HC Deb 16 November 1916 vol 87 cc979-80
90. Mr. SNOWDEN

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the definite statement of the German Chancellor that Germany is only fighting a war of defence, that she desires nothing more than the security of her national independence and for her legitimate development, that she will restore the occupied territory on the West, and submit conditions in regard to other parts of the war area which may reasonably be made the subject of discussion, and in view of the fact that he announces the readiness of Germany to give guarantees for the future maintenance of peace, he will take immediate steps to promote peace negotiations on these conditions?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The summary given by the hon. Member of the speech of the German Chancellor appears to me to be inaccurate and entirely misleading. As regards peace negotiations, I can add nothing to the public statements made by the Prime Minister.

Mr. SNOWDEN

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what part of the summary of the speech is inaccurate?

Mr. BONAR LAW

In every respect, so far as I can discover. The speech of the German Chancellor was based entirely, so far as I can judge, upon the idea of peace after a German victory.