AUSTRO-GERMANY.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 October 1918, Page 5

AUSTRO-GERMANY.

SERIOUSNESS OF THE SITUATION. WILL THE KAISER ABDICATE? i Received Oct. 13, 5 5 p.m. London, Oct. 12. It may be a mere coincidence that the rumors of the Kaiser's intending abdication is synchronising with the summoning of the council of German monarchs, but if he intends to abdicate, such a council is almost a necessary preliminary.. The well-informed Centrist newspaper Germania, in this connection, makes a significant observation, namely: "Nothing is more uncertain at this moment than the future of the house of Hapsburga; also of another house." Berlin semi-official messages assert that the question of evacuation depends on the High Command's opinion as to whether the Allies will agree not to overstep the frontier, whether France will evacuate upper Alsace, and whether the German troops are incapable of fighting in the improbable event of a breakdown of negotiations. The solemnity with which the conference between Ludendorff (Who was summoned to Berlin) and the politicians was announced shows that the Government is deeply impressed with the seriousness of the moment.—Reuter.

GERMAN PRETENCE. Received Oct. 13, 5.5 p.m. Amsterdam, Oct. 12. German official wireless: Herr Erzberger, in an interview, said the new Government's first steps are being to subordinate the military to the civil control. The War Minister (von Stein) and the two commanding generals, who are considered to embody militarism, are being removed, and commanding generals in the interior have been ordered to submit to the decision of the local civil authorities. Militarism in Germany is ended for ever.—Aus and N.Z. Cable Assoc. and Reuter. < HUNGARIAN PREMIER RESIGNS. Received Oct. 14,12.20 a.m. Berne, Oct. 13. Advices from Vienna Btate that Dr. Welcerle, Hungarian Premier, has resigned.—Aus. and N.Z. Caible Assoc, 1 AUSTRIAN UNIFYING MOVE. Received Oct. 13, 5.5 p.m. Berne, Oct. 12. It is reported from Vienna that Emperor Karl has proclaimed Bosnia, Herzegovina, Dalmatia, Croatia and Slavonia a single, united State.—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assoc, and Reuter.

j A GERMAN REPORT; Received Oct. 13, 5.5 p.nj. London, Oct. 12. Wireless German official: Between St. Etienne and the Aisne we withdrew to positions on >oth sides of Grandpre, on the north -". >. of the Aire. Americans, who were attacking with strong forces all day long, between Sivry and Haumont, were beaten back in bitter fighting. Newly--arrived troops are in fighting contact with the Franco-Servians southward of Nish.—Aus, and N.Z. Cable Assoc. and Reuter.