MR MURDOCK'S REPORT

Hokitika Guardian, 29 October 1918, Page 4

MR MURDOCK'S REPORT

rAUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION] LONDON, October 27. Mr. Murdoch in a special article says though defeat inexorably confronts the Central Powers, few commentators believe that Germany will immediately accept the Allies terms foi- an armistice. The War Cabinets are meeting in all the capitals. There is much coming and going between the Chancellories. Terms have been framed by national and military advisers. They are known to be very severe including the surrender of submarines, ■ Allied occupation of the Rhine bridgeheads and perhaps the dismantling of the High Seas fleet. The next step will he a meeting of the Allied statesmen and commanders, including representatives of America. U Wilson’s fourteen points and Hon. A. J. Balfour’s announcement at the Australasian luncheon is regard as final upon the questions of colonies and freedom of the seas. British opinion seems ready to place German colonies under a trust or even to give them to other Allies, hut they will never permit their return to Germany, unless Germany is radically changed. The British desire rather to give up the colonies to the Allies than to

encourage the idea that she waged a war of conquest. Although consultation with with Dominions is supposed to be proceeding, it is noticeable that no meetings of the Imperial Cabinet are being held, though every recent meeting of the War Cabinet must have been absorbed by lie question affecting the whole Empire.