That peace feders are being thrown out is evidenced by the interest which is being shown in the reported peace proposals which appeared in "Lo Petit Parisien," the ref erence to peace conditions by "Lo "Temps," and an article on the same subject appear ing in the Italian semi-official newspaper "Giornale d'Italia." It is significant that the reports on which these articles appear to be based should have originated in Italy itself, and, though they probably amount to nothing more than an attempt to sound out the market, they are nevertheless worthy of consideration. "Lo Petit Parisien," warning its readers that the report must be accepted with all reserve, suggests that elements in the Reich are striving to initiate peace offensive, which, should it be suc cessful, would be favourable to Germany, and leave her an essential part of her conquests. The alleged scheme involves a reshuffle of the German Government, the lavation of Herr Hitler to the post of President, with Field-Marshal Goering as Chancellor, the inclusion of such men as Herr R. Mackensen and Dr. Schacht in the Government, and the elimination of such radicals jas Dr. Joseph Gobbels, Herr Himmler and Dr. Ley. The scheme envisages the re-establishment of Poland and Czechoslovakia, reduced in size through arbitration by a high personage, the renunciation of autarchy, and the general re-entrance of Germany into the European economic system, which must remain impossible so long'as the doctrine of self-suliciency is adhered to. The {disappearance of authoritarian regimes would Jseem to be the pre-requisite of any peace reached under such a suggestion as that outlined above, and it is interesting to note that in this connection the "Giornale d'Italia," far from being enthusiastic about it, firmly ejects any such proposal. As the Journal question is not dealing with the report in "Lo Petit Parisien," but an article appearing in "Lo Temps," its reaction to the more comprehensive peace-feder is not maniested, but as the latter contains the suggestion of the disappearance of autarchy it may be taken that its contentions apply /with equal force.
The assertions of "Lo Petit Parisien" that [German captains of industry appear agree-fable to any interior solution which will prevent Germany slipping towards Bolshevism, Jand the report that Generals von Reichenat Jand J. Blaskowitz are sounding Nazi leaders and heavy industry magnates are interest ing, and highly significant if true, The fact is that the German military have all along been uneasy over Herr Hitler's policy, involving the commencement of a war concerning the outcome of which they have at no time shown any real confidence. They fare equally anxious lest Herr Hitler should plunge them into some military adventure which they fear could only lead to disaster, and there cannot be the slightest doubt that see the Hitler than that he should continue in power and lead the country to further diMcullics, It has to be remembered that while Herr Hitler has enunciated his desire for peace, it meant a peace which Jeff him in possession of the swag. The suggestions which are now being canvassed seck to give something to assuage the anger of the Allies, while at the same moment leaving Herr Hitler in power, with the greater portion of his unlawful gains, land the discharge of assistants who never formulated policy, but merely executed his designs. The proposed peace offensive must, therefore, prove entirely unacceptable to the Allies, save insofar as, if they are ever put forward, they will indicate some degree of weakening in the German stand. 'The elova~ tion of Herr Hitler to the presidency, and Field-Marshal Goering to the chancellorship is not so radical a change as the Allies would desire, for it is open to very considerable doubt' whether a man of the type of Herr Hitler would be content to play second fiddle 10 a former subordinate, and to relin= quish the power which he has been enjoying for all' too long. The suggested change would be as effective as a shadow compared with the very substantial fact that in reality the control of the Reich would have under gone no alteration. Herr Hitler would stil! be in power, for the overweening ambitions of the man would never permit him to become the figurehead which Marshal von Hindenburg was. From that point of view the suggested changes in the government of the Reich would be merely a continuation of the Hitlerian regime.
There is a possibility that the well-known moderate views of Field-Marshal Goering might commend themselves to the Allies, but these views would continue to be completely offset s0 long as Herr Hitler was President, Putting the argument in another manner it must be apparent that Herr Hitler, having sold the pass to Communism in exchange for fancied help from Russia which has not materialized, has betrayed his country to a nation which the campaign in Finland has shown Germany need never have dreaded, and it is clear that there will have to be a divorce mensa et thoro between Germany Jand the Hitler regime if opposition is to be offered to the westward sweep of Bolshevism which both the German military caste, and the industrial magnates so patently fear. It is consequently, not a matter for argument, but merely for acceptance that the interests of the Allies and those of the Germans themselves would best be served by the total elimination of Herr Hitler from any part in the Government of the Reich, and his banishment to a place where his {influence would be reduced to nothing. What happens to men ike Goebbels, Himmler and Ley matters little, Once the source of all their authority had disappeared, they could easily be disposed of and permitted to enjoy their wealth in those countries in which they have deposited it against such a day as the peace which is suggested should bring about, Whether Herr Hitler is the brains or merely the mouthpiece of the system really does not matter so Jong as he and his associates have no further influence in the government of the Reich, and insidious a this reported peace plan is, the knowledge fof that fact will undoubtedly strengthen universal opinion into the belief that the destruction of the Hitlerian system is the essential pre-requisite without which it is not even possible to discuss a cessation of hostilities. The proposed abandonment of autarchy, and a return to world economy would of course make it necessary that the Allies should come forward with economic assistance to enable Germany to regain her Position amongst the nations of the. world. The manner in which such aid was availed of in the early years after the last war suggests again that men with the complete lack of principles which Herr Hitler and his ace complices have, would be most unfitted 10 enter into relations with the rest of Europe which would have to be based upon the completest trust and confidence, and not even the most convinced optimist can point to anything which Herr Hitler has done which suggests that any faith at all could be placed in him, The fact is that no peace offensive which does not include a radical change in the present government of Ger= many can ever be successful.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.