For a basis of peace terms, the proposals were
entirely reasonable, nor did they appear in any case to be capable
of misconstruction. They were laid down in eight clauses.
1. The complete evacuation of Northern France and Belgium, with
full compensation for all damage done.
2. Alsace and Lorraine to determine their position by vote of the
entire population.
3. Servia and Roumania to be reestablished as independent kingdoms,
with such rectifications and modifications of frontier as a joint
committee should decide upon.
4. The German colonies to be restored.
5. The conquered parts of Mesopotamia to remain under the
protection of the British Government.
6. Poland to be declared an independent kingdom.
7. Trieste and certain portions of the Adriatic seaboard to be
ceded to Italy.
8. A world committee to be at once elected for the purpose of
working out a scheme of international disarmament.
"We must remember," Miles Furley pointed out, "that the present
Government is practically pledged not to enter into peace
negotiations with a Hohenzollern."
"That, I contend," the Bishop observed, "is a declaration which
should never have been made. Whatever may be our own feelings
with regard to the government of Germany, the Kaiser has held the
nation together and is at the present moment its responsible head.
If he has had the good sense to yield to the demands of his
people, as is proved by this document, then it is very certain
that the declaration must be forgotten.
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