AUSTRO-GERMANY.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 June 1918, Page 5

AUSTRO-GERMANY.

A LONG WAR. COMMENTS ON KUHLMANN'S SPEECH. Amsterdam, June 25. There is intense interest in Baron von Kuhlmann's speech, particularly the admission that a long war is probable, and may extend beyond 1919. The statement caused a sensation in the Reichstag. Kuhlmann said: "The declarations of British statesmen do not give a ray of hope that we are near peace." He added that Turkey's advance in the Caucasus has stopped. Germany was desirous of establishing friendly relations with the Georgian State. Count Westorp, Conservative leader, strongly criticised Kuhlmann's statement that Russia should bear the chief guilt of commencing the war. As a matter of fact England was guilty. Kuhlmann was putting wrong ideas in the minds of foreign nations. London, June 20. Newspapers draw attention to Baron Von Kuhlmann's admission that the end of the war cannot be reached by purely military decisions. This striking new note in the enemy's official oratory shows that the doctrine of force is losing ground in Germany. The Daily Telegraph opines that the speech, with its promise of an indefinite continuation of the war, and its reBtatcment of Germany's arrogant terms, will prove the precursor of Baron von Kuhlmann's dismissal. The Daily Express' Amsterdam correspondent learns from a reliable Dutch source that Baron von Kuhlmann's speech, following Mr. Balfour's, may be considered as an invitation to a third party to put out peace-feelers. This will'probably result in European neutrals making a joint offer of mediation. Communications are already passing between neutrals as a direct sequel to the admissions of Mr. Balfour and Baron von Kuhlmann that they are ready to listen to reasonable proposals. The Amsterdam correspondent of the Daily Express says that Baron von Kuhlmann's speech has created a gloomy impression. It satisfied no one and disappointed the pacifists particularly, for never lias there been such a flood of peace tr.lk in Germany as now. Even militarist writers recognise that the reestablishment of Belgium must be conceded. The Tageblatt declares that an understanding with the Entente is essential, and urges the creation of a League of Nations, to which the world's future belongs.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. MUCH ANGER AROUSED. WAR CANNOT BE WON IN THE FIELD. KUHLMANN'S CONCLUSION. Received June 27, 7.63 p-m. Amsterdam, June 26. German telegrams' show that Baron von Kuhlmann's speech has aroused mttch anger, sspccially as Baron von Kuhlmann is aocused of retouching the stenographer's report, so that the version of the speech issued to the newspapers is different from that delivered. Count Hertprig, in the Reichstag, subsequently endeavored to remove some Unfortunate impressions caused by Baron von Kuhlmann's speech. He said he did not wish to further discuss the guilt {or the outbreak of war. That should ba left to history. Certain passages of Baron von Kuhlmann's speech must not be interpreted to mean that Germany's defensive intentions would paralyse her actions or that her confidence in victory had been shaken. Baron von Kuhlmann, in a further, speech, in reply to critics, retraced passages of'the speech-, but repeated that it was Impossible to end the war by military means. The conservatives continually interrupted, accusing Baron von Kuhlmann of having tried to alter the shorthand report of bis previous speech. Baron von Kuhlmann proceeded to explain what he meant when be made the appeal to their enemies' good-will He said the statements made in various Parliaments could not bring a solution nearer, so confidential diplomatic rapprochement was essential. This route would Ibe hopelessly blocked if the enemy persisted in stigmatising such attempts at rapprochement as originating in bad and insidious tactics He asked, could not German victories convince their enemies that it would be wiser to choose the road of negotiation? Baron Von Kuhlmann added: "Military success is the first condition and the basis of diplomatic negotiations."—Press Assoc. KUHLMANN MAY RESIGN. Received June 27, 11-45 p.m. Berne, June 26. It is rumored in Berlin that Baron von Kuhlmann is about to resign.—Reuter,