PROPOSED PEACE TERMS
Proposed Peace Terms Presented In The Order Published RUSSIAN PEACE TERMS (As published in the press of tills country, January 2-U, 1918) ^^T ONDON, December 31. — The I t correspondent of the...
...Clause 4. Likewise, in accordance with the declaration of statesmen of the Quadruple Alliance, the protection of the rights of minorities constitutes an essential component part of the constitutional rights of peoples to self-determination...
...and international guarantees of the political and economic independence and territorial integrity of the several Balkan states should be entered into...
...Clause 2. It is not the intention of the aiiies to deprive of political independence those nations which lo.< it during the war...
...The delegations, in complete accord with the i.peatedly exDressed viewpoint of .their Governments, think that the basic principles of the Russian delegation can be made the basis of such a peace...
...The German nation united is unconquerable...
...The President's address was so fully published in <the newspapers at the time it was delivered that we have not reproduced it in full...
...12) The Turkish portions of the present Ottoman Empire should be assured a secure sovereignty, but the other nationalities which are now under Turkish rule should be assured an undoubted security of life and an absolutely unmolested opportunity of autonomous development, and the Dardanelles should be permanently opened as a free passage to the ships and commerce of all nations under international guarantees...
...He there said, "Britain will rule the waves through the war and after the war...
...Likewise the Russian demand for immediate evacuation of territories occupied by an adversary conforms to German intentions...
...On the part of the German delegation, in full accord with the Russian proposals regarding that, the following is declared: The return of colonial territories forcibly seized during the war constitutes an essential part of German demands, which Germany cannot renounce under any circumstances...
...We mean to stand by the French democracy to the death in the demand they make for a reconsideration of the great wrong of '71 when Alsace-Lorraine was torn away...
...So long, however, as the enemy governments do not accent such a peace...
...The Russian Maximalists proposed: (1) The evacuation of all Russian territory occupied by Germany, and autonomy for Poland and the Lithuanian and Lettish provinces...
...In these circumstances, every belligerent power would have only to make indemnification for expenditures for its nationals who have become prisoners of war, as well as for damage done in its own territory by illegal acts ot force committed against civilian nationals belonging to the enemy...
...Three conditions must be fulfilled: First—The sanctity of treaties must be re-established...
...Turning then to the affirmative side nf the question, the British premier advanced the objects for which his country was contending: (1) "The first requirements always made by the British and their allies have -been the complete restoration, political, territorial and economic, of the independence of Belgium and such reparation as can be made for the devastation of its towns and provinces...
...It will be noted that "freedom of seas" constitutes no part of the Lloyd George peace terms...
...Second—Territorial settlement must be based on the right of self-trovernment or the consent of the government...
...Their leaders have persuaded them that tficy are fighting a war of self-defense against a league of rival nations bent on the destruction of Germany...
...Of Germany, the President said: "We have no jealous,/ of German greatness, and thero is nothing in this programme that impairs it...
...Clause 5. The allied Dowers have frequently emphasized the possibility that both sides might renounce not only indemnification for war costs, but also indemnification lor war damages...
...4) Adequate guarantees given and taken that national armaments will be reduced to the lowest point consistent with domestic safetv...
...3) Settlement of the question of Alsace-Lorraine by plebiscite, with a guarantee of perfect freedom of vote...
...8) "Respecting the German colonies, they are held at the disposal of a conference whose decision must have primary regard to the wishes and interests of their native inhabitants...
...10) The people of Austria-Hungary, whose place among the nations we wish to see safeguarded and assured, should be accorded the freest opportunity of autonomous development...
...The Reichstag rejects all plans aiming at an economic blockade and the stirring up of enmity among the peoples after the war...
...We do net wish to injure her or to block in any way her legitimate influence or power...
...Clause 6. Of the four aj.ied powers, Germany alone possesses colonies...
...I am stating facts to make it clear why Britain cannot be held accountable for decisions taken in her absence and concerning which she was not consulted, or her aid invoked...
...An independent Poland, comprising all genuinely Polish elements who desire to participate, is an urgent necessity for the stability of Europe...
...The Governments of the Allies unswervingly declare their resolve immediately to sign the terms of peace which win stop this war on the above terms, eauauy Just to all belligerents without exception...
...It makes, however, a strong argument in support of the fourteen propositions he advances...
...8) j. he removal, so far as possible, cf all economic barriers and the establishment of an equality of trade conditions among all the nations consenting to the peace and associating themselves for its maintenance...
...But it is necessary, we must franklv say, and necessary as a pi-eliminary to any intelligent dealings with her on our part, that we should know whom her spokesmen speak for when they speak to us, whether for the Reichstag majority or the military party and the men whose creed is imperial domination...
...It will be impossible to restore to their former sovereignty the territories to which I have referred...
...After referring to the effort he had made to learn the opinion of the people in all parts of the realm, Lloyd George said that as a result of these discussions he believed that he knew and was prepared to speak for the people of the nation...
...Lastly— The...
...and the relations of the several Balkan states to one another determined by friendly counsel along historically established lines of allegiance and nationality...
...PRESIDENT WILSON'S PROPOSED TERMS PEACE TERMS suggested by the President of the United States, in his address delivered at the Joint Session of the two Houses of Congress, January 8, 1918...
...fi) Other contested territory in Balkans to enjoy temporary autonomy until a plebiscite is taken...
...He prefaced his remarks by saying: "We ought to be able to state clearly and definitely, not only the principles for which we are fighting, but their definite, concrete application to the war map of the world...
...TERMS OF LLOYD GEORGE PEACE TERMS—Suggested bv tho British Prime Minister, Lloyd George, in his address to the delegates of the trades unions, Saturday, January 5, 1918...
...They call to us to say what it is that we desire, in what, if in anything, our nui-pose and our spirit differ from theirs...
...Only an economic peace can prepare the ground for the friendly association of the peoples...
...Though we agree with President Wilson that the breaking up of Austria-Hungary is no '•art of our war aims, we feel that unless genuine scifygovernment on true democratic principles is granted those Austria-Hungarian nationalities who have long desired it, it is impossible to hope for the removal of those causes of unrest in that part of Europe which have so long threatened its general peace...
...The Allied Governments also grant validity to this principle everywhere, in so far as it is practically realizable...
...occupied territories restored...
...2) Autonomy for Turkish Armenia...
...2) "We are not fighting to destroy Austria-Hungary or to deprive Turkey of its capital or the rich lands of Asia Minor and Thrace, which are predominantly Turkish...
...Germany took ud arms in defense of its liberty and independence and for the integrity of its territories...
...The delegations of the Allied (Teutonic) Powers, acting upon the clearly expressed will of their Governments and neoples, will conclude as soon as possible a general peace...
...Neither do we presume to suggest to her any alteration or modification of her institutions...
...Serbia, moreover, to h. ve access to the Adriatic...
...6) "On the same grounds we regard as vital the legitimate claims of the Italians for union with those of their own race and tongue...
...14) Peace conditions to be settled by a peace congress composed of delegates chosen by national, representative bodies...
...Without this healing act the whole structure and validity of international law is forever impaired...
...We do not wish to fight her either with arms or with hostile arrangements of trade if she is willing to associate herself with us and the other neace-loving nations of the w^rld in covenants of justice and law and fair dealing...
...7) Rumania to recover all territory within her previous frontiers after promising to grant autonomy to the Dobrudia, and to give effect to Article III of the Berlin Convention concerning the equality of the rights of the Jews...
...freedom of commercial navigation, the cancelling of all charters during war time of enemy ships, and the torpedoing of commercial ships on the high seas to be forbidden by international agreement...
...GERMAN PEACE TERMS The German Reichstag in July, 1917, apssed by a vote of 214 to 116, with 17 not voting, the following resolution: (Quoted from the "Commercial and Financial Chronicle," dated New York, July 21, 1917...
...The principles of economic relations proposed by the Russian delegation in connection with the above six clauses are approved wholly by the delegations of the allied powers, who always have denied any economic restrictions and who see in the re-establishment of regulated economic relations, which are in accord with the interests of all people concerned, one of the most important conditions for bringing about friendly relations between the Dowers now engaged in war...
...About troops now occupying seized territories, it must be stipulated in the oeace treaty, if there is no agreement before, regarding the evacuation of these places...
...Nor has the statement made by Lloyd George in Glasgow, June 29, 1917, on this subject ever been modified so far as I know...
...Tneir conception of what is right, and what is human and honorable for them to accent, has been stated with a frankness, a largeness of view, a generosity of spirit, and a universal human sympathy wltieh must challenge the admiration of every friend of m nkind...
...10) Restoration of Persia and Greece...
...7) "While we do not challenge the maintenance of tne Turkish Empire in the homelands of the Turkish race, with its capital, Constantinople—the passage between the Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea being internationalized and neutralized—Arabia, Armenia, Mesopotamia, Syria and Pal-estir.e are, in our judgment, entitled to recognition of their separate national conditions...
...The destruction or disruption of Germany never has been a war aim with us...
...In the following propositions I have used his language wherever possible, and in all cases believe 1 have expressed his ideas...
...5) The restoration of Serbia and Montenegro, with indemnity for damages to be taken out of a similar international fund...
...IS) All belligerents to renounce definitely any commercial boycott after the war, or the institution of special customs agreement...
...1) Open covenants of peace openly arrived at, after which there shall be no private international understandings of any kind but diplomacy shall proceed always frankly and In the public view...
...12) All belligerents to renounce war indemnities under any form or disguise whatsoever, and all contributions exacted since the beginning of the war to be refunded...
...The freedom of the seas must be assured...
...14) A general association of nations must be formed under specific covenants for the purpose of affording mutual guaranties of political independence and territorial integrity to great and small states alike...
...11) In conclusion the premier summed up the matter thus: "We ai-e fighting for a just and lasting peace...
...15) Gradual disarmament on land and sea, and the establishment of militia to replace standing armies...
...1H) An independent Polish state should be erected which should include the territories inhabited by indisputably Polish populations, which should be assured a free and secure access to the sea, and whose political and economic independence and territorial integrity should be guaranteed by international covenant...
...It is the voice of the Russian people...
...Their power, apparently, is shattered...
...and I believe tnat the people of the United States would wish me to respend, with utter simplicity and frankness...
...The premier also said that native chiefs of Africa should be consulted with and speak for their tribes concerning their wishes in the matter of government...
...Italy and Roumania...
...He said:— "I am indulging in no reproaches...
...Clause 3. The question of subjection to that or the other country of those nationalities who have not political indenendence cannot, in the oninion of the powers of the Quadruple Alliance, be solved internationally...
...They are sure of the undying thanks of the whole people...
...peoples, in a manner established by the Constitution...
...Bosnia and Herzegovina to have complete autonomy...
...As on August 4, 1914, so on tha threshold of the fourth year of the war the German people stand upon the assurance of the speech from the throne: "We are driven by no lust of conquest...
...Against V-Boat War (11) Neutralization of all maritime Straits leading to inland seas, including the Canals of Suez and Panama...
...The Reichtag knows that in this announcement it is at one with the men who are defending the Fatherland in the heroic struggles...
...2) Absolute freedom of navigation upon the seas, outside territorial waters, alike in peace and in war, except as the seas mav be closed in whole or in part by international action for the enforcement of international covenants...
...diplomats to bind themselves to sign no secret treaties, which are to be declared by their nature null and void...
...C-) The evacuation of all Russian territory and such a settlement of all questions affecting Russia as will secure the best and freest co-operation of the other nations of the world in obtaining for her an unhampered and unembarrassed opportunity for the independent determination of her own political development and national policy and assure her of a sincere welcome into the society of free nations under institutions of her own choosing...
...8) All French territory should be freed and the invaded portions restored, and the wrong done to France by Prussia in 1871 in tho matter of Alsace-Lorraine, which has unsettled the peace of the world for nearly fifty years, should be righted, in order that peace may once more be made secure in the interest of all...
...The delegations of the Quadruple Alliance are agreed immediately to conclude a general peace without forcible annexations and indemnities...
...0) *" v» e are not fighting to destroy the German constitution, although we consider a military, autocratic constitution a dangerous anachronism...
...10) "A great attempt must be made to establish a gi*eat international organization as a means of settling international disputes...
...Peace terms suggested by Lloyd George were not stated categorically but must be extracted from his speech...
...and its Allies to life and development are secured...
...The Reichstag labors for peace and a mutual .t understanding and lasting reconciliation among the nations...
...There is, moreover, a voice calling for these definitions of principle and of purpose which is, it seems to me, more thrilling and more compelling than any of the many moving voices with which the trouoied air of the world is filled...
...and they have refused to compound their ideals or dcse:t others that they themselves may be safe...
...Starting upon these principles, and regarding the six clauses proposed by the Russian delegation as a basis of negotiations, the following must be stated: Clause 1. Forcible annexations of territories seized during the war do not enter into the intention of the allied powers...
...They will not vield either in principle or in action...
...I quote, however, as especially significant the, following paragraphs taken from it: "No statesman who has the least conception of his responsibility ought for a moment to permit himself to continue this tragical and appalling outpouring of blood and treasure unless he is sure beyond a peradventure .that the objects of the vital sacrifices are part and parcel of the very life of Society and that the people for whom he speaks think them right and imperative as he does...
...The Reichstag will energetically promote the creation of international judicial organizations...
...9) "There must be reparation for injustice done in violation of international law...
...And yet their soul is not subservient...
...We wish her only to accept a place of equality among the peoples of the world,— the new world in which we now live, —instead of a olace of mastery...
...We have arrived at tne most critical hour of this terrible conflict, and before any government takes the fateful decision as to the conditions under which it ought either to terminate or continue the struggle it ought to be satisfied that the conscience of the nation is behind these conditions...
...What Britain Is Not Fighting For "We mav begin," said the premier, "by stating what we are not fighting for: (1) "We are not fighting a war of aggression against the German people...
...4) Concerning Russia, the premier referred to tne fact that the war was started by Russia's decision to protect Serbia, and that the present rulers of Russia had entered into separate peace negotiations...
...No other single act will serve as this will sei-ve to restore confidence among the nations in the laws which they have themselves set and determined for the government of their relations with one another...
...Forced acquisitions of territory and political, economic and financial violations are incompatible with such a peace...
...AUSTRO - HUNGARIAN PEACE TERMS., as promulgated by Count Czernin, published in the nress of this country, December 28, 1917...
...7) Belgium, the whole world will agree, must be evacuated and restored, without any attempt to limit the sovereignty which she enjoys in common with all other free nations...
...11) Rumania, Serbia, and Montenegro should be evacuated...
...so long as they threaten Germanv and her allies with conquest and violation, the German people will stand together as one man, hold out unshaken and fight until the riehts of itse...
...The peace conference must not forget our seamen and the services they have rendered and the outrages they have, suffered for the common cause of freedom...
...f!>) Germany to receive back her colonies...
...9) A readjustment i .* the frontiers of Italy should be effected along clearly recognizable lines of nationality...
...The I t correspondent of the Daily Tel-egrapn wires from Milan that Vienna papers have published fuller particulars on the peace negotiations at Brest-Litovsk, which show that the Russian demands contained fifteen clauses...
...Want Belgium Restored (4) The restoration of Belgium and indemnity for damages to be provided by an international financial fund...
...and, more than a welcome, assistance aiso of every kind that she may need and may herself desire...
...Russia can only be saved by her own peonle...
...The treatment accorded Russia by her sister nations in the months to come'will be the acid test of their good will, of their comprehension of her needs as distinguished from their own interests, and of their intelligent and unselfish sympathy...
...creation of an international organization to limit armament and diminish the probability of war...
...The complete withdrawal of alien armies and reparation for injustice done is the fundamental condition of a permanent neace...
...Having in view the nature of the colonial territories of Germany, the realization of the right of self-determination, besides the above outlined considerations, in the form proposed by the Russian delegation is at present practically impossible...
...The powers of the Quadruple Alliance now negotiating with Russia cannot, of course, one-sidedly bind themselves to such terms, not having the guarantee that Russia's allies will recognize and carry out these terms honestly without reservation with regard to the Quadruple Alliance...
...The Russian Government's proposal for the creation of a special fund for this purpose could be taken into consideration only if the other belligerent powers were to join in the peace negotiations within a suitable period...
...They shai2 the view of the Russian delegation which condemns the continuation of the war purely for aims of conquest The statesmen of the Allied (Teutonic) Governments in programs and statements have emphasized time and again that for the sake of conquest they will not prolong the war a single day...
...5) A free, open-minded, and absolutely impartial adjustment of all colonial claims, based upon a strict observance of the principle that in determining all such questions of sovereignty the interests of the population concerned must have equal weight with the equitable claims of the government whose title is to be determined...
...It is necessar"- however, to indicate most clearly that the proposals of the Russian delegation could be realized only in case all the powers participating in the war obligate themselves scrupulously to adhere to the terms, in common with all the peoples...
...In this case it must be solved by each Government, together with its...
...Petrograd, December 26.—Following is the text of the statement offering terms for a general peace which Count Czernin made last evening at the Russo-German conference at Brest-Litovsk...
...The circumstances that in the German colonies the natives, notwithstanding the greatest difficulties and the improbability of victory in a struggle against an adversary many times stronger, and who had the advantage of unlimited import by sea, remained in the gravest circumstances faithful to their German friends, may serve as proof of their attachment and their resolve by all means to preserve allegiance to Germany, proof which by its significance and weight is far superior to any expression of popular will...
...We grudge her no achievement nor distinction of learning nor of pacific enterprise such as have made her record very bright and very enviable...
...2) "Next comes the restoration of Serbia, Montenegro and the occupied parts of France...
...They are prostrate and all bvt helpless, it would seem, before the grim power of Germany, which has hitherto known no relenting and no pity...
...Serbia accorded free and secure access to the seas...
...8) Autonomy for the regions of Trent and Trieste, inhabited by Italian populations, until a plebiscite is taken...
Vol. 10 • January 1918 • No. 1
