WAR NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 May 1917, Page 1

WAR NEWS.

[Per Press Association.—Copybight.]

IN THE REICHSTAG. Hollweg on Feacl (Australian & N Z. Cable Association and R9uter.)

AMSTERDAM, May 15. Count von Bctlimann Hollweg in tlie Reichstag affirmed that Germany 'had no difference with her Allies regarding the pleaoe [quesklijon. It wais perfectly understood that a passionate interest was taken in the German aims, hut the only guiding line for the Chancellor was an early and satisfactory conclusion of the war. He oould say nothmg beyond that. He denounced the Socialist talk of a revolution. The nation was firmly arrayed round the Kaiser, who trusted them. He referred to tho unparalleled battles of the past month. Even to-day tho English and Frencn showed no readiness for peace. The most recent utterance from London declared that the war aims announced for two year's were unaltered. The Chancellor rejected the idea ui arriving at peace by announcing their willingness to renounce success. Ho equally declined to set forth a proprarnme of conquest. The latter, he said, would help as little as the former to win victory and end the war.

The Statement Debated fiolweg in ReplyANMTERDAM, May 15.

Roeseielce, the Conservative Leader in the Reichstag opened the debate on war aims by enquiring the Govemmcnjt’s attitude on the gbcialist leaders’ recent decision.

iSchiedmann, on behalf of the Socialists, enquired whether the Chancellor was ready to endorse the Russian Provisional Government’s formula of peace without annexation.

Count von Betlunan Holhveg, in the course of his reply,said he consistently clung to liis peace offer made on 12th December. Recent suggestions as to differences of opinion between the Central Powers belong to the realm or imagination. /, He had always looked favourably on any prospect of a speedy and favourable termination of the war, but if as now the general situation imposed silence; he would keep silent, and would not swerve from that atti* tude what pressure was brought to bear. Our enemies to-day evidenced of no abdication of their extravagant aims of conquest and economic annihilation. “Does anybody,’’lie concluded “expect to induce such enemies to make peace by a programme of renuniation or abstention. Shall I simply grant them a license to continue the war indifieuitely, without any risk or loss to themselves. Shall I tell them that whatever happens, ivo under all circumstances renounce war aims, whilst you .wlio are making an attempt at our existence are free to try conclusions without any risk. Shall I compromise the Empire by endorsing in every respect the one-sided programme which relinquishes our sucoessess. I decline such a policy which wouiu imply the meanest. ingratitude to the heroic achievements of our people on the battlefields and at home. I would permanently lower the standard of life of the entire nation and sacrifice the country’s future.” The Chancellor equally declined to outline the policy of conquest. “Germany” he said, “ did not enter the 'war to make conquest,but to defend her existence.'” He did not doubt an agreement could bo reached with Russia satisfactory to both parties. Germany would not make any demands incompatible with the liberty and will of the nation..

“By outlining her programme Germany would probably be only playing tlie game of the Foreign Ruling Powers and thus facilitate their task or misleading ytlieir respective nations, which are weary of the war, and would thereby prolong the war, and would also be a mean iiigrattitude to our soldim's.”

[Regarding Russia he said she wouia appear to decline all plans of conquest can influence her Allies in the same diby violence. Whether Russia will or rection he is a,t .present unable to foresee.

lio did not doubt that England* assisted by her other Allies* anl was en"aoavouring by all means to bring Russia further under the yoke of Armageddoon, and to frustrate Russia’s peace, Our military position ho said, is as goods perhaps as it hast ever been since the beginning of the war. Our enemie* in the West, in spite of most gigantic losses are unable to pierce our front. Our submarines are working with incensing success. Neutrals will recognise this, and as far as our duty to 'Germany permits, we will respeci

neutrals’ interests. “Time is working for 11s. We are entitled to believe we are approaching the successful termination 6f the war. Then will be the.moment to .negotiate concerning our war aims, regarding which 1 am in full accord with om> stipreme Army Command. Then we will win a peace giving n.s liberty to reconstruct by the powerful use of our forces all that the war lias destroyed, so that from so much blood and so many saorifices the realm and the people will emerge strong and independent, never to be threatened by enemies, ana a protecting Power of peace and industry.”

DeclinedAMSTERDAM, May 15. Count von ißethmann Hollwegg in the Reichstag, replying to interpellations, declined to state the German programme of war aims at the present moment on the ground that it would not serve the interests of the country