HC Deb 04 April 1917 vol 92 cc1290-1
52. Sir WILLIAM BYLES

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the statement of Count Czernin, the Austro-Hungarian foreign secretary, that the Central Empires' proposal for a peace conference still holds good and urging that, without the declaration of a truce, the belligerents should meet and see if an agreement is possible, adding that, as soon as our enemies are ready to negotiate for a peace honourable to them and to us, then nothing stands in the way of negotiations; and whether, to save further bloodshed and suffering, His Majesty's Government will entertain the proposal?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am not aware of any terms of peace being suggested by the Central Governments.

Sir W. BYLES

Is it not now evident that you can have peace to-morrow? [An HON. MEMBER: "On German terms!"]

Mr. BONAR LAW

Yes, I think it is evident we can have peace to-morrow, if we surrender.