EASTERN.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XLV, Issue 6853, 18 April 1917, Page 3

EASTERN.

AUSTRIA REACHING END OF HER TETHER.

Makes Peace Offer to Russia. Reuters Telegrams Rec April 17, 6 15 pea Amsterdam, April 16 The Austrian Government has authorised the issue of a statement practically amounting to a peace offer to Russia. Itsays: "The monarchy learns from th« Russian Government's manifesto of the 10th inst that Ruasia, like Austro-Hungary, desires an honourable psace without desiring domination over other peop'e. It may, therefore, be slated that AastroHungary and Russia are similarly striving for peace guaranteeing the j exigence and honour, and the possibility of development of the belligerent States. The monarchy is convinced that its claims do not conflict with those of Russia. Tin latter has stated that she is only fighting for the defence and freedom of her people, Russia is no longer compelled to fight for that object, and, therefore, it should not be difficult to establish an understanding between the Central Powers and Russia, especially as the Austrian Emperor, in agreement with his Allied monarch?, desires to live in futuie in peace and friendship with the Russian people." Rearer adds that the pronouncement ia.favour of peace with Russia causes no surprise, as it is well undeistood that only the German refusal to cooperate prevented the issue of definite peace proposals on the occasion of the recent pieeting of the German and Austrian monarch*. To-day's declaration suggests that Austria ia reaching the end of her tether by seeking separate peace with Russia. The resignation of Count MarbnicV, Austrian Premier, on the grounds of health, was announced today. Pro* bably his resignation is connected with the new peace move-.