Omaha daily bee., 1917-01-12

invaded countries, the massacres OF
hundreds OF thousands of inoffenslve
Armenians, the barbarities perpetrated
against the populations in Syria, the
raids of Zeppelins on open towns, the
destruction by submarines OF passen-
ger steamers and OF merchantmen
even under neutral flags, the cruel
treatment inflicted upon prisoners OF
war, the judicial murders OF Miss
Cavell and OF Captain Fryatt, the de-
portation and the reduction to slavery
OF civil populations, ct cetera. The
execution of such series OF crimes
perpetrated without any regard for
universal reprobation fully explains to
President Wilson the protest of the
allies.
A Public Declaration.
They consider that the note which
they sent to the United States in re-
ply to the German note will be re-
sponse to the questions put by the
American government and according
to the exact words put by the Amer
lean government and according to the
exact words OF the latter. constitute
a public declaration as to the condi-
tions upon which the war could be
terminated
president Wilson desires the bel
ligerent powers openly affirm the OBJ
jects which hey seek by continuing
the war, the allies experience no diff
Guilty in replying to this request
Their objects in the war are well
known; they have been formulated
on many occasions by the chiefs OF
their divers governments. Their OBJ.
jects in the war will not be made
known in detail, with all the equitable
compensations and indemnities for
damages suffered until the hour oi
negotiations.
But the civilized world knows
that they imply in all necessity and
in the first instance the restoration
Of Belgium, of Serbia and of Monte,
negro, and the indemnities which are
due them; the evacuation OF the in.
vaded territories OF France, OF Rus.
sia and Of Roumania with just repa.
ration, the reorganization Of Europe
guaranteed by stable regime and
founded as much upon respect oil
nationalities and full security and
liberty OF economic development
which all nations, great or small
possess as upon territorial conven-
tions and international agreements
suitable to guarantee territorial and
maritime frontiers against unjustifed
attacks; the restitution OF provinces
or territories wrested in the past
from the allies by force or agains,
the will of their populations; the lib.
Grafton Of Italians, Of Slavs. of Rou.
man-ans and OF Scheco Slovaques
from foreign Nominations; the en-.
reimbursement of populations subject
to the bloody tyranny of the Turks
the expulsion from Europe of the
Ottoman empire, which has prove
itself so radically alien to western
civilization.
Intentions OF Gar.
The intensitions of his majesty, the
emperor of Russia, regarding Poland
have been clearly indicated in the
proclamation, which he has. just ad-
dressed to his armies. 1t goes with.
out saying that if the allies wish to
liberate Europe from the brutal covet-
BUSINESS of Prussian militarism, it
never has been their design as has
been alleged to encompass the ex-
termination OF the German people and
their political disappearance. That
which they desire above all is to in
sure peace upon the principles OF
liberty and justice, upon the inviolable
fidelity to international obligation
with which the government OF the
United States has never ceased to be
inspired.
United in the pursuit OF this su-
preme object the allies are deter
mined individually and collectively to
act with all their power and to con-
sent to all sacrifices to bring to a
vigorous close conflict upon which
they are convinced not only their
own safety and prosperity depends
but also the future OF civilization
itself"
Translation of Belgian Note.
The translation of the Belgian note
which was handed to Ambassador
Sharp with the entente reply, follows
"The government of the king. which
has associated itself with the answer
handled by the president of the
French council to the American am,
bassador on behalf of all is particu.
larly desirous OF paying tribute tc
the sentiment of humanity which
prompted the president Of the United
States to send his note to the bellig.
erent powers, and it highly esteems
the friendship expressed for Belgium
through his kindly intermediation. II
desires as much as Mr.. Woodrow Viii
son to see the present war ended as
early as possible.
But the president seems to believe
that the statesmen of the two opposit,
camps pursue the same objects o.
war. The example of Belgium unfor
tunately demonstrates that this is ir
no wise the fact. Belgium has never
| like the central powers, aimed at con