THE AUSTRIAN CAULDRON

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 147, 21 June 1917, Page 5

THE AUSTRIAN CAULDRON

RESIGNATION OF CABINET

POWERFUL POLISH HOSTILITY. AMSTERDAM, June 20. The Austrian Cabinet has resigned owing to the hostility of the powerful Polish party, which has completely broken off relations with the Government. The Emperor is hastening to Vienna-— (A. and N.Z. Cable.) REVOLT IN BOHEMIA. (Received 11.45 a.m.) LONDON, June 20. It is reported that a revolution has broken out in Bohemia.— (Router.)

SEPARATE PEACE MOVE THROUGH PRO-GERMAN SWISS. HOFFMANN RESIGNS OFFICE. GENEVA, June 20. The Swiss Foreign Minister, M. Hoffmann, is severely criticised for acting as an intermediary for Germany in approaching -.Russia for a separate peace. The Geneva newspaper "Tribune" characterises the incident as pitiable and deplorable. M. Hoffmann's explanation is that he acted as a private individual. The latest reports definitely state that M. Hoffmann has resigned. He is of German origin, and has been notoriously pro-German since tho outbreak of the war. The whole incident has created a sensation. Special meetings of the Federal Council were held and the Council heatedly discussed the situation. M. Hoffmann admitted the facts as alleged, claiming that he was solely responsible for sending the message to Russia. M. Hoffmann's letter of resignation was read. In it he stated that he had not consulted his colleagues, and now recognised that his action w.m.d produce disastrous consequences for Switzerland unless he resigned. M. Schulthess, President of the Republic, read a statement on behalf of the Council. He added: "If M. Hoffmann had consulted us we would have begged him to refrain." After a prolonged, disorderly scene the Assembly decided not to discuss the affair. The newspapers recall that only three days ago it was officially announced on behalf of both Houses that Switzerland would not undertake mediation. "PARIS, June 20. Newspapers state that M. Hoffmann was intermediary for instructing German agents in Washington during the German-American intrigues. An official explanation has been issued that M. Hoffmann acted with a view to encouraging an early peace, and. therefore, though he was ncting in Switzerland's own interests.— (A. and N.Z.) HTTN PEACE EXPEDIENTS. PETROGRAD. June 20. A newspaper exposes a German effort to demoralise the Russian army. The enemy threw into the Russian trenches proclamations inviting a discussion on ]>eace, pointing out that Geimany always was devoted to the cause of peace. One exhortation said: "Show the Japanese and other foreigners who are commanding your artillery that pure Russians alone are musters on the Russian front, and the foreigners' rule must cease"— (A. and X.Z. Cable.)

RUSSIA'S HOUR. GERMAN ANXIETY. LONDON, June 20. TTTe Cologne newspaper "Zcitung" quotes the Russian Minister of the interior as having stated that the decisive hour of the revolution is at hand, and the next fortnight will reveal with whom tin- real (lower lies. The Railwaymen's Congress passed a reso'ution congratulating the workers of Russia, on obtaining freedom. Fifty anarchists, with three machine guns, established themselves in buildings in a populous centre of Pctrograd. Two companies of Guards nnd Cossacks surrounded the buildings and compelled the surrender of the anarchists, five of whom were sent to prison.— (A. and y.Z.) LOYAL NAVAL OFFICERS. REFUSE TO CARRY PACIFISTS. PETROGRAD, June 10. The secretary of tlic Socialist party wrote to Captain Kalinsky. commanding the Russian cruiser Askold. asking him to convey Mr. Ramsay Mac Donald and his party of pacifists to Russia. Captain Kalinsky replied that iiis officers had unanimously decided that their duty was only to act in accordance with the Provisional Government's orders, and did not desire to carry deputies favouring an immediate peace. The cruiser Askold took part in the naval operations off Gallipoli. being given | pride of place in the Allied line as a compliment to Russia. ITALY REFUSES PASSPORTS. ROME, June 20. The newspaper "Corrierc della Sera" states that the Italian Government has refused passports to Socialists who wished to proceed to the Socialist Conference at Stockholm.— (A. and N.Z.) OVERWHELMING MAJORITY. LONDON. June 20. The Sailors' and Firemen's Union has held a ballot, which approved of the refusal to carry pacifists to Russia. The voting was 1,000,000 to 200,000. GERMAN SHORTAGE OF COPPER (Beccivcd 10.15 a.m.) LONDON, June 20. Reuters French correspondent at headquarters mentions the recent cap- ; ture of an important confidential enemy army order, signed by the Prussian War Minister. This warns the commanders that lack of copper imposes the necessity of resorting as rapidly as possible to the use of iron cases for infantry cartridges. Regarding the effectiveness of iron cases, the correspondent adds that only bitter need would induce Prussia to tamper with munitions in war ] time.—("Times"!