AUSTRO-GERMANY.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 January 1918, Page 5

AUSTRO-GERMANY.

THE CHANCELLOR'S SPEECH. ITS SUPREME HYPOCRISY. OLD FABLES REVIVED. Amsterdam, Jan. 25. The Kaiser presided al a Crown Council at which Field-Marshal von Hindenburg, General Ludendorfl', Baron von Hertling, and Herr von Kuhlmaim settled the terms of the Chancellor's speech. Count von Hertling. addressing the main committee of the Reichstag, said tbc negotiations at Brest LitoVsk were proceeding slowly and with difficulty, but lie clung to the nope that they were coming to an agreement with the Russians. Negotiations with the Ukrainians continue favorably, and he hoped soon to conclude a treaty mutually satisfactory, especially from an economic point of view. The period wherein the Entente might have co-operated in general peace negotiations expired on January 3, after which Germany was free to proceed with separate negotiations with Russia. Mr. Lloyd George and President Wilson had since announced their war aims. Mr, Lloyd George showed an alteration in liis tone. He was no longer abusive, anil showed an inclination to negotiate, but he did not show that he was earnest for peace. Mr. Lloyd George, while appreciating Germany's political, economic, and cultivated position, adjudges her guilty of the utmost possible crimes. We cannot understand such feelings. The Chancellor reviewed the position before the war, stating that the alliance with Austria was purely defensive and never misused for aggressive purposes. He declared that Edward the Seventh endeavored to create an enemy coalition. President Wilson's tone had changed since replying to the Pope. He tried to sow dissension between the German Government and tin? people. He no longer talks of an autocratic German Government suppressing the people, and does not repeat his attacks on the House of 1 Hohonzollern. I » j / BOMBASTIC DECLARATION. [GERMANY TO HAVE FIRST CONSIDERATION. URITAW TO GIVE UP NAVAL STRONGHOLDS. Received Jan. 27, 5.5 p.m. Amsterdam, Jan. 28. Continuing, Baron Hertling said: Until the enemy unconditionally concedes the Central Powers' territorial integrity, I shall reject all proposals to remove the Belgian question from joint general negotiations.

Baron Hertling proceeded: Northern France is a valuable pawn in Germany's hands. Germany did not wish for violent annexation. Conditions of evacuation must be arranged between France and Germany. There could not be any talki of ceding Alsace-Lorraine, which had been German up to 1789, when France incorporated it, and 87 per cent. of the population now speak the German language. Baron Hertling, in welcoming President Wilson's reference to the freedom of the (teas, said it was of the highest importance that England should abandon Gibraltar, Malta, Hong Kong, the Falklands, and other strong naval points d'appui. The settlement of Poland must be arranged by Germany and Austria alone. Baron Hertling did not anticipate any difficulties respecting open diplomacy relative to the demolition of trade barriers, and the reduction of armaments. Germany was prepared to discuss the bases of a league of nations when all other questions had been settled. The President's and Lloyd George's statements contain certain principles for a world peace, to which Germany can also agree, and which can form points of negotiation, but where concrete questions were concerned, the Allies' will for peace is less observable. They speak as conqueror to conquered, whereas the actual position is that our situation has never been so favorable. RESPONSIBILITY ON ALLIES. If our enemies force us to continue, then they must take the consequences, but if the AHiea alter .their programme of we will test 'it earnestly, for our aim fs to reconstruct a durable, general peace. This is impossible wUile the lasting integrity of the German Empire, the security of its vital interests, and the dignity of the Fatherland are not ensured. GERMANY'S MOTTO. Baron Hertling concluded: Our motto is: "Remain together and calmly await events." We are entirely agreed in this aim. There may be varying opinions as to methods and conditions, but through all differences let us ever be mindful of the Fatherland's welfare, Vn.d a good peace will and shall come. NATION CANNOT GO UNDER. German workers know how to differentiate between the realities of life and fantastic dreams. Such a nation cannot go under. God is with us, and will re- | main with us. (Cheers.)

THE COLONIES AND BELGIUM. Aua. and N.Z. Cable Assoc, and Reuter. Received Jan. 28, 1.30 a.m. _ , Copenhagen, Jan. 27. Replying to President Wilson, Baron'' Hertling said there would be some difficulty regarding the colonial question, because it was most important to England, 'but President Wilson's proposal could be considered in conjunction with Germany's demand for her colonies I believe, he added, it could be left to the greatest colonial empire, namely, the British, to make up its mind concerning' America's proposal. When such an Anglo American agreement is reached we could see what agreement is possible at the peace negotiations from our side since we also advocate a new construction of the colonial situation. The Chancellor said the evacuation of Russia concerned only Russia and the Central Powers. The Belgian question could only he settled at the conclusion of peace, but Germany had never demanded the violent incorporation of Belgian territory;

SCHEIDMANN'S CRITICISMS

FAILURE OF SUBMARINES. Received Jan. 27, 5.5 p.m. Copenhagen, Jan. 25. The leaders of the Central party and the National Liberals supported Biiron Hertling. Herr Seheidmann regretted that Hertling had not regarded President Wilson's message as an honest declaration tending towards peace, and had declared definitely that Alsace-Lorraine must remain German. He added that the submarine had proved unsuccessful, and had only drawn America into the war. Herr Hoffmann had adopted a wrong tone at Brest Lilovsk. AMERICAN VIEWS., ARROGANCE OF CONTROLLING MILITARISTS. Received Jan. 27, 5.5 p.m. Washington, Jan. 2fi. Baron Hertling's speech is regarded as indicating that the militarists still control German diplomacy, and that their arrogant claims are intended to deceive the world as to Germany's real weakness and desire for peace. Count Czernin's statement is interpreted as meaning that Germany cannot rely on Austria's support for a war of conquest. The speeches make peace more remote. America adheres absolutely to President Wilson's war aims. VIEWS OF MODERATES. AOSTrtUfc' PRESS MARKEDLY COOL. Received Jan. 27, 0.0 p.m. Amsterdam, Jan. 28. Reports from Cologne state that Baron Hertling's speech was well received in Modorate German circles, where the fact that the Chancellor discussed President Wilson's speech seriatim is regarded as of considerable importance. Germany now believes that the Alsace question is finally settled and that the legend of her plans for the annexation of Belgi,._i and France have been exploded. The Independent Socialists and Conservatives reproach Baron Hertling' with not defining lyis war aims. The Austrian press received the speech , with marked coolness. Thai Dutch press comments that the speccll brings peace no nearer. It rejects President Wilson's terms, except those advantageous to Germany. BANGING THE DOOR ON PEACE j AN INSOLENT. ROMBASTTC, ARROGANT SPEECH. STRONG PRESS CRITICISMS. Received Jan. 27, 5.5 p.m. London, Jan. 20. The newspapers characterise Baron Hertling's speech as insolent, bombastic, and arrogant. The wily Hun's idea is to nego'fiate with each enemy separately. The speech bangs the door on peace. The newspapers are particularly indignant at Germany regarding Belgium and northern France as pawns, and ridicule the idea that Gibraltar and Hong' Kong should be ceded. The tone of Baron Hertling's and Count Czernin's speeches differs, but it is evident that the Count is playing a gigantic game of spoof. POLAND TO DECIDE OWN FATE {STATEMENT BY CZMtNIN. HOPES 01? GENERA*, PEACE. > Paris, Jan. 25. Count Czernin, in a speech in the Reiehrath, said it. was not intended to demand a single square me.tre of Russian territory or a single centime of indemnity. , Received Jan. 27, 5.5 p.m. Amsterdam, Jan. 26. Continuing, Count Czernin said: The population of Poland shall decide its own fate. This question must not delay peace for a single day. The interpretation of the peoples' right of free action had caused a difference between Russia and Germany, but a compromise must be reached, the difference being insufficient to cause the cessation of negotiations. When the peace of Rusßia was secured, a world peace cannot be prevented. President Wilson's speech is an important advance towards an Austrian standpoint, but Ansf: '.l would support Germany and Turkey to the utmost. Austria will reject all adviee on domestic affairs. Austria and America could practically agrr the great principles of a new world > ment after the war, and our views on several concrete peace questions approach an agreement, while our differences are not sufficient to prevent a complete agreement. Exchanges of Austrian and American views might form a, starting point for conciliatory discussion between all the States wliicu. have not yet entered into negotiations.

SUSPENSION OF THE VORWAERTS. WORKERS KANT EARLY i>EAt«. United Serviet. ■Received Jan. 2«, fi.s p.m. Amsterdam, Jan. 25. The Vorwaerts reports that Herr fbert, addressing the Reichstag main committee, violently condemned the suppression of the Vorwaerts paper for criticising General Hoffmer and reporting a general strike, of which all the world was aware. Inert added that the German proletariat would salute the strikers. Labor must convince the German workers where necessary to use their power to combat fully all efforts designed to prevent an early peace based on conciliation and right. AUSTRIAN PEACE FEELER. Washington, Jan. 2S. Czernin is making overtures to tile United States for peace. The overtures are regarded as merely an academic feeler.

RENEWAL OF VIENNA STRIKE

PRELIMINARY SKIRMISH. 'J'O GREA't' LABOR STRUGGLES. Received Jan. 2U. ,'i.,"> p.m. Amsterdam, ,lan. 25. It is reported there has been a renewal of strikes at Vienna. The Austrian workers demand peace an eight-hour day and the stoppage of all war industries. Received .fan. 27, 5.5 p.m. Amsterdam, Jan. 27. .Several speakers prolonged a meeting of workers in Vienna representing all Austria. They declared that the strikes were only a preliminary skirmish to great labor struggles. Censorship sup. pressed the strongest statements. AUSTRIAN ARMY DEMORALISED. COMPLETE C'OLLAPSK OF DISCIPLINE. Received Jan. '27, '>.s p.m. London, Jan, 2(1. The Daily Chronicle's Pctrogrnd correspondent states that returning officers from the south-west front assert (hat the Austrian army is demoralised, and that there is a complete collapse of discipline, similar to tUat ill the Russian army. 'DISCONTENT SPREADING TO GERMANS. Jnited Service. Received Jan. 27, 5.5 p.m. London, Jan. 2(5. I The Daily Mail's Pctrograd correspondent reports that news from the Austrian front reveals increasing lack of discipline and widespread fraternising. The officers are defied, the soldiers demanding peace. It Is reported that the discontent is spreading to the German fronts. PEACE DEMONSTRATION. Received Jan. 20, 5.5 p.m. Copenhagen, Jan. 25. A peace demonstraticr. broke up the fatherland party's meetings at Frank-fort-on-Maine, shouting "Long live freedom and Pen"-!" and singing the Mar-' seillaise. GREAT STRIKE AT PRAGUE. Received Jan. 2", 5.5 p.m. Berne, Jan. 20. A hundred thousand struck at Prague. The Socialist split at Vienna was owing to the Moderate leaders advising a resumption. PEACE RTOTS~NBERLIN. Received Jan. 27, 5.5 p.m. Amsterdam, Jan; 2C. Severe rioting occurred in Berlin, mobs shouting for peace.