The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1918-10-14
PRESS INSISTS ON
FULL PREPARATION
British Public Demands That
Surrender Be Absolute.

LONDON, Oct. 1S.-The text OF the
German reply to President Wilson's note
reached the British Foreign Office this
morning from the British Minister at
The Hague. Arthur ]. Balfour, the
Foreign Secretary. and Andrew Bonar
Law. the Chancellor Of the ExcheQuer
left Immediately with 1t to confer with
Premier Lloyd George.
At this juncture II IL improbable that
any responsible British Minister will
make a detailed declaration on the
situation arising from the reply. The
net step seems to be for the President
to consult with. the Allies for a general
consideration of the German answer.
On its face the German note. accord
ing to an authoritative source. seems to
be an acceptance not only OF the points
Of the Presidents declaration in January,
but also his subsequent statements. 1t
thus may be said to look as IL the Ger
mans meant acceptance, but of course,
1t was pointed out. the real difficulty IL
that Germany has hitherto shown an
utter disregard OF obligations TO speak
the truth or keep her word. The phras-
ing of the note. II is held. does not yet
make It definitely clear whether the
Presidents terms are accepted outright
or are only regarded as basis for dis
cussion. .,
Effect ON London Crowds.
The reply was received in London too
late last night to become generally
known outside the theatre and res
taurant sections, where at first glance it
was accepted as meaning peace. In
many places the crowds arose stimuli
taneously and sang the national anthem,
After It's publication in the morning
newspapers, however. expressions of
suspicion were heard on all sides. Many
searched the note for some evidence
that It. might be a ruse to save the
German armies from utter destruction.
but most Of the people are awaiting an
authoritative lead before forming a def
mite opinion.
Unconditional surrender" Is rapidly
gaining popularity with the average cit
izen as a response to the German docu-
ment, and many would not be satisfied
with anything less. This feeling is ac-
centuated by the German attempt to de-
stroy Cambria and the raEing Of villages
by the enemy in his great retreat as we'll
as by the sinking OF the Leinster-all
these being acts from which no military
advantage could be gained
America, II Is recognized, has saved
the cause Of the Allies, the Sunday OBJ
scrrer says. but 1t points out that with
out Great Britain not even America
could have saved II any more than 1t
could have been saved without France,
and that the part played by each Of
these countries has been vital.
The opinion Is expressed here that a
mere vague statement, such as the
German reply, will not be sufficient, and
that there can be no question OF stopping
military operations. No armistice is
possible, 1t Is held. except on most rig
orous guarantees that the enemy is not
merely making use of the interval to
prepare to begin again later.
Germany has extended it's hand in
surrender. not to the foes who hammered
her into submission. but to the one enemy
whom she has only mildly offended and
whose personal claims for damages will
necessarily prove the most moderate.
Yet no surrender could be more COM
plete, more sudden, and for these reasons
we must hold It in suspicion" The
Times thus summarizes its views on the
latest German peace move. Continuing
It adds:
Held I'm Suspicion.
MANY rivers Of blood have soaked into
the soil OF France and Belgium since
President Wilson enunciated his four
teen points. The ravages of Attila and
even those OF the earlier stages OF the
German invasion and occupation have
been cast in the shade. Yet the fourteen
Items which Germany now accepts con-
tain no specific provision for any single
one Of the manifold crimes, nor do they
make any reference to the arraignment
Of the master criminals who inspired the
organized atrocities.
Before President Wilson accepts the
role OF intermediary now thrust upon
him we trust he will see At to remind the
German Chancellor that each and all of
these problems must be faced"
The Huns suggest that President
Wilson bring about a meeting OF a