Evening star., 1918-11-17
Scent Pity Propaganda.

ocent F1ty propaganda.
In view Of these officially known
facts. it was stated succession of
almost hysterical appeals from the
German provisional government for
supplies of food and for permission to
address itself directly, through a COM
mission. to the American public, Off
c1als here see plain purpose to excite
the sympathies if possible, of a large
element of the American population
more or less connected by blood ties
with Germany. With such sympathies
aroused, the German government, it
was declared, undoubtedly hopes to
influence the approaching peace con-
ference toward leniency.
While President Wilson himself has
not yet had the matter brought to his
attention, officials regard it as wholly
unlikely that any commission of Ger
mans will be permitted to come to
this country at this time. under any
circumstances or for any purpose,
Mr.. Lansing Gives Advice.
Addressing direct by wireless to the
government Of the United States by
the provisional German -eoyernment
of appeals for amelioration of the
terms of the armistioe and appeals,
designed to work upon American
sympathies. for food for the so-called
starving civilian population of Ger
many also was discouraged by Sec
retary Lansing yesterday, when he
requested Hans Sulzer, Swiss minis
ter, to inform the German govern
sent to all of the allied governments,
instead Of to this government alone,
and that the regular diplomatic chan
nels should be used, instead of send
ing appeals broadcast by wireless.
So1f's Plea on Deaf Ears.
Such appeals as those which have
been sent by wireless by DR.. SoIf,
German foreign secretary. to Secre-
tary Lansing were said to be quite
unnecessary and not likely to have
any beneficial results.
President Wilson already has prom
.ised to do. everything possible to pre-
vent suffering among the civil popu-
1ation of the conquered states. The
entente powers have indorsed this at
titude, not SO much from considera-
tions of mercy or sympathy with the
foe as from a genuine conviction
that a starving and desperate people
would make dangerous neighbors,
render any satisfactory peace impos-
sible and by appeals to the interna-
tionalist spirit endanger the security
of the entente countries themselves.
The design of the conservative ele-
ments in the entente states is under
stood to be to avoid raising any new
conditions.
Former Foes Must Pay.
To correct what appears to be a
general public misunderstanding on
the subject. it may be authorita lively
stated that none of the food to be
sent from America to Germany or
Austria will be given away. It must
be paid for by the governments Of
not be done in German cash, for it is
believed that the store Of gold in the
reichsbank has been practically ex-
hausted through the heavy purchases
which Germany has been obliged to
make from neutral countries, for
which she has had to pay in coin
may.make it necessary to establish
German credit, but if this is done it
will be the act Of the supreme war
council, as part of its function in
carrying out the terms and spirit of
the armistices. America will not have
to bear these burdens or assume the
risk alone.
No Word Of German Visitors.
The latest note Of Foreign Minister
solf, addressed to Secretary Lansing.
asking President Wilson's permission
for a German commission to visit tho
United States to explain the food
situation. had not been received at
the State Department. The Associated
Press announcement of~its coming
was read with interest.
It was pointed out that the United
States and Germany are still at war,
although the armistice has been
signed, and consequently it is regard
ed as inconceivable that any German
delegation could come toAmerica.
Mr.. Lansing's Reply.
Secretary Lansing's reply to the last
German note. addressed to Minister
sulzer Of switzeriand. follows;
he good enough to convey the follow
ing Communication to the secretary
Of foreign Affairs Of the German gov
ernment:
States has received the radio mes
sages addressed to the President Of
the United States by the German gov
ernment, relative to relief from GER
tain requirements imposd in the
armistice with the Ottoman govern
mont and the armistice with the Ger
man government.
saThe communications which have
been received will be forthwith COM
municated to the other governments
with which the government OF tho
United States is associated, and also
to the supreme war council in Paris
'The government Of the United
States takes this opportunity to sug-
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