INEXORABLE DEFEAT

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 29, 29 October 1918, Page 6

INEXORABLE DEFEAT

PERIL OF CENTRAL POWERS REVIEWED

HOPELESSNESS OF CAUSE ADMITTED

\y. London, 0ct0ber...27. Mr. Keith Murdoch, in a special article, says that though defeat inexorably confronts the Central Powers, few-com-mentators believo that Germany will immediately accept the Allies' terms for an armistice. The War Caljinets are meeting in all the capitals, and there is much coming and going between the Chancelleries. The terms which have been framed by the naval and military advisers axe known to be very severe, including the surrender of the submarines, Allied occupation of the lihino bridgeheads, and perhaps dismantling of the High Seas Fleet. The next step will be a meeting of Allied, statesmen and commanders, including representatives of America, after which the Allies will for- ; initiate a statement, concerning President Wilson'e Fourteen Points.

Mr. Bnlfour's ■ announcement at the Australasian luncheon is regarded as final' upon the Questions of the German colonies and freedom\ of the eeas. British opinion seems ready to place tiie German colonies under trust, or even to give Hieni to other Allies, but never to permit their return to GermAnv Hilton Germany is radically changed. The British desire rather to give up the colomw to their Allies rather than to encourage the idea that Britain has waged a war of conquest. Although consultation with the Dominions is supposed to be-proceeding, it' ieNnoticeable. that no meetings of the Imperial Cabinet' are being held, though every recent meeting of the War Cabinet must have.been absorbed with questions affecting the whole Empire. Commenting on the great popular Cemonstration in Germany .when Hen , Liebknecht. the imprisoned. Socialist leader, was released, Mr. Murdoch says:—"The liberation of. Liebknecht and Ditlman may imply that the Government does not fear revolution, or that it wishes to appease tho people while forcing the paui towards peace. The Allied military authorities strongly hold the , former view, pointing out that Germany is certainly sufficiently l strong in the field to prolong the fighting till the summer. They earnestly urge that there should not lie the slightest slackening militarily o\ the ■part of the asserting' that Germany has conducted a brilliant retre'atj which make 3 every advance now as difficult as in 1917. Von Ludeiidorff hopes that/the peace movement, which has been advertised throughout the army, as approved by the High Conintand, will restore the moral of the troops, whilst the 'last ditch' movement increases the reserves of munitions. The' 'Tageblattf nays:— 'The enemy has hundreds of tanks.' , We_ cannot yet combat him with equal weapons', but w.e are busily engaged in making tanks, and will soon be able to meet, tanks with tanke.'"

Mr. Murdoch adds that Germany, however, recognises that she is beaten, and the only question is the making of the best terms. Even v the "Cologne Gazette" acceptsj;ne Allies'-military superiority, and admits the hopelessness of Germany's cause. The position of Austria is viewed seriously in Germany, and'grave developments are anticipated as the result of events'now in progress there.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ' '