THE ARMISTICE.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16427, 22 January 1919, Page 8

THE ARMISTICE.

BLOCKADE MAINTAINED. (By Cable Press Association.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, January 15. Mr A. J. Fraser, the correspondent of tho Australian Press Association, 6tates that the representatives of the Allied Powers are resolved to maintain tho German blockade with the utmost rigidity, although, at the instance of America, some relief may be afforded to meet the shortage of fats in the Central Empires. The blockade against mails continues drastically, otherwise, German-owned securities, from which much of the initial indemnities must come, may be likely to disappear. SURETY FOR DAMAGES. AMSTERDAM, Jaanuary 17. Herr Erzberger informed a conference of German railway managers that Marshal Foch estimated the indemnity necessary to restore Belgium and Northern France at thirty milliards of marks, and to repair other dam ago at twenty milliards of marks. As surety, the Allies would demand the Gorman railways, forests, and woods. SHIPS HANDED OVER. MADRID, January 17. Spain has handed over the German i and Austrian ships interned in her ports in accordance with the armistice. THE AUSTRIAN FLEET. PARIS, January 17. It is understood that tho Austrian Fleet will be handed over to Admiral Gauchet (French Navy) at Corfu. FRENCH DEMOBILISATION. PARIS, January 17. M. Clemonceau announced m the Chambor of Deputies that 1,200.000 French soldiers would .be demobilised by February loth, and 2,000,000 by March Ist. TIGHTENING THE CONDITIONS. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received January 21st, 8.45 p.m.) PARIS, January. 18.

In addition to the surrender of all completed submarines, and the destruction of all uncompleted submarines, and the utilisation by the Entente of German merchantmen, the new armistice conditions require the surrender of much agricultural equipment. GERMANY'S LACK OF FOOD. (Renter's Telegram*.) (Received January 21st, 10.15 p.m.) PARIS, January 20. Marshal Foch, in an interview, stated he was of the opinion that the Germans had not exaggerated much regarding the need for food. Marshal Foch does not share the view that Germany is incapable of further effort, as she still possesses an army, although it is disorganised. On the other hand, the occupation of the Rhineland is the strongest imaginable j strategic barrier. He does not fear a serious growth of . Bolshevism. Ger- I many will pull herself together and | sweep aside this wave of poison gas. I