“The people want no conquest of land, they want peace. If the war is not to go on indefinitely until all the nations are completely exhausted, some one of the Powers involved must stretch out the hand of peace. Upon Germany, which has successfully defended itself against superior forces, and which has frustrated the plan to bring it to starvation, rests the duty of taking the first steps toward peace. In the name of humanity and civilization, and recognizing the favorable military position which our brave troops have won, we urge the Government to try to end the struggle. We expect of our fellow Socialists in other belligerent countries that they will make the same demand upon their own governments.” GERMAN PROPOSALS FOR PEACE Letter of Dr. Bernhard Dernburg to American Newspapers, April 18, 1915. [Sidenote: Dr. Dernburg.] 1. The peace must be of a permanent nature. 2. The world is one interlocking family of nations. World dominion is possible only with dominion on high seas. All the seas and narrows must be neutralized permanently by common and effective agreement guaranteed by all the Powers. 3. The free sea is useless without free cables. Cables must be jointly owned by the interested nations, with a world mail-system. Customs duties must be equal for all exports and imports, for whatever destination and from whatever source. Preferential tariffs with colonies are the basis of world-empire, and must not be permitted. 4. International law should be codified, with guarantees to save all neutrals from implication in wars in which they do not wish to take part. 5. A natural commercial relationship between Germany and Belgium must be established in workable form. 6. Germany should be permitted industrial expansion in such foreign parts as need or wish for development. Dr. Dernburg’s Speech at City Club, Cleveland, May 8, 1915. 1. Asks recognition of the truth that strong nations showing great vitality and large increase are entitled to enough soil, air and water to maintain and advance their growing population. The lack of such proper adjustment of the conditions of the European Powers during the last fifty years has been one of the primary causes for unrest in Europe, and one of the principal dangers to the peace of the world.