THE ARMISTICE.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 February 1919, Page 2

THE ARMISTICE.

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association)

CONTROL OF MUNITION

PARIS, Feb. 1G

It is understood the final armistice terms, which are being presented on Feb. 20th. will include a stipulation that all war factories, including K rupps shall be placed under Allied control.

SUBMARINES SUNK

AMSTERDAM, Feb. 1G

A Kiel telegram reports that a a e'er the Allied naval demands, the submarines which were not dismantled in the specified time were taken out to sea from the Germania wharf and sunk. Tlnco thousand workmen at the Germania wharf were dismissed owing to lack of employment.

A GERMAN THREAT.

NEW YORK, Feb .I 18. i

Interviewed by an American corres- I pondent, Herr Erzberger said if the Saar Valley was taken from Germany, Germany would retain it by force of arms sooner or later. If harder aimistico terms were imposed, it would be practically impossible for Government to exist, and it might be fatal to public order in Germany. The German army had been demobilised with the exception of the 1599 class, which, with volunteers, was unable to prevent the Polish invasion. Germany did not- have any ulterior motive in concentrating troops on the Eastern frontier. Her aim was to prevent the advance of the Poles and Bolshoi iks. Herr Erzoborgor stated that when Germany was -assured that her ships would be used to carry food to Germany tlio ships would be released for the use of the Allies. Herr von Hanoi, a German State Department official, interviewed, said Germany must have food. She had not the cash to pay for it, but was willing to mortgage the railways and mines and give any good security. If_ food was not sent, Bolshevism would spread in Germany.

SOUTH AFRICAN INDEPENDENCE

CVAP|ETOWN, Feb. 20.

The Nationalists Party has discussed an Admiralty offer, and decided that its deputation to the King to secure independence should-sail in a warship to he offered.

GENERAL MAURICE. (Received This Day. at 9.25 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 19. General Maurice, writing from Paris, says that somewhat late in the day, the •conditions of the Armistice are now being considered in relation to the voik of the Conference, instead of being treated solely as a question for the Versailles Council. The recent exaggeration of Germany’s military strength and alarming report of her intentions, ciiculated with ulterior motives, were not productive of the calm necessaij Tot a •sound peace. The effect in Geimanj of these agitators, must not he forgotten. It was to our interests that the Government at Weimar he firmly established.

THE ONLY WAY . i Received This Dav at, 9.J0. a.m.'j LONDON, Feb. 19.

General Maurice added:—There is little prospect of obtaining terms with Germany ,if there is no authority with which to treat. The monthly renewals of the armistice, coupled with increased demands, makes the position of the German Government extraordinarily difficult. If we upset the ordered Government, wo can only obtain terms through military occupation, involving large forces on a composing basis, for an indefinite period.