing raids with
view to keeping the allied forces on
However, nf q rh1.1
ments recorded in the west were Of more
than local importance
1T would appear that as forerun-
ner to the German offensive heraided tn
be launched in the west, an Intensive
peace propaganda is to be initiated
Careful examination of the situa-
tion reveals that the enemy is again
preparing to sue for peace before VIC
tory
Information from various sources
confirms the reports that the Germans
would have the world believe that the
military situation IS such that they
are able to dictate the terms of peace
They therefore threaten that = unless
. this dictated peace is accepted by the
allied powers and ourselves the Ger
man forces now being concentrated on
the western front will break through
the allied line in the west
The various reports of immediate
peace proposals by the Germans on
seemingly favorable terms should not
Tor moment induce Us to siacken our
preparations for war.
1T is only necessary for us to recall
that during the Christmas season of
last year the Germans put forth very
similar peace rumors.
No Determining influence.
'In considering the general military
situation in it's true light, it must be
hat
that within a short time our armies
will form the principal body of fresh
strategic reserves remaining available
for action on the battlefields of Europe
Thus. no matter what superiority In
men and guns the enemy NAV for the
time being be able to bring to bear in
the west. and even admitting an
eventual modification OF the allied line
in his favor. nevertheless he knows
that in SO far as {. is humanity possible
TO foresee his effort viii inevitably re-
suit in merely ? local success which
can have no determining influence on
the final outcome of the war
For the first two years of the war
France bore the brunt of battle, while
Great Britain was preparing
since the defeat OF the German
forces IN front of Nerdun England and
the British dominions have taken over
an increasingly large share of the
burden of the war.
Italy has. to the limit of her forces
also assumed considerable share OF
this burden
Aiding italian Armies.
when, as a result of the detection n,
the Russian forces the weight al
Austro-German pressure was directed
against Italy. France and Engia nd
united in coming 10 the rescue of their
ally. and are today aiding the Italian
armies.
TT is our duty. therefore. in iool<ino
20 the future, to realize that il we a r.
TO fulfill the pledge we made on en-
tering the war. II we are-to fight tbi,
war 10 n successful conclusion W.
must assume the full responsibilit,
which rests upon us. We are ths
freshest in the struggle; we have the
reserve man power and the reserv,
mechanical power.
Our armies constitute the reserve.
of victory.
in Russia, the arnistfce necotta ZION,
having been concluded. peace negotia
tions are about to be entered upon
Reports of the dissatisfaction Of n
large element of the Russian ponu1a
tion, especially in southern and centra
Russia with the terms of the armistics
have led to the formation OF an active
opposition. which II is believed will en-.
; deayor TO resist all attempts to en-
force the proposals. agreed to by The
Lenine government.