Austria-Hungary, Count Hertling continued, must reply to President Wilson as
to the Italian lands under Austrian rule, the South Slays, and the Balkans, and Turkey would reply as to her territories, the integrity of which and the security of her capital were " important and vital interests also " of Germany. The future of Poland did not concern the Allies, but must be settled by the Central Powers and the Poles. As for the League of Nations, Germany would be prepared, after all the other questions in suspense had been settled, to " investigate its principles." Count Hertling concluded this defiant speech by declaring that Germany's military situation never was so favourable as it is now, and that the Allies, if really inclined towards peace, must revise their terms once again. The most credulous Paeificist, if he be honest, must admit that nu+ a speech destroys all hopes of an early peace by negotiation.
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