AUSTRO-GERMANY.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 December 1916, Page 5

AUSTRO-GERMANY.

BERLIN FEVERISHLY EXCITED. AWAITIXG CHANCELLOR'S STATEMENT. 'ASOTHER PEACE KITE PROBABLE. Received Dee. 12, 8.10 p.m Amsterdam, Dec. ui. The summoning of the Reichstag came as a surprise, . and caused much excitement in Germany. It is. believed that Herr von Betjimann-iHollweg intends to declare Germany's war aims i:) order to impress neutrals with the idea that the Allies, and not Germany, are responsible for continuing the struggle. A secret conference of all the Federal States met to-day. London, Dec. 11. The Daily Telegraph's Rotterdam correspondent states that Berlin continues feverishly excited in anticipation of the meeting of the Reichstag. A semiofficial statement lias, added fuel to the flames, declaring that not only will it b> the most remarkable meeting since the war, hut also of world-wide historic importance. 'Every kind of speculation is rife. The Imperial Government is conferring with the leading statesmen of ail the .States, who have been sumi.ii cd to Berlin. Another remarkable procedure is' that all neutral Ambassadors have been- invited to meet Herr von BcthmannHcillwcg this evening. Herr Zimme"; mann, the now Foreign Secretary, meets the party leaders to-morrow morning, prior to the gathering at the Reichstag. All the deputies, including those in the f.elrt, have been summoned by wire. Herr Hollwcg telegraphed on Saturday instructing the president to summon the Reichstag. The- public are commenting on the fact of action being taken immediately. Hen Hollweg returned to Berlin from headquarters, where an important conference was held by the Kaiser, Kinj Lreiwig of Bavaria narticipating,. There are rumors that Herr Hollweg's speech may range from peace proposals to! the establishment of a new Balkan confederation. A favorite idea is the promulgation of a separate pcaca with Roumania, coupled with King Ferdinand's deposition in favor of a Hohenwllern nominee. A semi-official communique warns .the public against believing in rumors, as the strictest secrecy has safeguarded the Chancellor's statement. THE FOOD PROBLEM. ~' A DESPERATE POSITION Received Dee. 12, 8.15 p.m. London, Dec. li. The Daily Chronicle's Amsterdam correspondent states that the Tnglisciie P.nr.dschau, in a desperate and almost a threatening article on Berlin's fc plight, says the scarcity has arrived at a climax, the scarcity of bread for weeks past, in one part of the city and another failing constantly. Fish is now one ot tlie most imnortant foods, but no fresh fi. h is available, and the price of smoked has increased sixfold from the normal. Apples abme are obtainable in reasonobhv quantities, and small cauliflowers are. selling at 22d apiece. The'' writer urges the seizure of all Berlin stocks of food for sale to the people direct, and emphasises the growing popular belief that the Government is behind these difficulties, hoping to make the people agree more readily to the communal feeding system. GERMAN CLAIMS. PREPARATIONS FOR SPRING New York, Dec. 11.' I Mr. von Wiegand sends to the New York World an interview with FieldMarshal von Hindenburg, who reviews the fighting and claims for Germany a strong position. He does not refer to Verdun, but says that Germany is preparing for a big blow on the west front in the spring. He admits that the Germans on the Somnw were inferior to the Allies in artillery, but contends that the position is changing and that the Entente's superiority numerically is not sufficient to protect the smaller States. i Mr. von Wiegand says that Hindenburg, the Kaiser, and the staff are in a secluded position on a large estate. Mr. von Wiegand asked as t» the prospects of peace, and* Hindenburg replied: "Ask the other side." Mr. von Wiegand: Am I to understand you are ready for peace? Von Hindenburg: When we, have impressed our will on the Entente. When tha Entente realises that it cannot crush Gi.'.many, when it agrees that Germany's integrity shall be preserved, and admits her to equal rights with other nations of the world in trade.