Central Powers

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 6, 1 December 1916, Page 5

Central Powers

KAISER AFRAID OF HIS LIFE.

Press Association—Copyright, Aust"*'.

lian and N.Z. Cable Association Amsterdam. November 29

The Kaiser arrived in Vienna yesterday morning, and returned in the evening. His cold is not improving, and the doctors advised him to abandon his proposed attendance at the funeral.

The official reception was cancelled, and the Kaiser devoted the day to prayer at Franz Joseph’s bier, on which he laid a wreath. London, November *29.

It is not believed in Vienna that the Kaiser is suffering from a cold. It is opined that the real reason for his hurried departure was that he was afraid of an attempt at his assassination.

It is reported that only five people were allowed to see the Kaiser in Vienna.

BERLIN BLUFF.

HOLLWEC’S HYPOCRISY.

THREATS TO THE ALLIES.

“IF OUR ENEMIES ARE OBDURATE.”

Press Association—Copyright, Austra

lian and N.Z. Cable Association.. (Received 8.55 a.ra.) New York, November 30.

In an interview in Berlin, Chancellor von Bethmann Hollweg said: “We have declared our willingness to enter into, negotiations for peace, but there has been no response. Our attitude is in some quarters represented as being dictated by weakness, but so far surely as the events of the past year have demonstrated, we did not speak out of weakness or fear, just as events in the coming year will demonstrate. If wo adhere to our willingness to consider a cessation of the struggle, we are obliging the simple d'etatos of humanity, not apprehension. I say this without concern as to the ultimate issue of the struggle however prolonged, but under the solemn consciousness of the sanctity of the flame of life which should not lightly be extinguished by human misunderstandings which common might dissipate.” The Chancellor, shrugging bis shoulders, continued: “But, of course, if our enemies are obdurate, and choose to continue the hopeless endeavour, we can only continue to make them pay a bitter price for their folly. The German soul is resolute and undaunted. Against onr firm far-reaching line, the billows of attack will break j in vain. There is nothing to affright j us in any quarter. To-morrow, we embark mi an enterprise of defence staggering in its magnitude. There has never been a mobilisation of national energy on so great a scale. An Act for mobilisation for the nonmilitary service will be introduced in the Reichstag to-morrow (Wednesday). Germany is absolutely determined to carry the war through. Thus, the summoning of the whole power of her united people while yet the will of the people grows more determined to carry the struggle to any length necessary, is an indication of onr national integrity and destiny. It has ever been and is now onr desire to resume amicable exertions towards peace as soon as we are allowed.” Hollweg quoted extracts from the speeches of President Wilson, Mr Asquith (British Premier), and his own speech in the Reichstag, and contended that all evidenced a desire eventually for a world-tribunal to enforce peace. He commented on the similarity r ; f the sentiment of the speeches, and added: “The death of Franz Josef is only the means of passing the sceptre to younger hands. With the same firm purpose and deter .miration, .Austria wi]l stand shoulder to shoulder with Germany in the common impulse to indicate their Imperial destiny.,CIVILIAN SERVICE BILL. Press Association —Copyright, Australian and N.Z. Cable Assooration. (Received 12.5 p.m.) Amsterdam, November 30. In the Reichstag, tiro committee’s criticism resulted in the Government revising the Civilian Service Bill, whereby the Reichstag has control of the administration.