The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1918-08-01
LANSDOWNE URGES
TERMS Be SIFTED


fording us some measure OF reinsurance
and enlightenment.
There is. In the first place, am con-
WINGED, a deep seated desire for further
explanation as to the conditions on
which we are prepared. not to make
pence but to open a discussion which
might lead to peace.
statement of War Aims.
at Is assumed II at such a discussion
cannot be commenced without some
measure of preliminary agreement, and
our leading statesmen constantly bid us
congratulate ourselves because. although
our enemies have refused TO define their
terms, we are supposed TO have defined
ours In unmistakable language. Has II
been really unmistakable? No one will
suggest that discussion Is impossible
until each side has obtained the assent
Of the other to an exhaustive catalogue
Of It's requirements. but there are evil
IDENTIFY certain cardinal points which
neither side will treat as open to ques-
ton. Is 1t really the case that we have
done all that can be expected OF us in the
way of a definition OF such points,
Lord Lansdowne admits that the din
culties OF formulating such n list are
serious.
diverse and possibly conflicting in
terests have to be reconciled.'' he con-
tinues. I'VE must make sure that we
are In line not only witt our allies but
with our great dominions overseas. We
have to face problems. political. racial
and geographical. OF surprising in
tricacy.
There IL a temptation to use vague
language and broad generalities, and
slide over awkward questions, but what
IN ~ MT cd
ferences and the meetings OF the i'm
perial Cabinet II there has been no CO.
ordination OF our aims"
some Early Aims Obsolete.
Some OF the earlier versions of the
allied aims are obsolete, according TO
the letter. The governing document for
long time was the Allies note OF jan
uary 10. 1917, but Russia had since fall
len out.
THE secret treaties. the disclosure Of
which so seriously exercised the public
mind In this country" he continues,
may. I assume. be regarded as liable
to revision in many important particu-
lars"
Lord Lansdowne refers to the Pre-
mier's speech Of January s as being re-
garded as the most authoritative re-
cital OF the Allies war aims.
Though lengthy and elaborate" he
says. at Is at some points perhaps in
evitably wanting in precision. The peo-
pie are asking whether 1t still holds the
field; whether all the demands COM
prised In II are in the same plane and
whether no conversation can be COM
menced until the Central Powers have
signified their acceptance OF the whole
OF them"
wilson's Mount Vernon speech.
Declaring that there had been other
striking statements he writes:
The most remarkable OF these Is
President Wilson'S Fourth of July
speech-remarkable both for what 1t
contains and what II omits. 1t derives
additional Importance from the fact
that our own Prime Minister immedi-
ately and Fundamentally adopted it.
ut is picture. drawn by a great
master. OF the golden age to which we
are hidden to look forward. II does not
seem, however TO provide those who are
in search OF basis for preliminary ne
gotiations with the kind of groundwork
after which they are striving.
"If Germany should intimate her
readiness to conform 20 President Will
SONS standards a long advance would
The speech liz. however. not an outline
of peace terms. but n very nobly worded
description of the things for which the
associated people OF the world are fight
Ing