The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-01-02
.RUSS0-GERMAN PEACE TERMS
RUSSIANS REPORT UNDERSTAND.
ING AT PEACE CONFERENCE
resumption OF Commercial Rela-
tions With TeutOns One of Matters
Professionally Settled.

Brest-Ltovsk, Friday. Dec. 2S (via
Berlin and London. Dec. 3O.)-Provis
ional agreement on series of impor.
tant points. including liberation ot
war prisoners and resumption o.
commercial relations. was reported
today by the delegates Of Russia an6
the central powers in discussion OF
issues which In the event of a gen
eral peace would have to be settled
among the nations represented in the
negotiations here. This provisional
discussion was terminated today. the
basis OF an agreement adopted being
reached under the reservation that il
was to be examined by the govern
ments represented by the delegates.
In respect Of treaty relations, an
understanding was arrived at regard
ing the restoration of the situation as
as 1t was when war began. 1t was
provided that certain laws adopted
since the war will be Cancelled and
that those affected thereby shall be
restored to their previous rights or
indemnified
The rules in regard to payment of
war costs and damage were defined
in greater detail. Provisions were
made concerning damages sustained
by civilians outside the war area.
An agreement in principle was
reached regarding the reciprocal re-
turn to their homes Of war prison.
ers and interned civilians and also for
the return of captured merchant yes-
sells
Speedy resumption of diplomatic
and consular relations is embraced in
the understanding. 1t is set forth
that there shall be immediate stop
page of economic warfare, establish
ment of commercial intercourse and
the organized exchange of commodi-
ties.
A substantial understanding was
arrived at on which the basis of eco
romic relations shall be settled per-
Regarding the question of occupied
territory the Russians made the fol-
lowing proposal:
'In full accord with the public
declaration Of both the contracting
parties that they cherish no bellicose
plans and desire to conclude peace
without annexations. Russia will
her troops from all parts
of Austria. Hungary, Turkey and
Persia occupied by her, while the
powers of the quadruple alliance will
theirs from Poland.
In accordance with the principles
of the Russian government, which
has declared the right Of all peoples
living In Russia to self determination,
even separation, the pop
ulations of these districts will be
given an opportunity within the
shortest period to decide entirely and
freely the question of their union with
other parts Of the empire. or their
formation into independent states.
I'm this connection the presence OF
any troops. apart from national or To-
cal militia, in the territories which
are voting shall not be permissible un-
til this question is decided. The gov
ernment OF these regions will remain
in the hands of representatives OF the
local populations, elected democratic
ally. The date of evacuation and 9TH
er circumstances and the commence
ment of rehabilitation of the army is
10 be fixed by a special military com
mittee."
Germany then proposed the follow
ing form for the first articles Of pre-
liminary treaty which Is to be con-
cluded:
First Russia and Germany are
to declare the state of war at an end
Poth nations are resolved to live to-
gether in the future in peace and
friendship on condition of complete
reciprocity. Germany will be ready
as soon as peace is concluded with
Russia and the rehabilitation Of the
Russian armies has been accom-
plished to- evacute her present po-
sitions in occupied Russian territory
insofar as no different differences re-
suit from Article 2.
Second. The Russian government
having in accordance with it's prin-
eiples proclaimed for all peoples with
out exception living within the Rus