THE KAISER AND CO.

Taihape Daily Times, 18 January 1918, Page 4

THE KAISER AND CO.

DISTURBING INFLUENCES,

AMSTERDAM, January 8,

Dutch opinion regarding the EussOGerman peace negotiations is that the Kaiser desires to side with t|jjbe popular generals, but he fears a 'political upheaval, and Austrian influences, which obstinately demand peace at the cost of sacrifices.

The Kolnische Zeilung appeals to the general staff to re-unite with the diplomats, but the pan-Germans demand the final dismissal of the moderates from power and the Kaiser’s en-

tourage. The crisis between Ludendorff end the Government was due to the f inclination of Count Czernin (Austrian Foreign Minister) and Baron Kuhlmann (German Foreign Minister) towards the evacuation of Poland and Courland. The Czerninites believe that the political status of these countries is important provided that the Central Powers get a good start with pacific penetration. Ludendorff now occupies the same position towards Dr. Hertllng (Imperial Chancellor) as Tirpitz occupied towards Bethmann Hollweg. The Pan-German newspapers ar© flooded with articles signed by wellknown generals claiming that Germany is holding alp the triumps of might which must Ao played for the overthrow of Engirt and the bleeding white of France. An addition of 60,000,000 Russians to the Germanic Empires, and the aim of the ultimate incorporatidkbdf Ukraine into the Austrian Emphe, thus making Russia an Asiatic Power based on Moscow, is more to be feared by the Allies than the Pan-Germans r wildness.