BETHMANN-HOLLWEG'S SPEECH

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3086, 17 May 1917, Page 5

BETHMANN-HOLLWEG'S SPEECH

MANY WORDS BUT NOTHING TANGIBLE SUBTLE BAIT FOR RUSSIAN . WAVERERS i . _________ BRUSILOFF RESIGNS -— : N RUSSIAN SITUATION STILL COMPLICATED ~ HEAVY FIGHTING AT , BULLECOURT The German Chancellor's oft-deferred speech, regarding which I much interesting matter on Germany's war aims was • expected, together with a pronouncement on the peaco issue, has been delivered. The Chancellor declined to be drawn on the subject of Germany's war aims, but talked iii vague general terms about Germany's preparedness to discuss peace—on the terms enunciated by him last December. The speech is chiefly notable for ~ its crafty appeal to Russian waverers, holding out a vague hint of peace oh possibly favourable terms. The British have sustained four desperate attacks by the enemy at Bullecourt, and while yielding ground slightly on one flank —just a hundred yards—have inflicted terrible punishment. The situation in Russia grows no better. An appeal to the Army by the Council of Workmen's and Soldiers' Delegates, to stand fast, refrain from fraternisinc; with the enemy, and be prepared to take the offensive, has a"hopeful sound. But Generals Brusiloff and Gurko have,aeked,to be relieved of their commands.. ■After a silence of weeks, the Italian Headquarters Staff a communique telling of an intensive artillery duel on the Corizia front, and of an advance at certain points. The .summer campaign on the Italian front has begun.