STUNNED BY THE TRUTH.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 190, 12 August 1919, Page 6

STUNNED BY THE TRUTH.

! HUNS MOURN LOST CHANCE. I WAS. LEADERS SQUABBLING. LONDON, July 28. The "Times" correspondent at Copenhagen state.-, that Count I'zernin (formerly Austrian Foreign Minister) admitted in an interview the genuineness of the report quoted by Herr Krzberger, in which lie (Czerniii) urged the necessity for opening peace negotiations "while our enemies are not fully aware of our expiring power." Count Czcrnin says that Karl gave Krzberger a copy confidentially without his knowledge. "lie discovered a year biter that a whole set of minor intrigues Ihad been proceeding, centred on Karl, in which irresponsible elements entered. J Therefore he resigned. I Czernin is publishing a book, in which he will make complete disclosures. I British otiieial comments on Erzbcrger's disclosures arc awaited keenly in France. It ia not believed that Britain did more than inform the Pope in reply ■to the offers of mediation that a German declaration on the subject of Belgium would bo of interest to the Allies. ; M. Painleve I former Prime Minister) states that the Fronch Government knew nothing of any British peace feeler. but agreed that a memorandum j should be presented to the Pope by the liritish Minister of the Vatican, who also represented Fiance. M. Ribot. then Foreign Minister, states that Britain must explain. He advised Britain not to enter into indirect negotiations of such a nature IIKRLIN IN A FIA'RRY. Tin- "Times" correspondent at Berlin states that Krzberger's disclosures set , the political camps in a Hurry and I caused a sensation amongst the public. j Germany still has a lot to 1.-am about the war which in other countries is ac- | .cpteil as plain truth. Kr/.berger's ad- j ; vcrwaries are now retorting with vigour. l recalling the greatest controversies of I !the war. The public demands the publication of the text of the "British peace feeler." Dr. Michaelis (formerly Chancellor) says that the Government felt that the; , negotiations should not be taken too j ' i rapidly, because Erzberger and the I I Papal Nuncio were indiscreet and un- | trustworthy. 1 The "Taglische Rundschau" publishes, . authoritatively, a review of events, i showing that ICrzberger, in lobby con--1 versations, blamed Baron yon Kuhlmann f J for the failure of the Papal mediation. t Kuhlmann was confidently Kecking , mediation through Spain during the .■latter half of Hll7. but the Rritish be ijcame distrustful over Germany's treat--jinent of the Papal efforts.

PEACE POSSIBLE IN 1017. Newspapers and the public agree that peace was possible, in 11)17. The "Nord Deutsche Zeitimg" says:— "An absolutely insuperable obstnele consisted in the powers of evil throughout (lormany. and our lack of comprehension cif tin- exaggeration and recklessness of the patriotic demogagy., The "Berliner Tagoblalt" joins in the cry for the impeachment of Michaelis for his "really criminal act." T.iKlcndor/Ts denial that the Papal Nuncio's letter was known at headquarters is disbelieved. The public is convinced that headquarters, which had representatives in the IJovernmont department, the Chancellor's office, and throughout political circles, played the main part ifi preventing peace. I The National Assembly ordered that* I Kr/licrger's speech should l>o placarded throughout Germany. MILITARY LEADERS' BARRIER. Jlerr Muller (Foreign Minister), speaking ill the National Assembly, ro-tti I the text of an undated telegram attributed to. thi' British (iovernment and addressed to the Pope stating that the Government was unable to answer the Pope's suggestions for peace, as the Central I'owera had not defined their war aims or intentions towards Belgium. Milller pointed out that Belgium's position was then the heart of the war problem, and only a frank reply from Germany could have brought peace nearer.

Dr. Michaelis did not inform party leaders either of Britain's offer or the Papal Sunciu'e Note. Heir Bauer (Vremier) produced let tew from lliiKleulmrg and Ludendoril written in September. KMT. showing that both favoured holding l-iegc liaiier added, amid uproar, that tin letters would explain why a reply was not given to Britain and the Tope. With the idea of proving that Krzber ger was among the worst, exciters of till war "Die I'oet" reproduces ;i letter ill which he recommended the War Office to adopt ti new type of flame-thrower likely to be very successful against tin ItritiVh on the West front. He pointei! out that every humane consideration must be given up. even if international law were violated. ,