Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1918-01-31

Germany. through her imperial
chancellor. Count Won Hertling, and
Austrfa-Hungary. through its foreign
minister. Count Czernin, have made
reply to the peace terms Of the allies
and the United States as recently
enunciated by David Lloyd George, the
British prime minister, and President
Wilson.
Although on some points both Count
Won Hertling and Count Cxernin at.
feet to see the possibility Of coming
into agreement with their enemies on
minor points, the concrete bases essen
tial to peace are declared to be unac-
ceptable.
The spokesman for Germany was
uncompromisingly hostile to a major
tty Of the peace aims as put forward by
President Wilson. treating seriatim in
his address those upon which Ger
many could not come into accord
Count Csernin was more moderate in
his treatment Of President Wilson'S
ideas, declaring the Presidents view
point. expressed in his latest address
to Congress. showed that there was
less incompatibility between Austria
Hungary and the United States than
had seemed to be the case.
From the German standpoint, according
to Won Hertligg. the restoration to France
Of Alsace-Lofraine is beyond the realm
Of discussion. Regarding Belgium, he de-
clared that its restoration could be settled
only in peace negotiations, but that Ger.
many had never demanded the incorpora-
ton Of Belgian territory "by Violence
Likewise methods of procedure in the
evacuation Of northern France must take
account Of Germany's vital interests and
be agreed upon between Germany and
France.
The chancellor said the fate Of Poland
and the Balkans and the readjustment OF
the Italian frontier lies with Austria, while
the evacuation Of Russian territory con.
Germs only Russia and the central powers
Germany, he added. considered that the
integrity Of Turkey and the safety of Its
capital were closely connected with the
question Of the Dardanelles, which was
Of vital interest to Germany.
With regard to Russia, Count Czernir
said Austria Hungary desired no annexa
tons or indemnities--"not a metre Of
territory. not . kreutzer Of indemnity
and that Russia could have peace If sh'
maintained the same standpoint. as sht
evidently intended to do.
Both Count Won Hertling and Coun
Cxernin thought It obvious that the ex
change Of peace views with the United
States might form the starting point fol
conciliatory discussions among all thu
states which had not yet entered the peac,
negotiations.
| Amsterdam, Jan. 25.-Chancellor Coun
Won Hertling In his address before tn,
Reichstag committee on the subject of tn,
peace proposal Of the entente allies ant
the United States Thursday afternoon de
clared that the first four points advanced
by President Wilson and Premier Lloyt
George were such that some agreemen
could be obtained" these points beinl
abolition Of secret diplomacy; free naviga
ton Of the seas outside territorial waters
subject to information laws: removal o
economic barriers, and establishment o
trade conditions among nations: reduction
of armament.
Commenting on President Wilson'S
speech relative to war aims. the chancel
lor said there would be 'some dificulty.
this relating to the adjustment Of al
colonial claims based on the principle
that the population Of places must hav,
only equal rights with the former govern
Ing power. England 10 principally con
|
could be properly considered.
THE sixth concerns only Russia an,
the central powers" This relates to tn,
evacuation Of Russia
''The seventh can only be settled Il
peace negotiations. but Germany ha
never demanded the incorporation Of Bel
VI CLAN territory by violence" This relate
to the restoration of Belgium.
"On the eighth point Germany does no
wish annsxations by violence. but thi
- question only to be discussed b.
France and Germany.
|, However. we cannot talk of the cea
sion of Alsace-Lorraine. 81 per cent. o
whose population speak German.
"On the ninth and tenth points Ger
many remains solidly with Austria. Hun
! gary" These relate to the readjustmen
. OF italian frontiers along the lines of ma
tionality and autonomous development
OF Austria-Hungary.
"As to the 18th point" Hertling con
tinusd. "let the. Austro-Hungarian TO,
J etgn minister answer President Wilso
! thereon" This relates to the evacuatio
? OF the Balkan states.
ION the 18th, 10 far as II concerns Tur
key. We must not forestail her state,
mons attitude ~ to her integrity. Tn