New-York tribune., 1918-07-25
Washington Fails
To Be Impressed
By "Peace" Offer
Especial Dispatch to The Tribune>


WASHINGTON, July "a. - Official
and diplomatic Washington voiced skep-
tcism to day as to the accuracy of the
statement of the Berlin "Vorwarts," "
the official German Socialist organ,
that Germany had announced her peace
terms to the Spanish government, with
the evident intention of interesting the
Allied powers in peace conference.
The skeleton outline of Germany's
proposals, however, was believed to
have been inspired by Wilhelmstrasse,
and may possibly have been pub
lished with a view of sounding out
the Entente nations. If Germany has
actually requested Spain to intervene
with an offer of her services in the in
terests of peace, the Madrid government,
it was declared, will have no alternative
but to address the Allies and the United
States, at the same time informing them
of Germany's tentative proposals.
It was stipulated in one of The
Hague conventions that such action by
neutral shall not be regarded with
prejudice, the peace conference. en- the
contrary, encouraging mediation by
neutrals The circum stances of the
present war and the temper of the
Allied countries, however, it was point
ed out, will not permit of any consid-
Grafton of the terms declared to have
been decided upon by the German gov
ernment.
Frank l.. Polk, counsellor of the
State Department and Acting Secretary
of State, declared to-day that the "Vor
warts's" version of the peace terms of
Germany is the most extreme yet ad-
vanced, going considerably further than
the Reichstag resolution of July 20,
1917. The Endorsement by the Socialist
journal of the imperialistic conditions,
however, caused little surprise, as
French official kilograms of late have
been calling persistent attention to
the insincerity of the Official Socialists,
and predicting that they would be
found to be supporters of the govern
ment controlled by the Pan-American
mllltarists.
1t had been anticipated that the fail
ure of the Austrian offensive against
Italy and the check of the German
offensive against France would force
the Central Powers to renew their
man9uvres toward peace, and in view
Of Chancellor Won Hertlng's recent
declaration that Germany would hold
Belgium as a pawn in the peace nego-
uatons it was thought that the peace
leelers would contain a fiat disavowal
Of that purpose. But the bald condi
Tons. as proclaimed by the "Vor-
waerts," surprised even the diplomats
familiar with German brazenness and
dupicity.
No Opportunity for Discussion
These newest terms present no sim
gle opportunity for even discussion
OF peace and do not even distantly
suggest the possibility of a peace con-
1neerence, it was declared in all quarters.
Inc declaration that Germany wants
no ~. annexations or indemnities in the
west omits any reference to Alsace
Lorraine and Italia Irredenta. The de-
aiahd that the peace treaties with Rus
Sa and Rumania be not questioned
was said to be an insult to the Allies.
!. The third stipulation, that the ques-
,n ,on OF self determination by states be
lt .elt to the peace conference, in which
siSo the fate of Belgium should be de-
sefHlned, was declared to have no
meaning Tor the Allies whatever. mas
Saocn as the powers associated together
ior the destruction of German militar-
ISM nave already unanimously agreed
apoh the self determination of states.
ao Hno as for Belgium, there can be no
discussion of that subject; Belgium
must n be restored and Unidentified, and
dIery restriction upon her indepen-
rence' re' political. economic and military,
'ermloVed without condition
l.a ne fourth proposition, that the Bal
ee ean question be settled around the con-
ns nslehce table. was the only one ap-
L,oaching any reasonable ground, dip
ffoH.als fe;.a5s asserted But Germany has for
de,led da.t her right to be party to the
ppeiMefmlAation of the future Of the
,niatAans. which will involve the cree
SIN SDn OF an Independent state of Jugo-
Sass S.ats and Serbs on the foundation of
AAe,ola Arala and out of territories of which
IWSuhs1ria. Wh!l Hungary shall be dispossessed.
,hat II is rot regarded as unlikely
at st@l ~ me Balkan problem may be solved
el;ae al sne instance of the great powers, the
psr' prriha'lon of Turkey. Austria Hun
eSry esr;. and Germany. and possibly Bull
tbs tse'a das;. also. from determining voice in
"1 r. taecislons is believed certain.
tba ne suggestion that the freedom of
OK mi seas, involving the dismantling of
N'D'st1ar and the Suez Canal, and the