A Blunt Answer.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 January 1917, Page 1

A Blunt Answer.

(Australia & N.Z. Cable Association)

LONDON, Jan. 2. The “Berliner TagebSatt” says the Entente’s reply is a plain blunt refusal and it is fruitless to seek therein a single passage which does not mean an absolute “No.” LONDON, Jan. 2. Count Tisza, in the Hungarian Parliament, said a refusal from the Entente Powers was expected, but it docs not find the neutral Powers unprepared. LONDON, Jan. 2. The newspapers say Germany must now answer with the sword. Only Possible Answer. AMSTERDAM, Jan. 2. The “Telegraph” says the Allies’ reply is the only possible answer.

The German efforts to create a rupture among the Allies have failed absolutely. The reply affords proof that harmony among the Allies was ouij possible on the basis of the holiest belief in a righteous common cause. The great merit of the Allies’ answer is that it reduces the question of peace to the plainest form. ' President Wilson and all neutrals now know that'the only possible peace is to bring Germany to confess her guilt' and compel her to restore all she has stolen since the outbreak of war. A Swiss Report. ROME, January 1. A Swiss correspondent asserts that the Central Alliance relations are strained, Germany having suggesed to Austria to give up Serbia and Bulgaria (Roumanian) and to be contented with, trifling territorial annexations. Austria’s Food. LONDON, Jan. 2. The “ Morning Post’s” Budapest correspondent says the peace offer was promoted with the knowledge that 'Austro-Hungary’s food will not last bu months. The most critical period will be July, when statisticians assert there will not he grain, wheat or maize left for the Austro-Hungarian soldiers. Behind the front there are already only half rations.

An Admission. LONDON, Jan. 3. Professor Meineeke, a historian, writing in the ‘‘Frankfurter Zeitung” admits that Germany intended military aggression, but a brilliantly begun campaign collapsed at the Marne, which was a strategical French success. He admits that the attacks at Verdun were a failure, and warns small, nations to consider the fate of Belgium. Serbia and Roumania are in peril of their lives if they attempt to touch the deadly electric wire of the Centra Powers. LONDON, Jan. 3. The “Times” comments that this is the most remarkable German war article yet published, and is the first free admission of the truth. In Greece. ROME, Jan. 2. The Greek Cabinet has accepted all the Entente's conditions, and hastens their execution, in order to secure a cessation of the blockade. ATHENS ,Jan. 2. Italy has presented a Note to the Government endorsing the Triple Entente’s attitude regarding the islands of Peara and Imbros which have thrown of allegiance to King ' Constantine. In the West. LONDON, Jan. 2. General Haig reports that we drove hack patrols attempting to enter our trences at Vermelles and northwards of Ypres. LONDON, Jan. 2. A French communique reports a lively artillery duel between Hordam' and ißcnzonvaux. It is intermittent elsewhere. In Roumania. LONDON, Jan. af A wireless Austro-German official says the Austro-Germans before the defensive lines at Braila and Focsani, the Archduke Josef progressed in the Pou-lesfoi-Sorieja regions. Wo stormed several positions south**nc:+,Tvn/rrl TTnTin,.

east wax a or jLittijcir. LONDON, Jan. 3. Mr Bourehior, from Jassy, reports that the King in his speech to Parliament reiterated Ronmania’s determination to continue the war till victory is attained. The nation is resolute and confident, and politicians have closed up their ranks and dropped all party politics. All support the coalition Government except an insignificant minority. Austrian Activity. LONDON, Jan. 2. The “Telegraph’s” Rome correspondent says Swiss reports state that there is abnormal activity in the naval arsenals at Pola and Fiums, and many German officers have joined Austrian waihips. LONDON, Jan. 2. It is announced that Mr W. H. Long will attend the War Council when the ; Premiers arrive. LONDON, Jan. 3. Sir Alan British Minister at the Hague, has resigned. In India. a— 9 LUCKNOW, Jan. 2. The National Congress urged the King Emperor to proclaim the aim and intention of the British policy as to conferring self Government upon India at an early date. j '' ■ • 1 * . V : Y '■ •' : '