New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-09-29
DR.. Michaelis
Will Not State
German Aims
u. S. Was Terrorized Into
Sentiment for War, Says
Kaiser's Chancellor

AMSTERDAM, Sept. 2S.-Dr. Michae-
lis, the German Imperial Chancellor,
in a speech to the Main Committee OF
the Reichstag said that Pope Benedicts
peace proposals were inspired by moral
seriousness, pure justice and neutrality,
which things were lacking in the reply
made by President Wilson to the Pope.
"In the United States the govern
ment attempted by all methods said
the Chancellor, "even by unparalleled
terrorism, 20 stir up war enthusiasm,
which hitherto had been non-existent
among the wide masses"
Justifying Germany's refusal to state
her war aims, DR.. Michaelis said such
action would only have confusing
effect and would injure German inter
ests. The Chancellor said the an
nounced American military exertions
were awaited by Germany with calm
confidence.
Were Germany to state her war aims
the Chancellor asserted, it would
prejudice the complex questions to De
discussed at the time Of peace negotia-
tions.
The Chancellor strongly attacked
President wilson's reply to the Pope
which, he asserted, merely bound the
German people together more hrmiy.
"The German reply to the Pope's
note met with the approval o. our
friends and allies, while majority OF
our enemies have given 1t an opViousi!
embarrassed reception.
at is difficult TO understand how any
one acquainted with the internatonal
situation and international usages
ever could believe that we ever would
be in such a position as, through one
sided public statement on important
questions which are indissolubly bound
IN with the entire complex questions
which must be discussed at the peace
NEGOTIATIONS, to bind ourselves TO
solution to our own prejudice
DR.. Michselis dwelt upon the saus-
factory state of our relations with the
neutrals," which could not be dis
turbed, he said. even by the unprece-
dented exertions of the hostile press
Eve greatly deplore," he continued
"the suFerings caused to the neutraiS
by our enemies economic war ana W.
are always prepared to assume snare
in the provisioning of the neutrals'
"Tbe economic and financial dithcui-
+;es Of France are fast increasing
still more keenly felt is the economic
distress in Italy, with its internal po-
litical concomitants.
ain Russia a grave economic Crisis
rejgns. The transport especially Is IN
M wise ADEQUATE to the tasks before IT,
"In England also the war is exercls-
inc its certain. inexorable effect. Inc
deceptiye hope of dissenslon among US
causes the leading British statesmen
10 continue 10 adhere to their war
aims, or at least 10 proclaim suCiI an
as are enIlEtly lHSNH'P' -, Il .
nolitical, economical and vital neeos
Of Germany" c,.,.
"Any public statement on Germany 5
war aims at the present time could
only have a confusing effect and lnJure
German interests" declared the Chan-
cellor. 1--WE should not come step
nearer peace, but it would contribute
certainly to a prolongatlon Of the war.
~ must at present decline to specify,
our war aims and bind the hands oil
our negotiators.
In conciu sion the Chancellor attacked
President Wilson's reply to the Pope's
rote. -.
"The Presidents attempt to SOW dis
sension between the people and the
government of Germany" he SAID, mas
no prospects of success. His note mas
had the opposite effect from what he
desired. and has bound us more hrmly
together in stern resolve to oppose
resolutely and onergetically all foreign
interference"
Foreign Minister Terestchenko,
Of Russia, deno,Cnces the German
reply to the Pope, and Lord Mttner
declares that German militariSb'
must be finally crushed. On page
fo1Jr