New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-29

LONDON. Dec. 2S.-Opinion here on
the reply of the Central Powers 10 the
Bolshevik peace terms, judged from the
editorials in the morning newspapers,
follows two main lines. On one hand
il seems to be felt that the Central
Powers have made perfectly sincere
offer to end the war Immediately, while
on tie other hand it is declared that
they have set cunning trap in which
they hope, although vainly, to catch
the Allies.
The former view is not confined to
papers generally regarded as having
pacifst leanings. 1t is supported
strongly, for instance. by the Conserva-
tive Daily Express" which stands I'M
compromisingly for victory over the
Central Powers and is an ardent apostle
Of anti-Prussianism.
In all the papers taking this view
the statement of the Central Powers is
regarded as being addressed less to
Russia than to the Allies collectively,
and the offer made through Count
Czernin is assumed to be an initial pro-
posal which the Central Powers prob
ably are prepared to modify in the
course Of bargaining, for nowhere are
the terms of the Central Powers re-
garded as entirely acceptable in their
present form.
Germany's First Bid
"The Express" says:
"The terms may be taken as Ger
many's first bid. The proposals are, Of
course, wholly inadequate, but it is
significant that the idea of conquest
has been abandoned completely. This
is the first indication that Germany
has begun to realize the true position
with which she is confronted.
"At the same time, the demand Of
the Allies for reparation is ignored
totally. There is no doubt that
the negotiations are a form Of camou-
flage by which Germany is attempting
70 talk to the Allies through Russia.
1t is general peace that Germany and
Austria-Hungary want. and behind
Cyernin's words there is, we think,
perfectly sincere desire TO end the war
NJ once. The offer. for what 1t is worth,
is obviously genuine.
IAN authoritative Allied reply 10
Count Czernin might be demonstra-
ton 10 the German people that the Al
lies have no wish to contrive their
destruction, hinder their development
or threaten their independence. When
they once understand what the Allies
stand for and what really are their in
tentions the German people themselves
will complete the destruction OF that
militarism which has set out TO con-
quer the world"
Meant for the Allies
The Daily Chronicle" says it is a
striking fact that the Central Powers
have accepted the formula of no an
nexations and no indemnities, and con-
tinues:
"The new peace offensive OF the Cen
trail Powers is meant, not primarily for
Russia, but for the Allies az large, and
especially the United States. Coming
at the same time as threats and warn
ings of tremendous. German efforts on
the Western front, it is no doubt mere.
ly the forerunner Of proposals more
formal in character. The terms
of the Central Powers offer no security
whatever against a recurrence of the
war whenever the original disturbers
Of the peace are strong enough 10
fight again with a better prospect Of
victory
"The Daily News" which warmly in
dorsed the recent Letter of the Marquis
Of Lansdowne and is regarded as being
tinged with pacifsm. contends that Ger
many had TO choose between her ex-
tremis;s and her moderates, as no peace
formula could possibly satisfy both