GERMAN CRISIS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 71, 18 December 1918, Page 5

GERMAN CRISIS

HERR EBERT INTERVIEWED

ECONOMIC PROBLEM THE ONE FATAL MENACE

By Telegraph-Press AEsociation--Copyricht

London, December 16. The "Daily News" correspondent bos interviewed Herr Ebert in Berlin. He states that the only fatal menace in the situation is economic. If this is avoided, Germany will do well enough. There is no fenr of the restoration of the monarchy, owing to the Kaiser's flight having torn the system out by the roots. There in no intention to set up a dictatorship. The Government will ask the nation to formulate its will as soon as it is technically possible to do so. The Socialists now admit: thai: the German rulers were responsible for the war, though (hey did not know it at that lime, and, anyhow, they could not desert their., own country when it rt a question of swimming or sinking.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

GUARDS REGIMENTS LOYAL TO THE GOVERNMENT. London, December 16. Advices from Berlin state that the Guards Eegimenfs have announced Hint Ihcy intend to remain faith'fiil lo the Republic, but will not allow themselves to be used by party factions, .or menaced and insulted by the armed rabble. They are willing to maintain order and to disarm the unruly elements.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter.

CALM BUT OMINOUS LIEBKNECHTR INFLUENCE SPREADING. Amsterdam, December IC. Though for the past week Germany has been calmer, the general situation is ominous. The comparative tranquillity arises from fatigue. The elections showthat the Extremists are failing to secure substantial support from the masses of the people, anil thus the movement for an early National Assembly is gaining force, 'it is unlikely that the assembly of the Reichstag will improve matters owing to its association with the old regime, and because it is Ixised on an antiquated franchise. The Government is doing everything possible to convoke the National Assembly, but it lacks firmness in handling the economic situation. Some of the largest stores in Berlin and several of the leading newspapers have been /brought to a standstill by strikes. • The confusion in Berlin strengthens the separatist tendencies in the Wost and South. Dr. Liebknecht reigns supreme in the Berlin suburb of Noukoln. Practically, he manages his own affairs, and cares' not what the remainder of the capital is doing. The position in other suburbs is touch Hie sumo. Dr. Liebknecht has opened a so-called soldiers' bureau in Nenkolu, which is really a recruiting oflico for the Bolshevist army. Liebknecht's influence is spreading, and his advice urging a general strike is being gradually, accepted throughout the country. At Siemenstadt, near Berlin, 5-1,000 workers have struck Liebknecht's attacks on the Government are increasing in violence, ne says that a secret_ treaty with the Entente exists, requiring Germany immediately to disavow the Soviets. Fahrenbaeh's convocation of the Reichstag fell like a thunderbolt. Herr Ebert denies that, the Entente is dissatisfied, and points out that the Reichstag and the Federal Council have ceased to exist. The Workers' Councils in Berlin elected seven Majority Socialist.,. five Independents, and one Intellectual , as dele' gates to the Imperial Conference of Soviets. The Soldiers' Councils in Berlin elected four Majority Socialists and two Independents. The Soldiers' Councils unanimously protested against the summoning of the Reichstag as treason, and demanded that the President of the Reichstag should bo called to account.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

.LIEBKNECHT DECLARED TO BE ~.:.-• .. mad. Coponhagen,' December 16. The "Yorwnerts" slates that Dr. Liebknecht is mad, and is suffering from moral insanity, like that of the Kaiser.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

LEDEBOUE SECEDES FROM THE . INDEPENDENTS. Borne, December 16. Herr Ledcbour has withdrawn from the Independent Socialist Party, as he disagrees with tho party's attitude towards the German Cabinet—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

, SEAMEN'S COUNCIL AT HAMBURG DEMANDS CONTROL OP SHIPS. 'Copenhagen, December 16. A new Seamen's Council has been formed in Hamburg. It demands the control of the entire mercantile fleet, and 'threatens to sink every, ship unless all its demands are met. Further rioting is reported in Hamburg owing to the British refusing to negotiate with the Seamen's Council.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

250,000 STRIKERS IN BERLIN.

Amsterdam, December 16. •Strikes are spreading in Berlin; 250,000 workers are now out.—Aus.-N.Z. Table Assn.