Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-08-17
P0PE'S MESSAGE LAID
BEFORE THE PRESIDENT
Conferences Will Begin Shortly,
but It Will Be Some Time Be-
fore Response Goes Forward.
NO COMMENT BY OFFICIALS
Changes in Military Situation Make
1t to Germany's Advantage to
Endeavor to End War.

WASHINGTON, August 16.-Premier
Lloyd Georges optimistic speech In the
British Parliament to-day was inter
preted here as preliminary indication
of the attitude the allied nations may
be expected TO adopt toward any dis
cussion Of peace on a basis which might
permit Germany conqueror TO die
tate terms.
News Of tho Premier's speech came
while the State Department was receiv-
ing by cable the text Of Pope Bene-
diets message to the leaders OF all
belligerent nations. proposing basis
for peace negotiations. and earnestly
appealing for It's consideration. In en-
tentc diplomatic quarters and among
government officials Lloyd Georges
announcement Of Improvement in food
conditions. removing the danger of
England being starved into submission.
his assurance that losses through sub
marine attacks continued to decrease.
and his declaration that there would
" be sufficient tonnage for 1915 and for
1919 II necessary, were hailed Joy
fully.
The Pope's message was laid before
President Wilson BY Secretary Lansing.
Conferences will begin shortly. but
necessarily some time must elapse be-
fore the response go,s forward,
SLIGHT DIFFERENCES DUE
TO VARYING TRANSLATIONS
4 translation of the message made
public by the State Department to-
night does not differ materially from
tho unofficial version cabled from Eu-
rope Slight differences are due to
varying translations Cf French idioms.
Where the unorficial text has the mes
sage addressed to the rulers" or the
beiliserent peoples. the depa' tment's
translation makes IL leaders" Instead
OF lovely" exhortations. the Official
translation reads earnest" exhorta-
ttons. Instead OF Germany being re-
quired to guarantee IielGium's indepen-
dence OF it the official version says
"of any power whatsoever"
While there already have been many
informal conferences among officials
and diplomats regarding the Pope's
proposals. Secretary Lansing so far has
not discussed the subject with the
President, and also has rcfrained from
communicating his vicws. regarding the
character of the reply which should be
made, to any of the ma.iy diplomatic
callers.
Nr. Lansing has also deprecated any
attempt by the newspapers to forecast
the action of the government in this
matter. as likely 10 prove embar-
rassing.
NO SUCH RETICENCE
AMONG THE DIPLOMATS
Among other officials and the diplo-
mats there is no such reticence. While
battles have increased in number and
waxed In intensity and the slaughter
has continued in a distressful manner.
1t is pointed out. there has been no
such change in general war conditions
as would warrant different reception
for peace proposals from any quarter
than would have been accorded to those
made a year ago. Attention is di-
rected to the fact that any such
changes as may have occurred in the
military situation have made 1t dis
tinctly to the advantage of the central
powers to endeavor to make peace now.
Notwithstanding the different and
conflicting statements made by Ger
man and Austrian ministers as to a
basis for peace negotiations. IT is de-
clared by some OF the diplomats who
haye closely studied the situation that
nowhere has there been any real evil
dence OF an abandonment Of the first
would insure the central powers actual
military. II not technical and political,
control Of the territories in possession
Of the Germanic troops when peace is
declared.
The Germans. in possession of most
of Belgium and large part OF France.
were quite willing year ago to make
peace. but with the Russians ,in pos
session Of some of their best eastern
provinces. the Austrian government
was not of like mind. Now, II is
pointed out by the entente diplomats.
as result OF the collapse of the Rus
sian offensive. and the clearing OF
Galicia of Russian troops. the Austrian
government also is willing and anxious
for peace. as are the Germans, In the
knowledge that the tide has turned
against them in the west, and that next
year probably will find them in pos
session Of little or no French and Bel
sian territory.
VATICAN NOT INFLUENCED
BY MILITARY CONSIDERATIONS
1t is admitted by these diplomats
that It is inconceivable that the Vati-
can should have been Influenced by any
Of these military considerations. but it
is'insisted that they must be taken into
account by the Foreign Offices Of the
entente powers when they pass upon
the Pope's appeal.
In addition to consulting with Presi-
dent Wilson. Secretary Lansing will
begin now to ascertain the views OF
entente governments regarding tho
Pope's message. Although no party
to : formal alliance, the United States.
AZ E7 1Gontinued on Second PaEe.)