The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1918-03-16
WHAT WASHINGTON SAYS.

Washington, March 10. -- differences
that Germany may have made q new
peace offer 10 the allies. proposing
terms at the expense OF Russia, coin.
eide with an undsrcurrent OF discuss
sion which has been running In dipic.
matte circles here for some time but
which never has shown any evidences
Of tangible development.
The statement of Lord Robert Cecil
In London yesterday that no such pro-
posal would be considered. coupled
with Field Marshal Hindenburg's an-
nouncement that the German offenHive
would 40 on In view OF the entente's
unraHponhiyn attitude towards Ger
| many's peace Intentions served 10
strengthen the view OF neutral dipio-
| mats who for some time have be-
lievcd that underground fcelers have
been going out for soma time.
American officials and allied dipio-
mats, while agreeing entirely with
Lord Ccclfs statement that no such
terms can ho considered. give no evil
dsnco OF how much may bc known
here or what IIindenburg refers to aa
Gornany'H peace intentions.
Some OF the neutral diplomats, hows
ever. have for some time firmly be-
liovod that Germany would be willing
"
were permitted 10 retain her hold on
the baltic provinces and tho mineral
belts In the other nearby sections OF
RuHalh. Tho general current of opin-
lon In diplomatic circles for some time
has turned toward the possibility Of
Germany attempting TO give way In
the west and make up her losses I'm
tho east. Tho extent 10 which the
question of future supplies of iron orc
Inn T.
Indicated In latest advicos received
here showing discussion OF tho SUBJ
tcCt In Germany. These show that
Germany knows production OF ore
within her own borders In limited by
experts to nifty years; that sweden.
an iron industry OF her
own. viii require her own ore and
that the supply In Spain. upon which
Germany also has drawn. In approach-
Ing exhaustion.
Consequently, German officials con.
tend that her supply of ore must log
lcnlly come from the fields OF tsongwy
aud Hrley, assuring ore for a century.
unless u In to come from somewhere
else inasmuoh as tho allies are
pledged by repeated declarations 10
The restoration 81 France. diplomats
see In proposed permanent acquisition
II mineral belts IN the Russian Prov
nces Gcrnany's last hope OF remains
ng a military power.
Attitude Unchanged.
Americas attitude towards inter-
entlon Ia Siberia by Japan. whether
he acts Independently OF In conjunc-
ion with other powers. has not UNDER
one any change. II was said today at
be state department
ofiiciHls remained rctlCent regard
1R Japan'H expressions OF her inten-
Ions. but u was Indicated that an exs
hango Of views was continuing and
rom this u was dcducrd that Japan
as not determined definitely on a
curse. IL was suggested that final
ecision might be delayed until tho
~ Japanese anha ssador. Count fshii.
'achcs America. but the probability
that was discounted at the de-
artment
II is known that the United States
as been doubtful OF the need
Intervention by Japan. many
rvihls OF this government fear
* that such action mish, bring
gethrr the various factions In Rus
a 10 combat the Japanese even 70
~y were supported by the armies of
e entente and America: and how
er. good their intentions.