WE MUST FIGHT TO THE END

At the very moment when Mr Lloyd George is congratulating Sir Douglas haig and his generals on their achievements in smashing clean through the ‘impregnable’ German lines, we have President Wilson’s admirable reply to the German note. It is, in a phrase, ‘ Unconditional surrender for the hohenzollerns.’

the advantage of his open diplomacy is that he takes the world into his confidence. he shows it the guile lurking behind Prince Max’s proposals, which were meant to divide the Allies and to strengthen the resistance of Germany.

A simple diplomatist would have played into the enemy’s hands. President Wilson by a skilful thrust disarms his opponent. he puts to Prince Max a series of questions to which he requires answer before further argument.

the first of those questions is, ‘Whom do you represent?’

Is Prince Max speaking for the Kaiser, who made the war? Is he speaking for the ruffians who have just blown up the ancient and noble city of Cambrai and are still torturing British prisoners? If so, President Wilson will not argue with him — will not even answer him.

If even now, in this hour of German defeat, he cannot compel the German militarists to affect some show of humanity and respect for the law, he cannot expect the Allies to take his word for any settlement in which their obedience is required.

the second of the President’s searching questions is: ‘Do you accept my terms?’ the famous Fourteen Points were set forth in his speech of January 8. Conspicuous among them is the restoration of Belgium and northern France, which involves payment for all the wanton damage done and property that has been plundered.

Last of all is the 15th point, which in effect sums up all the others, that there can be no negotiation with ‘those who forced this war upon us’. the hohenzollerns and the criminals round them must abdicate or be surrendered to the Allies.

has Prince Max grasped the meaning of this? And, if so, why is William II still at Potsdam, the Crown Prince still in nominal command of a German army, and Prince Rupprecht of Bavaria, another budding autocrat, at his side?

the President very wisely and firmly refuses an armistice.

here again he has detected the guile. the German plan was to obtain a respite and reinforcement.

thus the President’s answer confirms and completes the unity of the Allies. It is in line with American Press and with the views of France and Italy. It is in agreement with public opinion in this country and in the Dominions.

the victory is almost in sight. the unconditional surrender is almost at hand. Our magnificent troops, who have marched through toil and tribulation and death, now see before them, not very far off, the goal of all their efforts and agony.