GERMANY STARVING.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 May 1917, Page 3

GERMANY STARVING.

AMERICAN REPORTS FROM BERLIN. New York, April 5. Americans returned in the last tw>days from Berlin and other German cities on a Spanish liner, said they were confident that Germany would be compelled to plead for peac; before the eml of the year, because the masses of the people are starving. Up to the present the lack of food has only affected the civil population, but now it has spread to the army. When the soldiers have their rations cut in half they will realise that the war is against them, the passengers said, and this may lead to a revolt. An American, well known in business circles, said: "The economis conditions now existing in Germany will compel the Government to sue for peace within the next few months. The population of Hamburg is practically living on turnips. Half a pound of meat and a quarter of a pound of butter are supposed to be doled out every seven days for 1 -ergons who have the money to purchase them, but you do not get them. The nation could carry on the war another year or more, if the food supply could lie made to hold out. The German Emperor and his war party have ca: ; t their last chance on the success of the submarine programme. If this fails, then Germany may fight on for a few months more and then take the best peace terms her enemies will offer her.''