ARMISTICE.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 February 1919, Page 5

ARMISTICE.

GERMAN CABINET CRISIS. INTERNAL TROUBLES FEARED. REFUSAL TO SIGN SENT BERLIN CRAZY. Received Feb. 23, 5.5 p.m. 1 London, Feb. 20. Mr. Chas. Towers states that the renewal of the armistice was signed after a critical Cabinet crisis, the leaders declaring that the terms made Marshal Foch master of Germany. Members were solid for refusing, fearing to meet the Assembly if they consented, thinking, moreover, that Germany ought to be better oir if she simply threw in her han4 and challenged the Allies to occupy Gem my und take the consequences, rather tlian struggle against internal outbreaks.

Noon editions of the papers announcing the refusal sent Berlin half crazy with excitement, but a later meeting of the party leaders put a different complexion on the matter, and compelled Cabinet to telegraph to Herr Erzberger instructing him to sign. Herr Rantzau thereupon resigned, but subsequently withdrew his resignation.

Great dejection prevails. Herren Sheidemann, Ebert and Rantzau take the gravest view of the situation. Widespread disturbances are anticipated.— Times Service. ANGRY SCENES AT WEIMAR. Received Feb. 23, 5.5 p.m. Berne, Feb. 19. Angry scenes occurred at the Weimar Assembly during the debate on the armistice terms. Some of the delegates denounced Herr Erzberger for his failure to extort more favorable conditions, and declared it was the graveyard of the armistice. Herr Erzberger, replying, reminded the critics that Germany had lost the war. He added: "You should have addressed yourselves to Marshal Foch."—Reuter.