GERMANY’S MOVE.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 January 1917, Page 2

GERMANY’S MOVE.

Motive for Peaco Proposal. (Australian &N.Z, Cable Association) London, Jan 4 The “ Daily Telegraph’s ” Rotterdam correspondent states that a neutral traveller from Berlin, who is in close touoh with Glrman Government diplomatic circles, whose wise judgment and exceptional knowledge of German affairs have been proved previously, interprets the peace manoeuvre as follows: “The German Government wants peace in order to prevent economic ruin. The immediate mo. tive for the peaoe proposals was the iaternal situation which was primarily due (o the failure of the potato crop. It became necessary to tako special steps to keep a hold on the people. “The rulers do cot regard the military position as dangerous but fear that civilian conscription will spell economic ruin, ahfitragh it was necessary in order to continue the

war.” The traveller adds: “The mass of the German people now regard tha Government as guiltless for future warfare. If tha Government had not acted thus it might not have lived through ths spring.” A British Lorn (Received Jan 6, at-9.30 a.m.) London, Jan 5. Government are preparing investors for the issue of a loan. It is expected to bB redeemable in twenty years, yielding the investor 5-| per esut, or four free of income tax, if tha subscribers prefer this option. \ What is Necessary. London, Jan 5 Regarding the report of the winding up of the German banks, the Daily Mjil says the banks should be immediately shut down and the German manager interned, and the unreleased securities handed over to the Public

Trustee, The Kaiser. Zurich, Jan 5 The Kaiser gave au audience to Herr Zimmermaun at headquarters and received a report of America's . attitude on submarine?, whereon Mr Gerard had communicated to ths German Government. The fact that the Kaiser had summoned Zimmerman instead of Count Hillweg is considered a snub to the latter. Zimmerman favours fiightfulness. A Spanish Protest. [LONDON TIMES BEE VICE.—COPYRIGHT.] Madrid, Jan 5 The torpedoing of throe Spanish ships off Balboa and the blockade of that port by German submarines, has evoked strong pte.iß protests. Government is charged with weakness, 00-ardioa and inability to protect Spanish interests,

Greek Blockade [REUTER’S SERVICE. COPYRIGHT.) London, Jin 5 The blockade is pinching G eoce. The stocks of grain, fliur »ud barley are sufficient to last to ths middle of January. Reservists are terrorising Athens and refusing to recognise any authority, even the militaiy, which originally encouraged them, and are now obliged to bow loth* 1 dioi&tasof what is teaiiy aimed mob. Tie establishment of a commune is possible. Annoyed Amsterdam, Jan 5 Tbs Get man prose are indignant at the Allies’ Note to Gieere, realising that Greece’s future usefulness as a pawn in Germany’s game is rapidly vanishing.