GREAT ISSUES AT- VERSAILLES

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 31, 31 October 1918, Page 5

GREAT ISSUES AT- VERSAILLES

THE ENEMY'S'PLEA FOR AN ARMISTICE ; ' TURKEY OFFICIALLY'ASKS FOR PEACE By Telegraph-Press A6sociatlon--Copyrteht London, October 29. Xhe sittings of the Versailles Council are surrounded with an impenetrable barrier of secrecy. A specially-cleared cable-line, giving direct connection beteen Parisand Wasliington, enables President Wilson to top. in close touch. It is thought in London that the Council will not reach a decision before several days hare passed, by which time Turkey may have sued for peace, and Austria's capitulation may be complete. The well-informed believe that the Council will demand that Germany shall present a white flag on the/West front a* a symbol of her surrender, and that the Allies' terms of armistice will include the occupation of Alsace-Lorraine and the Ehine bridgeheads, and the surrender of the SU President Wilson has sent all his correspondence to the Allies' Ministers and naval and military advisers, who are now in Pans considering what terms for on armistice mav be recommended <to the respective Governments. .The unofficial advances from Turkey aro expected immediately to-become official.-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. • 7 • ) TURKEY OPENS NEGOTIATIONS ' , . London, October 29. A Central News' telegram from Constantinople states that Turkey has officially opened peace negotiations with the Entente.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assii. PEACE BEFORE CHRISTMAS? LONDON COMMENT ON THE SITUATION. . . London, October 29. The impression in Parliamentary circles is that the war is rushing to its close, and that peace Wore Christmas is highly probable, if not inevitable. Parliament has dissolved for a fow weeke, and a dissolution may be expected to follow swiftly upon an armistice. ' The "Daily Telegraph s" political correspondent suggests that polling day should be November 23 or 30 or December 7. The newspapers point out the importance of Austria 6 plea for a separate peace as further isolating Germany, and insist that Germany must herself seek terms for an armistice, since the' Allies are not proposing it, as Dr. Solf's Note to President Wilson impudently suggests. The "Evening News" states that the surrender of the German fleet is an essential part of the Allies' armistice terms.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. DIFFICULT PROBLEM FOR THE ALLIES (Sec. October 30, 7.40 p.m.) London, Gutobcr 29. The utter confusion in Austria-Hungary is presenting urgent problems for the Allies. T,he difficulty which confronts the Versailles Conference is in estimating the extent of the Kaiser's authority. It is persistently reported that he has rnn away to his Hungarian shooting box at Godollo. Definite movements taking shape are the removal of the Hapsburgs, the creation of a Magyar State in Hungary, and of the Croatian and Czecho-Slovak Republics, whilst twelve million German-Austrians, apparently isolated and deserted, look 'towards Germany. Paris favours the prevention of a revolutionary tempest. " The "Echo do Paris" states that the Allios' terms must prevent German-Aus-trians from entering the Hohenzollern Empire. The "Matin" urges-the occupation of Trague, Trieste, Transylvania, and LaiThe "Pall Mall Gazette" 6ays that the armistice conditions will include the formal entry of the Allies into Berlin before any occupied parts of Germany aro retnmed.—united Service. DISCUSSION IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS (E«o. October 80, 7.40 p.m.) ■ London, October 29. In the House of Commons Mr. Bonar Law said that apparently there had been a change' recently in the Germans' destructive methods when evacuating the occupied towns, also a. cessation of submarine attacks on passenger steamers. Sir Owen Phillips urged that the armistice, conditions should insist upon the immediate repatriation of all British prisoners. Mr. Joyneon Hicks demanded the punishment of all persons responsible for the cruelties which had been perpetrated by the enomy.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. OPINION IN AMERICA AUSTEIAN NOTE MEANS COMPLETE CAPITULATION. Washington, October 29. Much interest is being manifested in the German and Austrian- Notes to President Wilson. It is not expected that the President will reply to the latest German Note, the official text of which does not differ from the text as transmitted by wireless. It is felt in official circles that if Austria's Note means a complete capitulation Germany will be forced to recognise the hopelessness of her situation, and will be compelled to surrender unconditionally or to continue tho war under tremendously increased handicaps. According to well-informed circles, if Austria surrenders it will mean that Allies will be able to enter the territory of the Dual Monarchy, and use the railways there, and so attack Germany at vulnerable points. It is believed that the Czecho-Slovaks will bo ready to assist the Allies against Germany, who would be forced to withdraw troops from the West front in order to protect tho southern frontier.—Aus.-N.Z. Cabfe Assn. pjnJ Washington, October 29. In New York tho general opinion of the Press is that the Austro-Hungariun Note amounts to a virtual capitulation, nml shows an overwhelming desire for tieace Tho Dual Monarchy's action will inevitably bring Germany nearer tho brink of unconditional surrender.-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE UNREST IN GERMANY FINANCIAL PANIC IN BERLIN Amsterdam, October 29. Imports from Berlin state that, there has been a financial panic for several dajß. The bankers are appealing to tho public not to withdraw their deposits and not to hoard currency.

Many of the newspapers accuse von Ludendorff of endeavouring to create a military conspiracy against tho Eeicbstfig, and regard him as the scapegoat of the Hohenrollerna. The "Lokal pomte out (but Germany s request for armistice proposals, instead of armistice conditions, means that Germany will negotiate with the Allies on a footing of equality. The Berlin Press declares that the successful resistance on the Western front shows that Germany can continue to fight' if the armistice conditions are .humiliating, but the papere admit thiit Austria's capitulation will wake it hopeless to continue to fight. It insists, however, that the Army is unbeaten.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. " WORLD REVOLUTION OR WORLD DESTRUCTION !" LIEBKNECHT'S NEW SLOGAN. Copenhagen, October 20. Dr. Liebknecht, the Socialist leader, recently released from imprisonment, made a great speech in Berlin, in which he said: "The slogan is now world revolution or world destruction. The timo has come to act. The people's reply to tho appeals for national defence must bo a dictatorship of the proletariat, the overthrowing of capitalistic rule, and the establishing of a Socialist Republic." Thousands of people listened and shouted, "Long live its president, Liebkhecht." —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. LUDENDORFF'S FALL DEADLY FEUD WITH EEZBEEGER. London, October 29. The "Daily Amsterdam correspondent writes: "Herr Erzberger was von LudondoriPs special enemy. The Centre Party Deputy Leader had long heen intent on Ludendorff's 'scalp,' and recently said, in the lobby of the Reichstag, 1 will get him yet.' Ludendorft's nerves'" had been badly shaken, and he vacillated continually between pence and war. He opposed von Hindenbiirg when the latter informed tho Hertling Government that political nlianges were necessary in order to approach President Wilson with a peace offer. Later Ludendorff advocated another gamble on the West front, including the sending out of tho fleet. Tho ICaiser is watching events calmly, and is ready to, resign if events necessitate it. Ho has as little use for a democratic Germany' as adomooratic Germany has for him. His permanent ideas and his training alike unfit him Ifor the position of a shadow monarch."—Aus.-N.Z \Cable Assn. THE PROJECTED MILITARY COUP D'ETAT LUDENDORFF. AND HINDENBURG AS "BITTER-ENDERS." (Rec. October' 30, 8.45 p.m.) London, October 29. Sir. Charles Tower writes: "It is now clear that von LudondorfE and ■son Hinrtenburg planned their coup d'etat for October 25. Von Hindenburg addressed telegrams to the divisional generals urging tho continuance of the war in preference to a dishonourablo peace. A telegram from the former stated dhat President "Wilson expected the capitulation of the Array and Navy, but they would lather fight to the bitter ond." "Vorwaerts" admits that the alterations in the Constitution, limiting the powers of the military, were rushed through -the-Reichstag by the urgent danger of a coup d'etat, not as a concession to President AVilson. , The "Tageblatt" states that the present internal struggle is as much between the military and civil authorities as a-discussion of peace. Discussing von Hinderiburg's and von LudendorfE's see-saw tactics, the paper adds: "The German people decline to change their policy according to the temporary liumour of the High Command. Wβ have had enough of suddenness during the Kaiser's regime."—"The Time3.'i . DEMAND BY THE MILITARY LEADERS. (Rec. October 30, 7.40 jj.m.) k . London, October 29. The "Tageblatt" states that the military leaders have demanded that the Kaiser should bluntly break off negotiations and summon the people to fight to the last.—United.Service. BERLIN FEDERAL COUNCIL APPROVES CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS. : ■ (Rec. October 30, 7.40 p.m.) Copenhagen, October 29. The Berlin Federal Council has approved the Bill amending the Constitution in the form adopted by the Reichstag.-Reuter. PASSING OF THE DUAL MONARCHY DISSOLUTION OF THE REICHSRATH DEMANDED Berne, October 29. The Magyar National Council is demanding the immediate _ dissolution of the Eeichsrntl). There have been serious riots in Budapest. The rioters succeeded in getting lobbies of the Royal Palace—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Aesn. AN ANTI-DYNASTIC MINISTRY . . KAROLYI AND THE EMPEROR. .- Copenhagen, October 29. The "Politiken's" Vienna correspondent states that Count Karolyi has succeeded in forming an anti-dynastic Ministry,' with an understanding with the Czechs and tho Slavs. Count Karolyi was excitedly greeted on returning to Budapest. He announced that he hnd visited the Emperor, who refused to accept his programme, and Karolyi therefore declared Hungary an independent nation.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. AUSTRIA'S POSITION HOPELESS (Rec. October 30, 7.10 p.m.) London, October 29. The Austro-Hungarian reply is regarded in well-informed circles as being equivalent to a surrender. Count Andrassy recently went to Switzerland and vainly attempted to open up communications with the Allied diplomats. Ho returned to Vienna knowing that the only course available was to place the Hapsburg Monarchy unreservedly into the hands of President Wilson. The subsequent action of the new Slav Governments in cutting off Austria's food supplies made the position hopeless and compelled the hasty dispatch of the Note without awaiting the outcomo of the German negotiations. The Allied diplomats expect that Austria's action will potently influence Germany's decision and cause Turkey speedily to imitate Austria's Times.". ANOTHER URGENT APPEAL FROM STRICKEN BELLIGERENT IMMEDIATE ARMISTICE ON ALL FRONTS. (Rec. October 30, 10.30 p.m.) Basle, October 30. Count Andrassy has addressed a supplementary Note to Mr. Lansing (United States Secretary of State), asking him to intervene with President Wilson for the purpose of bringing about an immediate armistice on all fronts. The Note urges Austria's wish for immediate negotiations for peace.—Aus.-N.Z. CaWe Assn. FIGHTING IN BUDAPEST KAKOLYI'S FOLLOWERS V. THE MILITARY. , (Rec. October 31, 1.10 a.m.) Londonj October 30. Heavy fighting is going en in Budapest between the followers of Count Karolyi «ind the military. The soldiers are using \their machine-guns and "bayonets. Many have been killed.—Aus-.-N.Z. Cable Assn. PROCLAMATION BY THE ARCHDUKE JOSEPH (Rec. October 30, 7.10 p.m.) Berne, October 2D, The Archduke Joseph of Austria has issued a proclamation stating that tho Emperor had charged him with the task of evolving a 6ohitdon which would bring complete independence to Hungary secure peace, and give, Hungary a seat in the League of Nations, ■provided that the unity of the Empire wne maintained.— "The Times." ■ ATTEMPT TO FORM A COALITION MINISTRY. (Rec. October 30, 7.40 p.m.) 1 ' Amsterdam, October 29. It is understood that Dr. Lammasch (the new Premier of Austria) is forming a Coalition Ministry whoso chief aim will be the formation of the new Federal States Dr Lammasoh supports the view that the various nations ■which are forming their own special Governments should send delegates to the joint Government.—Reuter. . ._ ITALY'S CLAMS SECURE (Rec. October 30, 9.40 p.m.) Amsterdam, October 29. The Austro-Hungarian Empire is'breaking up so rapidly and completely that it is becoming increasingly difficult to follow the process. Italy's claims to her unredeemed territory and portions of the Dalmatian coast are secure, but it is scarcely probable that Hungary will abandon I'iumo to the Slavs without a struggle.—Reuter. JAPAN'S SHARE OF THE CONQUERED TERRITORY — -• (Rec. October 30, 7.40 p.m.) Tokio, October 29. Baron Osaka ex-Premier of Japan, writes: "Samoa should be loft to Britain and America, while Australia, will hold New Guinea. Japan considers that tho Marshall, Caroline, and Ladrones groups of islands arc valueless, but would be dangerous in German hands. As there is no reason why they should be given to •i third Power they must remain in possession oi Japan. 'Ismgtau, with the Tsingtau railway, will remain Japanese, Germany to compensate ex-owners of property—"The Times." . AUSTRALIA'S PEACE DEMANDS MOTION IN NEW SOUTH WALES ASSEMBLY. Sydney, Ootober 30. . Tn the New South Wales Assembly, Mr.' A. G. Manning gave notice of a Jlfktm ™ ra would be acceptable to Auefcralia which did not provide ZtGermaV should recoup the Commonwealth for the whole of Australia's war expenditure.—Press Assn.