The Daily News. FRIDAY, JULY 26, 1918. THE AUSTRIAN PEACE FEELER.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 July 1918, Page 4

The Daily News. FRIDAY, JULY 26, 1918. THE AUSTRIAN PEACE FEELER.

If any evidence is needed as to the seriousness of conditions in Austria it is to be found in the recent remarkable speech made by Count Czernin in the Austrian Upper House. In describing the speech as remarkable Ave do so advisedly, for the more carefully it is examined the more will it be manifest that the language chosen was purposely studied so as to conceal the real meaning o£ the pronouncement as a whole. Possibly the full text would remove certain impressions that the condensed cable has created, but it is obvious that while seemingly favoring peace, Count Czernin was at pains to demonstrate that it was Germany who must decide. The reasons given by Count Czernin why Austria- was ''absolutely predestined to fill the role of mediator," may be justly ignored, simply because tbey do not represent the truth If the one actual reason had been given it would have been found to consist of the fact that both the Emperor and Empress have strong Italian sympathies, both had been partly educated in England and were favorably disposed towards Britain, but Count Czernin was studiously anxious not to say anything that would give offence to Germany, though his •Statement that "it would be mere presumption that the terrible war was being prolonged for foreign "States' annexationist aims," may be just as much—probably moremeant for 'Germany as for any of i ®e -Allies. The statement was so | 'caiiefoily trimmed as to be capj able of more than one construc-

Gemail dictation, deftly toned down, but what really matters is thai it wa.s made at a time when both. Germany and Austria were sorely aii'octcd by the v/ar and faced by the prospect of certain defeat as well as serious internal troubles. It is said that Austri; is at her last gasp and there is little doubt that if she dared she would try to make a separate peace. At present Austria is held fast in the grip of Germany, and it is probable that the recent campaign .against the Empress of Austria was engineered from Germany with a distinct object . view. It is with Germany and not with Austria that tb; Allies have to reckon, for Germany is dominant among the Central Powers, Austria being a mere puppet to do Germany's bidding, yet stern necessity may break the alliance and leave the Huns isolated. Theleash is already approaching its maximum strain, and a fracture may occur at any moment. All the same the speech of Count Czernin cannot be regarded as a peace pronouncement, though it is evidently in the nature of bread cast upon the waters. With Germany, as at present constituted, all idea of peace is impossible. She still insists that might is right and will doubtless continue so to do until stripped of her might and compelled to recognise the supremacy of right. Count Czernin stated he hoped that Germany's war aims remained purely defensive. The mere repetition of this exploded fallacy proves the insincerity of the Austrian Premie] - , who would be sorely puzzled to correctly construe the word "remained" in connection with German aims being purely defensive. No one should know better than Count Cerznin the reason why the war was started and carried on. He is perfectly aware that Germany forced the outbreak of hostilities for self glorification and aggrandisement, and that if the Central Powers could possibly be victorious the annexationist policy of the Prussians would be carried out to the utmost possible limit, even though there might be itrouble over the divison of the spoils. We have already been treated to quite a number of demands that would be made on the enemies of the Central Powers as compensation for daring to thwart German plans of conquest. What chance would peace proposals emanating from the Allies have under such circumstances ? We shall never know, simply beeause no such foolish action will he taken. There can be no peace with the Hohenzollerns or those who support the infamous policy which has drenched Europe with blood, but with a Germany cleansed and purified from the arrogant doctrines of Prussian militarism there may be peace. First, therefore, it is necessary to crush this .hideous and fearsome menace by a decisive military defeat that will sweep away the whole evil brood of militarist's, so that a sane Germany, whieli can give reliable guarantees, may become fit to negotiate just terms of peace, and then the world will breathe freely. Count Czernin cannot deceive thfc Allies with his high sounding phrases, nor can Germany be listened to till the proper time arrives.