IMPORTANT REVELATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 May 1918, Page 2

IMPORTANT REVELATIONS.

AUSTRIAN PEACE ATTITUDE.

AUSTRALIAN &, N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION & REUTER.]

LONDON, May 9. The Paris correspondent of the “Manchester Guardian,” referring to the Austrian attitude on the question of I Alsace-Lorraine in connection with peace, says; “It lias been revealed That the Emperor Karl wrote a second letter (as cabled on the 18th April), which is more important than the first, ode he wrote. In the second lie declareu that he was convinced that he could induce Germany to make peace provided the Entente’s demands were restrict, ed to Alsace Lorraine.

“Emperor Karl assumed that all the occupied territories would be evacuatel and Belgian sovereignty be restored unconditionally, but he hinted that Germany demanded certain coffTpensations /at Russia’s expense. Emperor Karl stated that lie was already assured of acceptance, and asked- that the letter be confidentially and loyally respected.” President poinoaire suggested that Austria should cede Trieste and the Trentino to the Entente" in exchange for Silesia..

Emperor Karl pointed out that France did not occupy Silesia. This was therefore the initial obstacle to the negotiations,

The correspondence includes an important Austrian statement to the effect that Germany was intractable, ana if the Armistice was arranged between Austria and the Entente thero would be a revolution in Germany.

'Mr ltibot the French Foreign Minister, rejected . the Austrian proposals, because they would mean, a rupture with Italy - , , ' Mr Lloyd George hesitatingly agreed on a negative reply being sent . The \ltalian Premier, Signor Sonnino, insisted on a negative "reply. Mr Lloyd George emphasised the importance of the Austrian proposals, and ho urged the desirability of not losing such a favourable opportunity to peace. President Poincare objected to all negotiations, declaring that a complete military victory alono must end the war.

Some members of the Foreign Affairs Committee are investigating the matter and declare that Emperor Karl’s proposals would have been turned down without discussion but for Mr Lloyd George.

It is significant, that Count Czernin peace offer on April 3rd, 1917, was made ■four days after Emperor Karl’s letters 'were sent.

Both Russia and President Wilson were informed of the overtures only after the Austrian proposals had been rejected. It was too late for President Wilson’s opinion to have any effect.. It is also considered possible that a rejection made Kerensky’s position in Russia impossible. ißotli Belgium aim Roumania favoured Entente representatives meeting, Von Lanckner, Germany’s in Switzerland.,