AUSTRO-GERMANY.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 January 1917, Page 5

AUSTRO-GERMANY.

INVASION OF SWITZERLAND. A POSSIBLE EVENT. London, Jan. 10. Tho Daily News correspondent at Lausanne says that, despite German denials, tlie Swiss are preoccupied with the possibility of a German invasion in a desperate attempt to secure peace in three months oy a smashing blow in the west Three ways of invasion are discussed: Firstly, from Austria through Grisons and-St. Gothard into Italy; secondly, from Germany via Porrentniy. ■ threatening Belfort; and, thirdly, via Schafl'hausen, threatening the ' industrial heart of France. Swiss military experts are of opinion that Germany is quite likely to attack at the three points simultaneously.

PEACE WILL NOT BRING MORE FOOD. . ( GERMAN NATION WARNED. Received Jan. 11, 8 p.m. Amsterdam, Jan. 10.1' . Dr Michaelis, one of the German Mate Under-Secretaries, in an article in the Kolnische Volke Zeitung, wains those desiring peace because ley want food, that pence will not mean more food. *We must expect for years <a limitation of food and a continuance of rationing in respect of most of the important foodstuffs, because Germany will he obliged to import as little as possible owing to the scarcity of tonnage. Even after the war tliere will be a necessity to pull the belt tight.'' GERMANY'S DILEMMA. AN OUTSPOKEN REVIEWER. - 1 'Amsterdam, Jan. 10. National Liberal Deputy Strcsemnnn. in a speech at Hanover, said that before tho war Germany <vas the second strongest economic Power, with the second strongest fleet. The war had annihilated German world-trade and her colonies. She had lost a cruiser squadron, and unless the -pre-war-' situation was altered it would mean the collapse of the national economy. If peace was concluded without Germany possessing the Flemisb .'oast, England wins the war. Sermany's war debts would necessitate new taxes amounting to between £300,000,000 and £350,000,000. -Berr Stresemann concluded, amid enthusiasm: "Out with the U-boats!"

FINANCES HARD HIT. AN APPEAL ON BEHALF OP WAR INVALIDS. . i ißoceived Jan. 11. 5.55 p.m. Amsterdam, Jan. io. ■ General von Stein has issued a proclamation to the German people, indicating the serious outlook for war pensioners. He urges the people to employ soldiers invalided in. the. war, as Germany's finances-are so hard hit that she will be unable to support invalids Jov many years, since the number is continually increasing. He adds: "Whatever peace Germany can got, he? finnncia. resources will be limited." « GERMAN CASUALTIES. }0 PER CENT. RETURN. Received' Jan. 11, 9.30 p.m. London, Jan: 11. ; Germany claims that 10 pei cent, of her wounded return to the front, C per cent, are unfit foi service, and 24 per cent, relegated to garrisons CONFISCATION OF PRIVATE WEALTH. WHAT'? IN STORE FOR GERMANY, Received Jan. 11, S p.m. ' (Reuter Service.) Copenhagen, Jan. 11. aerr Stresemann, in a speed! in Hanover, stated it was impossible to collect a large amount of new taxation 'necessitated by the war. It was, therefore, necessary to confiscate immediately one-third or a quarter of all private fortunes.