The Oklahoma City times. [volume] (Oklahoma City, Okla.) 1908-1984, 1917-08-16

"Oncs the supremacy Of right has thus been
established all obstacles to the means Of commun-
cation Of the peoples would disappear BY assuring,
by rules to be fixed later, the true liberty and COM
munity Of the seas which would contribute to end
the numerous causes Of conflict and would also
open to all new sources Of prosperity and progress
As to Indemnitiss.
As to the damages to be repaired and a. TO
the war expenses We see no other means OF solving
the question than by submitting A. q general prin-
cipe the complete and reciprocal condonAtion
which would be justified moreover by the immense
benefit to be derived from disarmament, % much
60 that will undertake the continuation OF
similar carnage solely for reasons OF an economic
order.
III for certain cases there exist particular rsa-
sons they would be delberated upon with justice
and equity, but these pacific agreements win inc
immense advantages to be derived from them are
not possible without reciprocal restitution OF the
territory at present occupied
Consequently on the part OF Germany, the com
plets evacuation Of Belgium with the guarantee OF
her full political, military and economic indepsnd-
ence.
Restitution to Germans.
"The evacuation Of French territory. On the
part Of other beligerent parties similar resutut'on
of the German colonies.
"As regards the territorial questions, as for e1-
ample those which have arisen between Italy and
Austria, and between Germany and France, there
is reason to hope that In consideration OF the I'M
msnss advantages Of durable peace with ais
armament OF the parties In conflict would w,sh 10
examine them with concliatory disposition, TAX
ing into consideration as we have said formerly
the aspirations Of the peoples and the special In
terests and of the general welfare OF the great
human society.
"The same spirit of justice and equity ought to
be followed in the examination OF other territorial
and political questions, notably those relative 10
Armenia and the Balkan states and territories
making q part Of the ancient kingdom OF Poland
whose noble and historical traditions and suffer
ings which II has endured especially during the
present war ought to conciliate the sympathies OF
nations.
Such are the principal bases whereon we believe
the future reorganization of the peoples ought to be
built They are OF nature to render impossible the
return OF similar conflicts and to prepare solution
of the economic question so important for the future
and for the material well being OF all beligerent states
Therefore in presenting TO you who direct at this
hour the destnies OF the bcligercnt nations, we are
animated to them accept and TO thus the con-
cuson an early date of the terrible struggle which
more and more appears useless massacre.
Honor of Both Armies Safe
"The whole world recognizes that the honor Of tn,
armies OF both sides is safe Incline your ears there
fore to our prayer. Accept the fraterna invitation
which we send you in the name Of the Divine Re.
deemer, the Prince of Peace Reflect on your very
grave responsibility before God and before man
"On your decision depend repose and the JOY OF in
Vulnerable families the life Of thousands Of young peo
pie; in word the happiness Of people for whom il
is your absolute duty to obtain their welfare
May the Lord inspire your decision in conformit,
to His very holy will May God grant that Will,
meriting the applause of your contemporaries you will
also obtain in the future generations the splendid name
of pacificators.
AS for US, closely united in prayer and in pentenc,
with those faithful souls who sigh for peace we i'm
pore for you the light and counsel OF the divine coun
Gil of the Divine Spirit
(Sisned) BENEDICT at the Vatican Aug l."