WAR MEMOIRS OF DAVID LLOYD GEORGE 1917

VATICAN AND KUHLMANN PEACE MOVES 269
Masters of Germany. He was not to quarrel openly with
the timorous defeatists of the Reichstag. He was authorised
to delude them by a show of pacific disposition. On the other
hand, he was to make clear that the time and terms of peace
were for him to declare and not for them. On July 19th,
1917, the Reichstag passed the following resolution:
As on 4th August, 1914, so on the threshold of the fourth year
of the War, the German people are inspired by the words contained
in the speech from the Throne "We are not led by desire
for conquests." Germany has taken up arms for Liberty and
Independence, and for the integrity of her territory. The Reichstag
desires a peace of conciliation and a lasting reconciliation
of all peoples.
Enforced territorial aggrandisement with political, economic
and financial control, cannot be reconciled with that programme.
The Reichstag also rejects all plans about economic isolation and
the enmity of peoples after the War. The freedom of the seas
must be made sure. Only an economic peace can pave the way
for friendly cooperation among the peoples. We will also strongly
encourage the creation of international law organisations.
Germany will fight until the Allies stop threatening her and
her allies with conquests.
The motion was opposed fiercely by the Junker Party,
but carried in spite of their resistance by 214 votes to 116.
The resolution itself expressed in general words the desire
of the German Parliament for peace. As to the terms it was
vague. There was no definite and clear declaration that all
the occupied territory in the West, the East and the Southeast
would be restored without condition or reservation.
Neither Belgium nor Poland were alluded to by name. Inferentially
they were included in the phrase about "No forcible
acquisition of territory." But there was nothing said
about adjustments of frontier or conditions to be imposed
on them in the interests of military security or economic