PEACE TALK.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 June 1917, Page 5

PEACE TALK.

AN OFFER TO RUSSIA. A PRO-GERMAN. SWISS INTERMEDIARY. , SENSATION CAUSED IN SWITZERLAND. Received June 20, 8 p.m. , Geneva, Juno 19. j The Tribune characterises as .pitiable and deplorable Hoffmann's explanation' that lie acted as a private individual in connection with the peace proposals to Russia. ■ • Tho latest Berne repo/ts definitely announce that Hoffmann has resigned. Hoffmann and Grimm are of German origin. Hoffmann, as head of the political department, wag virtually Foreign Minister. He was notoriously proGerman since the outbreak of war. Berne, Juno 20. The Hoffmann incident created a sensation. Special Counc.il meetings heatedly discussed the situation. Hoffmann admitted the facts as alleged, claiming that he was solely responsible for sending the message to Russia. Hoffmann's letter of resignation was read in the Federal Assembly; stating he had not consulted his colleagues, and now recognises that his action would produce disastrous consequences for Switzerland unlesß he resigned. ~. M. Echulthess, President of the Republic, read a statement on behalf of the Council, and added: "If you had consulted us we would have begged you to refrain." After a prolonged and disorderly scene the Assembly decided not to discuss the affair. The newspapers recall that only three days ago it was officially announced on behalf of both Houses that Switzerland would not undertake mediation. Paris newspapers state that Hoffmann was intermediary for instructing Ritter at Washington during the German American intrigues. REFUSAL TO CARRY PEACE DELEGATES. Received June 20, 9.30 p.m. London, June 20. In a ballot of the Sailors' and Firemen's Union 1,000,000 approved of the refusal to carry the peace delegates to Russia and 200,000 were against. PASSPORTS REFUSED BY ITALY. Received June 20, 9.20 p.m. Rome, June 20. The Corriere della Sera says the Government has 'refused passports to the Socialists wishing to attend the Stookfaoln ensiumut,