Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-07-28
N. Ribot, French Premier in
1917, Says Erzberger'
Distorted Truth.
Statement BY MIcHAELIs

| this declaration in q statement to
Marcel Hutin Of the Echo de Paris.
Explains Occurrence.
The former premier explained the
occurrence as follows:
Pope Benedict in August, 1917. sug-
gested proposals to serve as q basis
for overtures to Germany. France
and Great Britain both decided to de-
cline the proposals. The politest
Pope, but nothing more. The British
minister to the Vatican, in his own
name, pointed out that the proposals
did not contain Sufncient guarantees
for Belgium. Cardinal Gasparri. the
papal secretary Of state, M. Ribot
graph Germany for explanations on
the subject of Belgium. 1t was an
attempt to start conversation, NJ.
Ribot declared, but the British gov
eminent cut it OF short and the
British minister went no further.
II simply said to the British gov
ernment," added NJ. Ribot: DO not
yourself be involved in an indirect
conversation like that and that was
the end Of the matter"
Michaeis Defends Course.
BERLIN, July ~ (by the Associated
Press).-Dr. George Michaelis, the
former imperial chancellor, in long
declaration published by the Taeg-
lische Rundshau. disclaims RESPONSE
bility for refusal of peace overtures
Erxberger, vice premier, speaking in
the German national assembly Friday.
On that occasion M. Erzberger de-
clared that peace overtures were made
to Germany by Great Britain and
France through the Vatican in August,
1917, and that Chancellor Michaelis,
on September "a. wrote that the stu
rejected the oyertures.
Tells Of Proposals.
Dr. Michaelis, in his present state
ment, says that the proposals were
laid before him early in September.
not August, and that he discussed
them with DR.. Won Kuehlmann. who
was foreign secretary at the time.
Later he requested the emperor to
hold . crown council in the presence
OF the supreme army and navy au-
thorities. This was held ON Septem-
Der II, and the result Of the confer
ence. he says was summed up by the
emperor in the following written
memorandum:
'Ths annexation of Belgium is du-
bious. Belgium could be restored.
The Flanders coast, it is true, is very
important, and Zebrugge must not fall
into the hands Of the British. But the
Belgian coast alone could not be held.
1.-THE close economic union Of Bel
GUM with Germany must be brought
about. Belgium has the greatest in
terest in this"
Arranged for Soundings.
The former chancellor explains that
he arranged with Won Kuehlmann to
make soundings. through q suitable
person. to indicate. in accordance with
the crown councils decision. that pre-
requisites for negotiation were recog-
milton Of Germany's territorial integ-
r1ty, restoration Of the German col
onies, abandonment Of an economic
war and no indemnity. Great secrecy
was necessary and 1t was considered
linadvisable to negotiate through the
rendered an indiscretion by Erzberger
In conclusion, DR.. Michaelis says: II
ala my utmost, and IL the plans failed
| It was due to the fact that our enc
mics were unwilling"
Ludendorn in Denial.
Gen. Erich Ludendorff, former first
auartermaster general. Is also out
with q declaration In the Berlin lei
tung. in which he denies that he knew
Of the papal letter or the reply Of DR..
Michaelis, until disclosed by Herr Ere
he learned. he says, from other
sources in August that Great Britain
was willing to talk peace, and men,
lions the council Of September II. He
adds that decision was reached, but
does not mention what it was.
Statements by Others.
The, conservative papers say that the
conservatives had many conferences
with papal delegates, but that nego-
tiations were futile because the en-
tente refused peace until Germany adj
mitted her war guilt.
Before the assembly at Weimar, the
soci alist deputy Herr Wells said he
was authorised by President Ebert to
say that he irst learned Of the British
peace feeler through the Erzberger
speech.
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