AUSTRIAN AFFAIRS.

Taihape Daily Times, 21 June 1918, Page 5

AUSTRIAN AFFAIRS.

THE POSITION BECOMING ALARMING. Received 11.15 a.m. BERNE, June 20. Serious riots occurred at Vienna on the 19th. Protests were made against the reduced bread ration. The mob pillaged bakeries and stoned Hoffburg Palace, and the Premier’s residence. Cavalry are pouring into the city. Latest reports from Austro-Germany show that Austro-Hungarian food troubles are more serious than they have been at any period during the war. Protests are reaching enormous proportions in the country districts. All the Viennese newspapers denounce the reduction, demanding that Germany shall instantly give relief. The Austrian Press aserts that Hungary is selfishly retaining supplies. The Nieue Freie Presse declares that Austria, for at least six weeks, will be forced to subsist on vegetables. The Vienna burgomaster has declared that if the reduction is confirmed he will refuse responsibility for the consequences.

GERMANY BLAMED FOR SHORTAGE. NO HELP FROM BERLIN. Received 11.45 a.m. AMSTERDAM, June 20 A Vienna telegram reports that the City Council protested against the reduction of the bread ration, and unsuccessfully appealed to the Government for its cancellation. The Council explains the German Government pledged itself to distribute flour to the military and civilian -population. The Ukrainian and German stocks and deliveries are now in arrears to the extent of 2000 wagons, half of which is for civilians. The Food Controller proceeded to Berlin to expedite the delivery. Austrian newspapers blame Germany for the food shortage, and express the hope the Food Controller s visit to Berlin will be satisfactory. German newspapers declare that Germany is unable to help Austria. The Mayor of Vienna announces that the supplies of potatoes will be ended next week.