New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-08-21
Bakhmetef Declares Vat
ican's Proposals Not
Acceptable
Wilson Consults
Allies "Informally"
u. S., However, Will Not
Participate in Council
Planned by Entente
By c. w. Gilbert


nor Bskhmetef to-day issued the first
authorized statemento of any Allied gov
,nment's position toward the Pope's
mace proposals. The ambassador said:
"The answer to the Pope's peace pro-
possls 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. II is con-
d sidered in Russia that the very bases
Of the Vatican's proposals are incon-
sistent with the democratic aims of the
Russian people in this war, and are not
acceptable from Inat point of view"
Ii is reasonable to suppose that this
statement was made under instructions
from Petrograd. If so it is evident
that the Russian government is i'm
pressed with the desirability of letting
the American people know promptly its
position with regard to continuing the
war.
Diplomatic Frankness
Something of the diplomatic frank
bsss for which the radicals are calling
shows in this early making known OF
Russian position. But, although Rus
as is the only power that has spoken
trough the press, this government has
tsAsulted informally" so 1t was Off
ssRy acknowledged to-day, with all the
htente powers. 1t is understood that
heir attitude toward the Pope's pro-
posals is known to the President. What
his attitude is no one knows.
He has not indicated it even to close
official advisers. Ii is confidently
expected that he will reject the Pope's
plan, but speculation runs as to how
and what diplomatic purpose, If any,
he will have in view.
One thing is clear: That is, that,
though the President will act only after
consultation with the Allies, he will act
in entire independence of them. The
Allies. Lord Robert Cecil announced in
Parliament to-day, will hold confer
ence before replying to the Pope. In
any such conference. it was announced
here officially to-day, the United States
would not be represented. IL is not
certain that President Wilson will
wait until such conference takes
place before making the country's posi-
ton known.
This freedom of the United States
from any engagement with the AIRES
Is causing a good deal of speculation
IN Entente circles here. Every one asks
Just what the Presidents position is.
Immensely more interest will attach 70
Nr. Wilson's reply 20 the Pope than 70
any other communication that will
spring from the present interchange.
Rejection Looked For
The rejection Of the proposals by the
allied powers, now that Russia ap-
Srently has spoken, is a foregone con-
slusion. But Mr. Wilson may shape the
future Of the war by what he says.
Speaking with the voice OF a nation
which has no selfish interest IN the
contest and which possesses now the
only great untouched resources Of men
and means with which 10 carry on the
fght. he may, with considerable hope
Of having the support of Russia IN the
position he takes. say just what re-
mains worth fighting for, and the eN-
hausted nations on the other side wiil
have little disposition 20 quarrel with
bis definition.
Il is supreme opportunity, and no
one here doubts that the President
recognizes il. Being the nation with
money and men, America, II II has the
intellect. may dominate the future con-
duet Of the ar-diplomatically In the
present junctUre. strategically on sea
N the immediate future when an Of
isnsive il worked out, and later on
land. perhaps That is why all eyes
turn 70 the President.
An indication OF the American at
ttude was furnished to-day when 1t
sts learned authoritatively at the
state Department that the japanese
Mission and this governments repre-
senistives will discuss how best TO act
together % assist in the advancement
Of the war. No programme Of subjects
ior the conferences mas been prepared
and the United States will not take the
initiative in introducing for consider.
s!ion any matter that ~ not related
eireetly 70 the better prosecution OF
tie war.
The mission when IL comes 10 Wash
rgton will spend several days in for
naltiss, social functions, etc, before
ne seriocs business before II is taken
p Originally Japan's intention was
lor the mission 20 welcome, in Japan's
zane, the United States as an asso-
Saie IN the war. but there Is disposi-
soa both in japan and the United
S'~tss 20 take advantage Of the occa-
.lan 70 eollaborste upon war measures
ne better 20 speed the day Of Ger
h.ny's defeat.
is still believed that one OF the
mosl effective ways open 20 Japan 70
1a she advancement Of the war ~ 70
aIelY tonnage for the use Of the
@lisd nations.
To ReiteTate Wilson's Note
here was an intimstion In Entente
i-sFtsrs to-day that the probable col
I've reply Of the Allied nations 70
~ b.nediet's proposal would be
-osisntisl reiterstion Of their an
.sT 70 President Wilson's peace note
december TO- Tha, reply stated
- me details Of the Entente's peace
sms would not be made known until
nser Of the negotiations. ~ de-
,fe the objects Of the Allies 20 be
4. shsir objects In the war will not
...,ees known IN detail with al the
s.els corporations and indemni-
- Hf damages suffered until the
x..ssu negotiations. But the civilized
49, kaows that they imply In al
<e<lty and In fhe dFEt instance. the