AFFAIRS IN GERMANY

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16212, 15 May 1918, Page 7

AFFAIRS IN GERMANY

ANOTHER CRISIS IMMINENT

(By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) JTJSW YORK, May 13. Mr Cyril Brown, the "New York World's'' Hague correspondent, learns that Germany is approaching a new grave war crisis. The people are alarmed becai'.se of the delayed victory and dwindling food supplies. Tho comparative plenty enjoyed during tho winter is now succeeded by hunger. Tho meat ration has already been reduced. Sickness is spreading alarmingly, and 23 per cent, of the population is suffering from disease. Germany's food reserves for civilians tire near the exhaustion point, and no relief is in sight. LONDON, May 13. The "Daily Chronicle's'' Amsterdam correspondent statos that the annual fair at Leipzig was a decided success. Many Bulgarian,. Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish buyers participated. There were no "luxury'' articles or leather or rubber goods exhibited, but there were thousands of substitutes, especially in foods. The German manufacturers are producing large quantities of cheap fancy goods made from substitute raw materials, which are cheaper, and more plentiful and durable than those of the original raw material made before the war. It is untrue that manufacturers are accumulating vast stocks for the foreign markets after the war. The factories arc working under difficulties, but they will not take long to get busy after the war. Meanwhile, they are supplying goods to Holland, Scandinavia, the Balkan States, and Turkey.

AN IMPORTANT CONFERENCE

AMSTERDAM, May 13. The German Press is attaching capital importance to tho meeting of tne two Emperors, which is regarded as a prelude to opening an Austrian offensive against Italy simultaneously with a resumption of operations on a great [ magnitudo on tho West front. It is I understood that General von Ludendorf j planned both operations.

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Router's Telegram*.) (Received May 14th, 8.30 p.m.)

LONDON, May 13

A German official message states: —

"Tho Emperor Karl visited the Kaiser at main headquarters. He was accompanied by Count Burian and General von Erz, Chief of tho Austrian General Staff.

"Germany was represented by Marshal von Hindenburg, General Ludendorff. and Herr von Kuhlmann.

"The discussion was cordial and thorough., regarding all fundamental, political, economic, and military questions affecting Austria and Germany. There was complete accord on all theso questions, and on the extension and deepening of the existing alliance. The guiding lines of the contemplated contractual agreements already exist in principle."