New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-08-15
Pope's Peace Plea
In Part Follows
Wilson's Principles
by III. Associated Press }

WASHINGTON, Aug l4.-An Official
/ outline of Pope Benedicts peace pro-
! posals received here discloses that the
Pontf includes some Of the principles
OF world peace for which President
, Wilson has declared.
Among the Vatican's proposals are
reduction of armaments, freedom Of tn.
seas and that there shall be no retalis-
tory struggle after the war for world
commercial supremacy. These are re-
garded as the foundation stones Of the
Pope's plan.
IL is understood that the Pope's pro-
posal declares that the injuries to ell
belligerents have been so great there
should be no thought Of reparation ex-
cept for the return of territory.
Included in the restoration of terri
tory. the ?ope's proposals insist. should
be the return TO Germany Of all colo
nies, as we'll as the complete restora-
ton Of Belgium to her sovereignty.
Proposals Not Unexpected
Pope Benedict's peace proposals were
not unexpected TO the United States,
nor to any of the Entente Allies.
The possibility of peace move was
discussed with British Foreign Minis
ter Balfour and Xce-Premier Vlviani
when the British and French Official mis-
sions were in Washington, and il was
agreed that all the allies, including the
United States, should refuse TO discuss
peace terms while Germany occupied the
territories she had taken by force, and
thereby avoid what the Allied states
men considered a German trap.
Now the Pontiff's proposal presents
the question in somewhat different
light, difficult, perhaps, to meet, be-
cause IL offers TO a war-weary world q
hope TO peace.
Germany and her allies are expected
promptly to accept the Pope's pro-
posals.
Although the proposal TO leave for
diplomatic discussion such great ques-
tions as Italia irridentia, free Poland
and AlsaceLorraine might be rejected
on many grounds, close observers fore
see the possibility of embarrassments
in declining TO discuss proposals which
the President himself brought before
the world. The Allied statesmen real
ize that once consideration of any part
of the Pope's proposals begins pscifsts
and Socialist elements are at once en-
abled 70 take up discussions which will
embarrass their governments.
Text of Proposal Delayed
The Pope's proposals. which already
have been dc livered 70 the resident am
bassadors and ministers of the warning
powers IN Rome, are quite long. making
in print something more than a column
Of large newspaper type. Although
special efforts are being made 70 facili-
tate its transmission to the United
States, this may not be effected for at
least a day or two.
Meanwhile, however an accurate out
line Of the principal points OF the
Popes communication is in the hands
of the government here. and already
has received thoughtful consideration.
In eloquent language the Pontif de-
scribes the terrible conditions exist
ing in Europe, which he declares is
headed for destruction unless the bel
ligerents are willing 10 listen TO the ap-
peals of disnterested friends to cease
a suicidal war. Such conditions, the
Pope feels, amply justify him in taking
the present opportunity TO suggest
what may be, he hopes, at least a
foundation upon which peace negotis-
tions may be initiated.
Simply a Rough Basis
At best, the proposals are only sug-
gested as rough basis for such ne
gotiations, and he realizes that the de-
tails in all their complexity must be
worked out patiently and in a spirit of
Cancellation by the belligerents them
selves.
Unqualified approval OF President
Wilson's plan for the avoidance OF fut-
ure wars by some form OF international
organization which shall have behind il