ORIGINATOR OF THE STORY

Evening Post, Volume XCIV, Issue 67, 17 September 1917, Page 7

ORIGINATOR OF THE STORY

GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER'S CUNNING. (AOSTRALIANNEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION.) (Received September 17, .8.10 a.m.) LONDON, 16th September. . All the leading newspapers in London point out that Baron Kulhraann (Foreign Minister) was the originator of the story of Britain's alleged peace overtures. He wished to prepare the German public for the concessions embodied in the Austro-German reply to the Pope. • Another of Baron Kuhlmann's objects is to insinuate that Britain is envisaging a peace, which will serve her ends,

frhile ignoring the interest* of her Allies. With equal cunning he suggests, for the benefit of the German public, that the prospect of famine, besides war-weari-ness, is the underlying motive of the latest move he has lyingly attributed to us. . r Similarly^ in connection with the Argentine affair, a German newspaper was officially inspired to express indignation at Luxburg's 'conduct, the German r Government hoping that if he was made the scapegoat the question would be buried. [A Berne correspondent reported to London on 13th August that the appointment of Baron KuhLmann as Fdreign Minister has' aroused high hopes in Germany. It is believed that his tactful handling of England and America will pave the way to peace. It is hinted that Baron Kuhlmann will make a direct offer of peace to England on the basis of leaving her a free hand in the PersianGulf.]