An Unrepentant Nation

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 5000, 15 October 1918, Page 5

An Unrepentant Nation

Allied Gomments on Hun Offer Pease Talk Pure Trickery Ruse to Rescue Battered Armies Leave the Buns to Foch!

(United Exssa 'Asso Australian and N .Z. Gab I*. Association.

nation—Cotjyrio'ht.) correspondent adds: “We can state definitely that Germany knows its ally is out of the war militarily, and hurrying to destruction. Only an immediate peace can avert the Empire’s catastrophic end.” The correspondent confirms the negotiations for the dissolution of the Empire into autonomous States, and adds: “The Emperor shortly proclaims a Jugo-Slav kingdom.”

LONDON, Oct. 15.

A German official message states: The German Government has replied to President Wilson that the German Government lias accepted the terms laid down by President Wilson in his address on January 8 and subsequent addresses on the foundation of a permanent peace of justice. Consequently its object in entering into discussion would be only to agree upon practical details for the application of these terms. The German Government believes the Government of the Powers, associated with the United States, have also adopted the position of Mr. Wilson in his address. The German Government is in accordance with the Austro-Hun-gary Government for the purpose of bringing about an armistice, and declares itself ready to comply with the President’s propositions in regard to evacuation. It suggests that the President may convene a meeting of a mixed commission for making the necessary arrangements concerning evacuation. The present German Government, which has. undertaken the responsibility for this step towards peace, has been formed by conference and in agreement with the great majority of the Reichstag. The Chancellor is supported in all his actions' by the will of this majority, and speaks in the name of the German Government and people. The statement is signed by Dr. Solf. The language of the German reply suggests that the democratisation of the Government is complete, but quarters able to speak with authority regard Dr. Solf’s professions to speak in the name of the German people with suspicion. They point out that it is unlikely that the Kaiser and court militarists will give up power without a struggle. They probably hope to deceive America by keeping in the background. A free Reichstag elected •by universal suffrage, with power to appoint their own Ministers, would alone be able to speak in the name of the German people. The British Government has received the German reply, whose am : biguity probably necessitates extensive communications between the Allies. An Anglo-French consultation with President Wilson begins to-day, with a view to obtaining a clearer German statement and ample guarantees. Eeuter’a Telearams. LONDON, Oct. 13. Mr. Balfour and Mr. Bonar Law are conferring with Mr Lloyd-Ceorge to-dav on the German reply. The Daily Express says the Entente Government discussed the German peace overtures.. and decided on a common line of action. Australian and Cable Association. WASHINGTON, Oct. 13. Official circles warn the public against believing that Germany is about to surrender unconditionally.

CANDID ADMISSION OF HUN DEFEAT. ALLIES MUStIfOLD OUT FORSURRENDER. Australian and NiZ. Cable Association. (Received October 14. 11 p.m.) LONDON, October 13. English diplomatic circles consider Germany’s reply constitutes a candid admission of defeat and entitled the Allies to demand a full unconditional surrender like that of Bulgaria. Never in history has a great nation climbed down so quickly. It is pointed out that President. Wilson’s fourteen point's were announced on January 27. 1918. Much lias happened meanwhile, including President Wilson’s declaration and the points are no longer sufficient to rehabilitate Germany in the eyes of an outraged world. . . Probably before any armistice the Allies will compel Germany to give guarantees to pay for manifold crimes on sea and land and give up the perpetrators to trial and punishment. • ’ , It is expected the Allies will send a joint reply specifying the conditions on which they will ho willing to grant an armistice.

KAISER MUST GO. DEMAND BYTrUN SOCIALIST PAPER. ‘WILHELM SHOULD SACRIFICE HIMSELF.” Eeuter’s Telegrams. (Received Oct. 14, 11 p.m.) BERNE, Oct. 13. The Erankische Tagespost. a Socialist paper, demands the abdication of the Kaiser. “The nation,” it says “is convinced.l that the responsibility for the present position rests on him. • He does not appear to the new Germany to be representative of national unity. He always demanded the greatest sacrifices from his subjects, and should now sacrifice himself. Abdication will mean better terms.”

BITTER STRUGGLE IN HUNLAND. MILITARISTS FIGHTING MAX. “GREATER BARBARISM AND MORE RUTHLESS SUBMARINING.” Australian and N.Z. Cable A&emdatlo» (Received Oct. 15, 1.10 a.m.) AMSTERDAM, Oct. 13. There'are many reports from Berlin. Some declare that a bitter struggle is proceeding between the militarists and Max, the former being in favor of adopting greater barbarism in French towns and more ruthless submarining, hoping to influence the Entente to reject fine peace overtures. Probably the Government will ask President Wilson for a fuller explanation of the evacuation terms, point- ' ing out that the Army .Command ! cannot conceive of evacuation before an armistice; also suggesting a neu- ) tral zone between the German arid the Entente armies, and that peace negotiations should begin immediately after evacuating. ' If President Wilson’s reply is unfavorable Germany will mobilise all men to fifty-five years of age. Many Germans urge the not ■to evacuate except on the definite condition of keeping the Allied artillery at a distance from the industrial centres. Austrian circles, are agitating in favor of the Entente troops remaining stationary whenever the evacuation is arranged and neutrals sending troops to guard the evacuated territories. It is reported that Count An dr assy .or Windischgratz has succeeded Baron Biirian as Premier. STOCKHOLM, Oct. 13. According to the Afton Teddingen, the Centre Party considers the Germans wilj rather gain than lose from a retreat to the Rhine, as a shorter front would he easier to defend and the morale of the army would he strengthened if the soldiers were defending the Fatherland on their own soil. The Socialists are of the same opinion.

OPINIONS IN BRITAIN* SOLID GUARANTEES WANTED. PROPOSAL REGARDED WITH SUSPICION. Australian and N.Z. Gable Association LONDON, Oct. 13. When Germany’s acceptance of President Wilson’s terms was announced at the London theatres and music halls on Saturday night, the audience rose and sang the National Anthem with the greatest enthusiasm. Sir John Simon, in a speech at Walthamston, in the afternoon, said he saw no change of heart of Germany. He added: “If the controllers "of her destinies are sincerely desirous of a real peace,/ let them forthwith abandon submarine warfare.”

The consensus of the earliest news-] papers’ opinions is that President Wilson wijl not recommend the, Allies to grant Germany an armistice unless accompanied by solid guarantees over and above the evacuation of invaded territory, such guarantees, to include, according tp some writers, occupation by Anglo-French or Americans of the fortress of Metz and the bridgeheads of the Rhine. It is taken for granted that Marshal Foch will lay this down as a military condition. Several newspapers insisted on a demand for the surrender of German submarines before any suspension of hostilities. _ • A Sir Auckland Geddes, DirectorGeneral of National Service, says that Germany is trying to find a way of avoiding defeat. His great teai is that we will be bluffed into a wrong peace. The request for an armistice is part of that scheme. There is no evidence that Germany is tottering. She is preparing her greatest submarine campaign. Germany’s aim is to keep what sue can in order to prepare -for world dominatLord Denbigh, in a speech in London, said the Grown Princes army, being in difficulties at Laon, the Germans asked for an armistice to enable them to get beyond the irontier bring up arms, and reorganise. Then they would say they had misunderstood the fourteen points, an when they rested we would have the whole job to do again. The inter-Allied conference of Scientific Academies announces that it will not renew personal relations with enemies until they ienounce the atrocious policy of murdeis ai outrages wherewith they have stall ed their history. - . Mr. Pollen, naval writer points out that while President Wißon reciuires the- evacuation of terntoiy 11 a preliminary to the discussion of an armistice, there is no stipulation as regards, the very weapor which brought America into the war. Mr. Wilson should demand the surrender of submarines as a further preliminary. ______

EXCITEMENT IN BERLIN. REPLY TO WILSON WELCOMED. WOMEN BURST INTO TEARS Australian and N.Z. Gable Association. (Received October 14. 10.10 p.m.) COPENHAGEN, October. 13. When the great factories in Berlin and suburbs finished work on Saturday. thousands of men and women workers proceeded to the centre of tile city and wainted for hours for the reply to President Wilson, which was published in the special editions of the newspapers issued at 10 o’clock The reply was enthusiastically welcomed. women bursting into tears. It is reported that the Pan-Ger-mans are preparing a c6unter-move. A great number of officers are arriving in Berlin. Yorwaerts, warns the Pan-Germans not to do anything, to cause the people to lose patience with them. Every conspiracy will he crushed witii a firm hand. . ' The Independent Socialist newspaper was confiscated for demanding a Republic. , „, , _ , AMSTERDAM, October 14. The Lokal Anzeiger states that the Reichstag Conservatives have communioated with the Chancelloi th serious objections to the ncceptanc of President Wilson’s terms. Bouter’s Telegrams(Received October 15, 1.10 a-I ?,y COPENHAGEN. October 13. Advices from Berlin state that the Kaiser has ordered the Chancel oi to, draw up extensive amnesty tor p itical offenders. „ ' , . AMSTERDAM, October 13. The Suffrage Committee, of the Pnissian Upper House . lias deleted the clause in the Franchise Bill giving an additional voto to persons over forty years of age.

THE HUM VIEWPOINT. THREAT OF UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER BY AUSTRIA. HUN PRESS ON PEACE PROSPECTS. Australian and N.Z. Gable Association. LONDON. Oct. 13. The Daily News’ Zurich correspondent says that it mav be definite y asserted that Austria-Hungary made the last peace offer m conjunction with Germany. If peace does not result quickly the, former will offer a separate unconditional peace. tne

NO PROSPECT OF ARMISTICE.

AUTHOR’S FAIR BUT DRASTIC PROPOSAL. HUN LEADERS MUST FIRST BE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE. Eeuter’s Telegrams. (Received! October 14. 9 p.m.) LONDON, October 14. It is authoritatively stated that there i s no prospect of an early armistice. Moreover when the time is ripe for considering a proposition or an armistice it will not be seriously considered without accompanying naval and military guarantees that Germany is not merely ready to sheath the sword but is absolutely powerless to resume hostilities. ■ These fundamental points will represent the views of Britain and her Allies. President Wilson is unlikely to reply at present. It is expected that he will consult the Allies before definitely drafting an answer. LONDON, October 13. Mr Frederic Harrison, the wellknown author and educationalist, demands the occupation of Berlin and bringing the German lead'ers to justice. NAUSEATING MOCKERY. PEACE TALK WITH BARBAROUS ENEMY. NO PEACE WITH TI-IE HOHENZOLLERNS. United Services(Received October 14, 11 p.m.) LONDON, October 12. Lord Charles Berasford. interviewed, said that peace should be made at the point of the bayonet and the machine gun. An armistice was absolutely impossible. The Standard declares that if an armistice is granted the terms must satisfy Marshal Foch and his soldiers, who alone a-.-o cap aide of assuring against trickery. 'Hie Sunday Pictorial says it would bo madness to allow Von Ludendorff to re-group and re-munition his leg-' ions behind the Rhine. Ihe Entente dare not accept such an appalling risk. Any armistice must be dictated by Marshal Foch and, must involve the surrender of the German artillery and munitions in France. Reuter's Telegrams. (Rceived October 15, 1.10 a.iu.l LONDON. Octobr 13. The Daily Mail demands the delivery of German submarines as a condition of peace. Idie Daily News calls for the p’-in-•islilment of the German _criminals. Talk of peace at present in view ot the Leinster outrage is a nan,seat mg mockery. The paper adds: Ihe abdication of the Kaiser wan'd rot satisfy the Allies, because the unninal’s responsibility cannot he cast off lik c a worn-out coat. United Services. , LONDON, October 13. Mr J. L. Garvin, the dwill-kaown journalist, says: —Concrete guarantees must accompany the nava! armistice. The German fleet should be dismantled coucih* ’eatiy witj the disbandment of rlit army. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association (Received October 15, ! .10 a mb LONDON, October lb Reynolds Newspaper declares itself uncompromisingly m t-rse to any peace with the Hunenzelierns. I he terms of the armistice must be tantamount to unconditional surrender. , The News of the "World describes Germany’s reply as- a- plan to escape from the Allied pursuit. 1 The Week]v Despatch says that tec Germans did not need a mixed commission to invade and should not m cd one to get out. , , Other organs declare that Mars ml Foch’s commission and not a mixed commission should dictate all the necessary (arrangements. 'The public at the clubs and elsewhere denounce the reply, and confidence was generally expressed m the capacity of the. Allied statesmen to take the fullest advantage ot the opportunity to secure the one s o which the armies and fleets have so long battled. THE FRENCH VIEWPOINT. FOCH MUST HAVE THE LAST AYORD. WHAT IS THE HUNS’ GAME? Australian and N.Z. Cable Association (Received Oct. 15. 1.10 a-ill.) PARTS, Oct, 13. Comment on the German reply constitutes capitulation. President Wilson should be the first to recognise that Foch if* the sole judge of the desirability of granting an armistice, and the suggestion of a mixed Commission denotes Germany’s desire to treat on the footing of equality. But only two parties are requisite for the armistice which Germany wants—the leader of the victorious side, who must dictate his terms, and the loader of the beaten side, who must observe them. Dr. Saif’s assurance of government on a parliamentary basis is all deception. Not a line of the Imperial constitution has been altered. United Services. , (Received Oct. 15. 1.10 n.m.) PARIS, Oct. 13. M. Hutin says:— Marshal Foch must have the last worci on the militarv condition. PARIS, Oct. 13. The Figaro asks:— ' “What is Germany’s game? Presumably to regain diplomatically a great part of wliat she has lost militarily. The Allies must _ approach the conference dominant and all-powerful.”

BRAVO ROOSEVELT! TELL HUNS WE ARE IN WAR TO THE FINISH. Australian and N.Z. Cable Assooiatioß. Received Oct. 14, 7.20 p.m.) OTTAWA, Oct. 13. Tlie general tone of the Now York newspaper comment on the German note is that Germany must turn over her army, navy, and submarines to the Allies as a guarantee of good faith. The Allies do not want an armistice but mneonditiona 1 surrender. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association and Heuter's. ’ (Received Oct. 15, 1.10 a.m.) WASHINGTON. Oct. 12. The New York Times Washington correspondent states that German proposals for an armistice will not be (Received Oct. 14. 11.45 p.m.) NEW YORK, Oct, 13. Mr. Roosevelt, commenting on the German Note, says:— “Germany ought to be made to realise that the United States is in the war to a finish, and will accept nothing except the peace of overwhelming victory. Let us beat the foe to his knees and then dictate terms.” Washington correspondents state that after a canvass of official circles it can be asserted that the reply is not regarded as a frank and straightforward Note, but is considered as cleverly worded m order to indicate apparent agreement with President Wilson's general principles. But the Note _ leaves details open in a manner which might render futile American and Allied aims. The official text has not. yet- been received, but the text has been picked up by wireless. ... Some Washington authorities say exception will ho taken to the Proposal for a mixed commission. They also consider the statement that the Chancellor is speaking; for the German people is lacking in definiteness and sincerity.

FURTHER VIEWS FROM AMERICA.

WITHDRAWAL BEFORE NEGOTIATIONS. ERIC GEDDES TALKS OF TWO MORE YEARS OF WAR. . Australian and N.Z. Oablo- Association. (Received Oct. 15, 12.10 a.in.) NEW YORK, Qat. 10. President Wilson received the first intimation of the German Note while sitting in a box at the Metropolitan Opera House, whereupon lie engager in a quiet conversation with Colonel House. When the President arrived he received a tremendous ovation. It was expected that President Wilson would briefly address the audience, but lie did not speak; The newspapers issued special early editions. Washington correspondents _ emphasise that America will insist on the withdrawal ol : German forces from Allied territory bbfore opening anv negotiations whatever. WASHINGTON, Oct. 14. Senator Hitchcock, chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, interviewed, said: — “The German reply is encouraging. I believe this is a step toward peace, but the offer cannot be accepted without important modifications. We must have military guarantees before agreeing to an armistice and the Kaiser must place full permanent power for the making of peace or war in the hands 'of the people. The power of the Reichstag must also be unfettered.” Senator Thoms said : “I believe the Note is sufficiently definite to require the President to consult the Allies regarding the next step. Germany must pay indemnities for all damage done on land and for the murderous U-boat warfare.” Sir Eric Geddes. interviewed, said: “I lay great stress on Germany s impending renewed U-boat effort. I am of opinion that we should not be deluded by hopes of an early peace but prepare for two more years of war.” AWAITING TEXT OF HUN REPLY. MR .Me AD DO ’ HOPEFUL OF UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER THAT IS WHAT WILSON BASED HIS SPEECHES 1 UPON. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received October 15, 12.45 a.m.) NEW YORK. October 13. The newspapers, commenting on the German’s answer, point out that it is difficult to determine whether the Note emanates from the people or the criminal Government. One newspaper asks: What are the credentials of the voice speaking?” and adds: Satisfactory credentials would be the announcement of tlie abdication of the Kaiser and the renunciation of succession by his discredited dynasty. At present one can see a peace of justice and victory nearer than human prescience could have foreseen a few weeks ago. Th e New York Tribune,• commenting, says: “The Imperial German Government returned a dreaded answer, pretending to _ accept wholly the President’s conditions. Germany does not offer to surrender. Why should she? We have not demanded it!” Reuter's Telegrams. (Received October 15, 1.20 a.m.) WASHINGTON, October 14. The text of Germany’s reply was perused by Air AlcAdoo. secretary of the Treasury, who said: "What the .American Government demands, based on President Wilson’s ,messages and speeches, is unconditional surrender. If the text of the reply is authentic it means pist

that,” , ... Officials comment on the significant fact that Germany’s reply associates Austro-Hungary but omits Turkey. The implication is that, unless' the message was written m unusual haste Turkey is no longer Germany’s ally. _ , . 10 . BERNE, October 13. The Munich Neuste Nachrichten states that official circles in Berlin expect an immediate dissolution or Austro-Hungarian dual monarchy and the proclamation of the independence of the Czechs-Jugo.-Slavs; also the creation of an independent German State in Austria, which will unite with the German Empire. GENERAL. PAU’S WARNING. MUST GET HUNS ON OTHERSIDE OF RHINE. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association MELBOURNE, Oct. 14. Commenting on Germany’s acceptance of the peace -terms, General Pari said tbe feeling that peace was imminent was unjustified. He added: We must not fall into German traps. The only real solution was to get the Germans on the other side of the Rhine. The Hon, G. F. Pearce, Minister, for Defence, described the offer as acceptance by the enemy of the inevitable, and said that it could he regarded onlv with caution and as an indication of the trend of events. The morning papers accept it as an admission that ‘ the Germans are militarily beaten, but urge the need of the strictest caution and most binding guarantees _ before considering any peace preliminaries. They express grave doubt about accepting the word of any German statesman.

THE ENESVSY’S POSITION. SUMMARY OF THE PEACE MOVE. Press Association Telegram(Official). WELLINGTON, October 14 The. German peace move may be analysed as follow's: —Chi 0110 hand, the defection of Bulgaria- and the prospect of complete German military defeat with the' loss of all gains and possibly Alsace-Lorraine; on the other hand 'Germany is seriously threatened at home by prospective chaos in the event of military defeat. 1 robably the ruling classes and the Kaiser believe that while military defeat is ultimately remediable such a social revolution would breed irreparable consequences, and is tlie worst pern. The complete surrender of tlip former position with Alsace-Lorraine is purelv an internal question and shows vividly how black the situation seems in Germany, hut it is darker still o her remaining Allies. . . Austria has suffered .more than Germany, both economically and socially. Tlie military. disintegration of the Central Powers in the Balkans has increased the power of deserter-marauders who have lon to since been known to be f the mountains. In fact Austua mees Turkey for pence* ‘ Though Turkey still watches developments it .is probable she will no wait long to take steps to be clone '" l Sie t Gorman fabric of ination collapses under the menmo of military reverses. and rf blows are administered with force and pertinacy, the will rapidly develop.

“VICTORY BY CRAFT." ITALY’S PREMIER SEES THROUGH THE HUNS. Australian and N.Z. Gable A^oiat.oo. YEeceivecl Oct, 13, 1.10 a.m.) ROiVIE, Oct. IS. 1 Signor Orlando in an interview “The enemy must mot be allowed to snatch! victory by craft. He must evacuate our territory and give guarantees.”