Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-01-01
Allies Make Sharp
Reply to Peace Offer

the future course of war and to end it
by imposing a German peace.
"The object of these overtures is to
create dissension in public opinion in
the allied countries.
But that public opinion has, in spite
of all the sacrifices endured by the al
lies, already given it's answer with ad-
mirable firmness and has denounced
the empty pretense of the declaration of
the enemy powers
| Braces German Opinion.
"They have the further object of
stiffening public opinion in Germany
and in the countries allied to her-one
and all severely tried by their losses.
worn out by economic pressure and
crushed by the supreme effort which
has been imposed upon their inhabi-
tants.
| "rhey endeayor to deceive and in
tinidate public opinion in neutral
countries, whose inhabitants have long
since made up their minds where the
initial responsibilities slie and are far
] too enlightened to favor the designs of
Germany by abana1ysaE the defense Of
] New Series tAt( Grimes" M
"E,inaiiy, these 0 s,,ftures attempt "
j Justify in advance IN the eyes of /,
world a new series OF crimes-submz
rine warfare, deportations, 'orced, labor
and forced enlistment of the inhabitants
against their own countries, and VIOLA
tions of neutrality.
Fully conscious of the gravity of
this moment, but equally conscious of
its requirements, all allied governments.
closely united to one another and in
perfect sympathy with their peoples,
refuse to consider proposal which is
empty and insincere.
| Reparation Essential.
"Once again the allies declare that
no peace is possible SO long as they
have not secured reparation for violat-
ed rights and liberties, the recognition
of the people Of the nationalities and
of the free existence Of small states;
so long as they have not brought about
settlement calculated to end once
and for all forces which have consti-
tuted a perpetual menace to the ma
|tions and to afford the only effective
guarantee for the future security Of the
world.
Belgium lnvioIate.
I'm conclusion the allied powers
think it necessary to put forward the
following considerations, which show
Itne special situation Of Belgium after
1.-TWO and half years Of war. In virtue
of the international treaties signed for
five great European powers, OF whom
Germany was one, Belgium enjoyed
Il efore the war a special status, render
ling her territory inviolable and placing
her, under the guarantee Of the pow
Iers, outside all European conflicts.
She was, however, in spite OF these
treaties, the first to suffer the aggres-
sion of Germany. For this reason the
Belgian government thinks it necessa-
ry to define the aims which Belgium
has never ceasd to pursue while fight
ing side by side with the entente pow
ers for right and justice.
! The Belgian Position.
Belgium always has scrupulously
I UTILIZED the duties which her neutrality
Imposed upon her.
she has taken up arms to defend
her independence and her neutrality
violated by Germany and to show that
she remains faithful to her information
al obligations.
i ION the 4th of August. 1914. in the
|reichstag the German chancellor ad-
mitted that this aggression constituted
an injustice contrary to the laws OF
nations and pledged himself in the
name of Germany to repair it.
During two and a half years this in
|. Justice has been cruelty aggravated by
tine proceedings of the occupying
forces, which have exhausted the re.
sources of the country, ruined its in
dustries, devastated its towns and vii.
lagos, and have been responsible fol
innumerahle massacres executions and
imprisonments.
Peace With Deportations.
"At this very moment, while Ger
many is proclaiming peace and human
Iity to the world, she is deporting Bel.
lgian citizens by thousands and reduc.
ling them to slavery.
Belgium before the war asked foi
InothlnE but to live in harmony Will
her neighbors.
Her king and her government have
but one aim-the re-establishment o
peace and justice.
"But they only desire peace ws,iei
would assure to their country legiti-
mate reparation, guarantees and safe
guards for the future