GERMAN, PRETEXTS EXPOSED.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 14495, 5 January 1918, Page 3

GERMAN, PRETEXTS EXPOSED.

PETROGRAD MEETING DENOUNCES GERMAN >IM. (Australian and _•._, Cable Association.) , (Received January 5, 1.50 a.m.) _ LONDON, Jan. 4. The Daily News Petrograd corre|spondent (Mr. Ran^orae) states that on Wednesday he was- present at the Smolny Institute, to hear Kameniff. The Great White Hall was crowded. Few knew that the negotiations had already been stopped.. . Kameniff read reports showing that Germany tried to bind Russia to herself by a renewal of the 1904 treaty, the Czar's refusal to renew which was one of the causes of the war. Germany made several alternative proposals with' the object of securing for herself the position of the most'tfavored nation. The Russians replied that they favored equality m trade and could not Awhile socialising industry ; and . nationalising banks subscribe to principles contrary to Socialism. The Germans then seem to have climbed down. . Germany next disclosed 'her intention under pretext of self -definition to retain Poland, and -Lithuania. . Kameniff ' said : "If* Germany now moves troops against Revolutionary Russia it is evident her purpose will be the final enslavement of Poland and Lithuania. This would instantly cause an explosion which would destroy German Imperialism." Soldier delegates then described the appalling condition of the army, but affirmed they would continue the war, despite the conditions, unless the Germans agree to a democratic peace. A resolution was carried- denouncing the forcing* of the will of strangers upon the .people of Poland. Lithuania, and Courland, and* appealing to the peoples of the Central Powers to use pressure on their Governments to ensure a policy of no annexations or mdenfhities.