Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1917-12-24
PEACE MOVE MUST
NOT SLACKEN U. S.,
SAYS SEC. BAKER
Enemy Preparing to Sue For
peace Before Vic
tory"
BIG PART FOR AMERICA
Fresh Troops From This
Country Will Form Prin-
cipal Reserves
BY Associated Press

Washington, Dec. 24.-Germany's
newest peace propaganda, viewed
as a forerunner to an offensive in
the west unless a German-made
peace is accepted by the allies and
the United States, Should not for
a moment induce us to slacken our
preparations for war, says Secre-
tary Baker in his weekly review of
the military situation.
The Germans realize" continues
the statement. that within a short
time our armies will form the prin-
cipal body of fresh strategic reserves
remaining available on the battle
fields of Europe"
Our armies constitute the re-
serves of victory"
The review points out that the
fighting morale of Italy may be re-
lied upon no matter how intensive
the German peace campaign be-
comes.
1T is apparent that the Germans
have not given up all hope of bring
ing about a social upheaval in Italy,
as they did in Russia after their
victorious campaign of 1915.
Peace Before Victory
Careful examination of the sit
uation reveals that the enemy is
again preparing to sue for peace
before victory.
Information from various sources
confirms the reports that the Ger
mans would have the world believe
that the military situation is such
that they are able to dictate the
terms of peace. They. therefore,
threaten that unless this dictated
peace is accepted by the allied pow
ers and ourselves the German forces
now being concentrated on the
western front will break through the
allied line in the west.
THE various reports of immediate
peace proposals by the Germans on
seemingly favorable terms should
not for a moment induce us to
slacken our preparations for war.
1T is only necessary for us to
recall that during the Christmas
season of last year the Germans put
forth very similar peace rumors.
For the first two years of the
war, France bore the brunt of bat
tie while Great Britain was prepar-
ing.
Assumes Large Burden
"Since the defeat of the German
forces in front of Verdun, England
and the British dominions have
taken over an increasingly large
share of the burden of the war.
ITALY has, to the limit of her
forces, also assumed q considerable
share of this burden.
When as result of the detection
of the Russian forces the weight of
Austro-German pressure was direct
ed against Italy, France and Eng
land united in coming to the res
cue of their ally and are to-day
aiding the Italian armies.
1T is our duty, therefore, in look
ing to the future, to realize that If
we are to fulfill the pledge we made
on entering the war if we are to
fight this war to n successful con-
clusion we must assume the full re-
sponsibility which rests upon us. We
are the freshest in the struggle; we
have the reserve manpower and the
reserve mechanical power.
Our armies constitute the re-
serves of victory.
In Russia the armistice negotia-
tions have been concluded peace
negotiations are about to be entered
upon.
Reports of the dissatisfaction
of large element of the Russian
population, especially in Southern
and Central Russia, with the terms
of the armistice, has led to the for
nation of an active opposition
which it is believed will endeavor
to desist all attempts to enforce the
proposals agreed to by the Lenine
government"