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Newspaper
Ashburton Guardian
Location
Ashburton, Canterbury, New Zealand
Date
Dec 22, 1916
Page
5
He argues for taking soundings to gauge how near is the haven of peace mankind longs for He believes the spirit and aims are understood by all and hopes for a response that brings new light to world affairs and secures peace with justice for all.
In New York on December 21 1916 Mr Lansing discusses the peace note as a prelude to U S asserting rights against belligerents. He says America nears war as rights were invaded and Wilson sent the note to define future conduct while maintaining neutrality.
A December note from President Wilson causes strong reactions in American and German-American press. Writings in the Times and Herald frame the note as uncertain mediation while the World views it as candid and without self interest. Wall Street records a further decline following the note.
Vancouver dispatch notes the Tribune calls the President's plan a mistake and argues the nation that did not protest Belgium's invasion becomes a purveyor of German peace as profit making manoeuvre.
London reports state the British censor suppressed President Wilsons peace note and causes intense indignation in Britain. Private advices reach New York stating the action occurred with the censor indicating suppression on December 22 at 9 30 a m. The development is tied to ongoing war diplomacy.
New York reports a Herald note about Count Bernstorff and Wilson and hints the Kaiser may be promising soldiers a Christmas present. The World claims Wilson reflects U S public opinion. Berlin must speak for terms that curb Prussianism.
Washington sources report British embassy officials astonished by Wilson's note saying no exchanges occurred through the embassy. The statement appears preliminary and unconfirmed as details remain unclear.
Belgium nationals detained for espionage, with twenty sentenced to death and four executed. About five hundred people deported from Luxembourg to Germany as protests from authorities escalate amid wartime tensions.
The Military Cross is awarded to Second-Lieutenant WV Stocker of the New Zealand Artillery. Five Military Medals are awarded to New Zealanders. The announcement is dated December 21 from London.
In Britain Christmas greetings from Ali Massey and Sir Joseph Ward share New Zealand forces with officers and men. The message from New Zealand forces in France thanks relatives and friends and expresses confidence for a victorious, honorable return home.
Paris December 21 confirms the ministerial crisis has ended and Cabinet members are withdrawing their resignations.
Paris reports December 2 analysis noting 22 German divisions and 600 batteries in action with 12 in reserve on the Somme. Franco British forces pressured the line by July 9 forcing 11 reserve divisions to retire. By August the Crown Prince lost hundreds of batteries and air power. By October only 184 divisions remained as more batteries were taken.
The Daily Chronicle outlines a bold National War Service plan. Men aged 17 to 56 would be required to work where needed, with transfers across occupations and localities to support munition and productive industries. Trade union wages would be paid plus subsistence, and officials would coordinate compulsory powers if voluntary enrollment fails.
General von Bissing once a Belgian military governor is reported in Amsterdam with lung inflammation on December 21. The notice mentions the date of receipt as December 22 at 12.15 p.m.
A French communique says our aeroplanes heavily bombed several railways hutments bivouacs and convoys on the march. The report comes from Aus and NZ Cable Association and Router with a December 22 12 25 p.m. receipt.
A German communique dated December 22 reports renewed enemy resistance in North Dobrudja after earlier retirements. It notes strong hostile attacks in the Cerna loop region were repulsed.
Zurich reports that two thousand civilians were killed in Bucharest by Zeppelins as of December 21. The casualty toll is part of the ongoing bombardment of the city in World War I era raids.
In Parliament Lord Robert Cecil said no ultimatum to Greece had been sent since December 14 and Greece accepted and pursued demands. The Daily Telegraph Piraeus report disputed transport of the 35th Regiment to Corinth, noting only five companies went and vows to meet the wiltimatem demands. Royalist officers reportedly entertain German sympathies while Reservists Leagues push for continued imprisonment of woniselists and halt troop movements until the crisis clarity.
Allies restrict Greek troops to bread rations as controls hamper movement back to Peloponnesus. Rumors of forces diverting north surface amid uncertain frontline fluidity and security concerns.
A German official report says the submarine torpedoed the battleship Suffren 50 miles northeast of Libon on November 26. Paris dispatch dated December 8 notes the Suffren left November 24 for L Orien and has not arrived, with fears she is a total loss. The 12,527 ton vessel carried 4 12 inch guns, 10 6.4 inch, and 83.9 mm? 201.8 inch. Crew numbered 615.
The armoured cruiser Ernest Ronan rammed and cut into an Italian steamer, causing 16 deaths among its 115 passengers. The incident was reported with times received on December 22 during early and late hours.
British steamer Blairhall of 2549 tons Japanese steamer Takimaru of 3208 tons and Norwegian steamer Prima of 1233 tons reported sunk in today’s submarine operations received December 28 at 12 10 p m.
A German newspaper the Taglische Rundscbau argues that England's armed merchant steamers are now considered men of war by the government. It asserts Britain's promise to America to stop a vessel before torpedoing has been abandoned.
Sir Douglas Haig reports raids along lines near Gommecourt and north of Arras causing damage and taking prisoners. A German patrol leader north of Neuve Chapelle was killed and his men captured.
Paris December 20 M Thomas minister of munitions states France now produces 600 tons of explosives daily, up from 190 at the war start. Germany turns out 600000 shells daily while the Allies total 800000.
London dispatch reports Russians holding back German forces 30 miles west of Braila allow Braila wheat stores to be moved and provide a clear retreat for troops in the Dobrydzja region.
A Russian communique states woe repulsed attacks southwest of Brody and in the Parlita area on the left bank of the Danube. It reports intense fighting on the right flank in the Dobrudja region.
A new Russian commander Gouake takes control of Russian and Roumanian forces in Roumania as Romanian units reorganize behind the Russian line.
In Paris on December 20 M. Briand stated Allies would answer promptly. He argued Germany’s call for peace shows weakness as it presses reserves and deportations in Belgium. Briand credited Verdun victory and warned Germany would be unable to impose peace.
New York editors assess Lloyd George's speech with cautious praise and call for Belgium and Serbia restoration as core peace terms. The World questions German openness to terms, while The Sun credits England's resolute stance.
The Telegraaf reports in December that the Central Powers misread the Kaiser speech as showing weakness. It argues the Kaiser should evacuate occupied territory and pay damages to end the global bloodbath. The cable notes a strong rebuke and calls for decisive action.
Sir Edward Carson comments in the House of Commons on Germany's reply over Captain Blaikie. He says Britain does not concede distinctions between unarmed merchant ships and those defendably armed, urging neutrals to view armed merchantmen as permissible and pledging continued attention to protective arming.
Amsterdam dispatch notes Tageblatt and Lokal Anzeiger diverge on Britain and Germany aims. German commentary claims Lloyd George seeks to delay peace until Entente victory, risking an eternal war unless German forces end conflict sooner than Lloyd George believes possible.
Reported measures by Germany include a £4,000,000 levy on Bucharest and a decree to stamp Roumanian paper money at 16 percent of its value. Germany also promised full civil and political liberties to the Jews.
London reports the War Office released 12 000 miners unfit for service who have returned to mining. The government also granted Irish railway workers a weekly raise of 73.
The Government has seized the entire output of Irish distilleries for munition purposes without impacting retail supply for three years. A decision on prohibition is expected by year end, with likely drastic controls on alcohol sales if prohibition is not enacted.
German press clippings comment on Lloyd George’s strategy and Germany’s militancy. Berliner Taxeblatt notes a break in the chasm of aims while Vessische Zeitung argues Germany can withstand Entente aims to world dominance. Fremdenblatt decries speculation prolonging the war.
A police order in Amsterdam on December 21 prohibited a large peace meeting at Letpaic, with authorities citing security measures. No further details on organizers or exact location provided.
In the past days recruiting had slowed but today three recruits were received at the local Defence Office. Kingsbury W.8 a farmer from Kyle Campbell A a farmer of Chertsey and Orsburgh J a farm labourer from Mayfield are all single men.
The Greek Government protests to the Allies over Venizelist landing at several islands under Allied protection and demands restoration of order and government authority amid tensions in Greece.
A German wireless message argues the Entente misreads Central Powers efforts. It states readiness to confer with belligerents and negotiate conditions for lasting peace, while distinguishing armistice as a separate step and noting that proposed terms have not yet been forwarded.
United Service Message from Rome reports a massive avalanche in the Trentino region burying about 1500 Austrian artillerymen and two heavy guns. The incident adds to wartime setbacks as winter conditions bite.
Press notice frames ninety miles of front from the Yser to the Somme as a crucible of war. It depicts smoke and shell fire, wire, and wrecked trenches, praising noble deeds and sacrifice while men question fate and divine will.
Count von Bernstorff comments on Lloyd George speech and Germany's stance. He says officials expect Dr von Bethmann Hollweg to transmit peace terms to the Entente in confidence.
Wireless report from Germany cites an interview with Dr. von Zimmerman claiming the Kolga sank with seven missing seamen after English submarines allegedly failed to rescue them. The British Admiralty rejects the charge, insisting naval tradition justifies its actions.
The Frankfurter Zeitung states German peace proposals aim to curb Britain's naval supremacy and redraw Continental Europe to fit the war position, with a colonial settlement to satisfy German ambitions. It notes Germany recognizes England's sea power and acknowledges its ability to break it.
The Norddeutscher Lloyd liner Prinz Friedrich Wilhelm of 17000 tons ran aground in the Kattegat south of Samsoe while en route to Kiel. A Zeppelin and two submarines accompanied the voyage as German warships guarded the area. The ship had been at Stavanger for years before the grounding.
A Berlin Wireless report says a new peace movement is being considered in Norway Sweden Denmark and Switzerland. The goal is to promote the withdrawal of the Netherlands from conflict and to seek a broader ceasefire.
A German Embassy official says Germany would discuss any Allied proposal and notes a large indemnity claim in East Prussia, comparing it to Allied claims in Belgium. He suggests paying indemnities might be cheaper than ongoing war and mentions Bulgaria and Turkey possibly forced to pay later. A Chicago Tribune dispatch adds Britain seeking terms of peace and Germany willing to respond to disarmament proposals.
The British steamship Wimston of 6000 tons has been sunk. The captain and chief engineer were captured and are being held as prisoners.
An official view suggests peace hinges on a League of Nations enforcement and a definite Hague conference. England may demand reparations, while Germany reportedly accepts the idea if Russia’s East Prussia ravages are compensated.
Berlin December 202 The Pageblatt reports Major Moraht has been dismissed from service for advocating pan German war views. The action highlights tensions within the military and press during the period.
Several German newspapers denounced Aly Massey s utterance on peace proposals The Vorwarts asserts that the New Zealander s opinion would not influence responsible Englishmen.
London dispatch reports Mr Lloyd George stressing a frank ministry partnership with Labour. He says the war cannot be conducted without Labour's complete and unqualified support and seeks Labour's senior counsel for conduct of the war.
Mr Lloyd George wins approval for the Mobilisation of Labour Bill with trade union backing. Oppose mainly from extreme syndicalists and pacifists, the measure aims to implement his war proposals.
London reports Mr F Prothero outlines a national scheme to maximise land use. Counties receive essential crops lists and compulsory acquisitions may occur. Villages form committees to grow potatoes. war callups paused. prices set to support farmers with wheat likely above fifty shillings per quarter.
The article from London in December reports the Board of eric malte urging higher cat production, arguing Britain could meet domestic needs if output rises, with expectation of sufficiency for home requirements.
In the House of Commons Under-Secretary G Roberts announced railway passenger fares would increase by 50 percent from January 1 with exceptions for certain passes and season tickets up to 40 miles. Restrictions on passenger service were to follow.
London dispatch explains the Colonial forces and regular army roles as implications for defense plans.
London December 21 The House of Lords has passed the Pensions Bill after a lengthy debate with ministers urging swift action. The measure aims to reform retirement payments and broaden coverage for state pensions nationwide.
Berne dispatch reports the German Government via the Cologne Gazette and other papers warns that conquering Roumania will not bring immediate relief to food supply. It says increases in bread and meat rations are impossible at present.
A contorted OCR fragment notes a new disease linked to foods in Copenhagen. The readable parts mention children affected and a possible health warning, with unclear details about authorities or dates.
London December 20 The Württemberg Chamber noted Turkey accepted a proposal to send 10,000 Turkish apprentices ages 12 to 15 to Germany for training.
British dispatch reports German East Africa forces repulsed a major push near Ribata with the Loth area remaining otherwise unchanged. The update notes a defensive success and continued stalemate on other sectors, as Allied lines hold.
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