The Armistice.

Taihape Daily Times, 24 February 1919, Page 5

The Armistice.

DISCUSSED BY GENERAL .. MAURICE. , i Received 9.5. LONDON, February 23. General Maurice, writing from Paris, says it is somewhat late in the day, conditions of the armistice axe now being considered in relation to the conferencio instead of being treat--ed Solely as a question for the Versailles Council). JReeent exaggerations of Germany’s military strength and alarmist reports of her 'intentions tare circulated with ulterior motives, hnd were not procuretjtve of that calm necessary tfor a sound peace. The effect in Germany of agitations must not be forgotten! It was in our interests that the Government sat Weimar be firmly established. ; General Maurice added that there was little prospect of obtaining terms with Germany in the case of no authority with vhich to (treat! renewals of the armistice, Pcoupled with increased demands, makes Ithe position -pf f:he German Government. (extraordinarily difficult. If we upset am ordered Government we (can only obtain terms through military 'occupation, invblving I «rge forces, on a compulsory basis, for an indefinite period. CRITICAL MOMENTS IN BERLIN. CABINET FIRST REFUSES TO SIGN ARMISTICE. / FUTILITY OF RESISTANCE THEN RECOGNISED. GERMANS IN DEEP DEJECTION. LONNDON, February 21. Mr Charles Towers states that the renewal of the armistice was signed after a critical Cabinet crisis, leaders declaring that the terms made Foeh the master of Germany. Members wete solid .for refusal, Rearing to meet the Assembly if they consented. Moreover, they thought Germany <pight to be better off if she simply in her hand and challenged the Allies to occupy Germany land take the consequences rather than struggle /against internal 'outb- fo * , k*i. Noon editions of the papers announcing re fusal sent Berlin half crazy with excitement, but a later meeting of the party (leaders put a different /complexion on the matter and compelled Cabinet to telegraph Erzebeiger instructing him to sign. Rantzau thereupon resigned, but subsequently withdrew.

Great dejection; jprevalils. iScheidomann, Ebert and Hantzau take the gravfest view of th|e situation. Widespread ‘are anticipated. PEBMAISTENT AEMISTIGB ' :EFFECTED. PARIS, February 22. The /Supreme Council completed details of the military treaty with Germany, effecting a permanent armistice, /which (later will /be (incorporated into the nal peace terms. The ecoMmic boundary question has been amifflei fcpfti later settlement.