GENERAL ITEMS.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 August 1915, Page 5

GENERAL ITEMS.

WHAT GERMANY DESIRES. A SECRET MEMORANLI-i"! . Times and Sydney Sun Services. London, August 16. The full text of a Eecret memorandum drawn up by six of the most important industrial and agricultural associations 'in Germany has been published. It states that the Sommc district (Calais, Boulogne, and further south) is vital to industry, because it gives an outlet to the Atlantic in view of Germany's future on the sea. Additional Russian j territory, containing Gorman-born residents, i s - necessary, because German v must largely augment the number of her nation capable of 'bearing arms. It is essential to reconstruct the East Prussian frontiers, and the war indemnity demanded from Russia must consist principally of accessions of territory.

Plie annexation of the iron and coal districts of France is vital to enable Geiuiajiy to secure the neeessarv supplies, Since the outbreak of war Germany's monthly production of raw iron has been raised to a million tons. This is an over-great strain which would lose the war for Germany. Additional coal fields are necessary in the event of the Allies securing sources of mineral oil. Germany has already been compelled to raise coal in Belgium in order to supply certain neutrals which otherwise would be dependent on England. BETHMANN-HOLLWEG TO RESIGN. Amsterdam, August l'J. It is reported that the relations of the Kaiser with Herr von Bothmannllollwcg are less cordial, and that the Chancellor's resignation is imminent. General von Bis3ing, Governor of Belgium, is mentioned as his successor. SUPPLY OF MUNITIONS. Ottawa, August 10. British orders for munitions to the ! value of 40 millions arc being executed in Canada, Washington, August JO. The Note to Austria stresses the fact that Germany and Austria supplied Britain with munitions during the Boer war, despite the Boers' commercial isolation. EXCHANGE AGAINST BRITAIN. New York, August Hi. The sterling exchange fell to' 4 dollars 07 cents, the lowest in the history ot Wall Street.