ABOUT THE ENEMY

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17328, 17 November 1916, Page 5

ABOUT THE ENEMY

DEPORTATIONS. AN AMERICAN PROTEST. UNFAVOURABLE IMPRESSION ON NEUTRALS. Anatralian and N.Z. Cable Association. s WASHINGTON, November 14. , Mr Lansing has directed the Ameri- | can Embassy at Berlin to unofficially interview Dr von Bethmann-Hollweg and endeavour to stop the deportations of Belgians, pointing out that the action has made an unfavourable impression on neutral opinion in the United States, where many interpret it as an attempt to release German workers for the firing line. It is semi-officially stated that the Belgian deportations are regarded as a violation ot Germany's assurances > to Mr Gerard when tho women and children were deported from Lille. PEACE TALK. COUNT APPONYTS VIEWS. RUMANIA MUST BE PUNISHED. BUDAPEST, November 14. Count Apponyi, interviewed by a Berlin Press correspondent, said: " We are getting near peace. We are sure it is on its way. We do not mean that it will come next week, or next month, but the foundations are being laid. " Viscount Grey's and Dr von Beth-mann-Hollweg's speeches show that the two chief belligerents are getting closer. Although they are still wide apart they are approaching common ground, and why not this common ground: That it is the desire of all nations to have an international agreement which will ensure the world's peace in. the future P If stich a guarantee can be arranged I do not think this horrible bloodshed will have been in vain." The correspondent asked: " Does England want peace?" Count Apponyi: "There are peace parties in all countries. I admit that there is a strong war party in England and France." The correspondent: "Can President Wilson do something now to bring the belligerents together?" Count Apponyi: "America as the greatest neutral must play an important part in securing international peace, but I do not think the psychological moment has arrived. Rumania must first be punished for treason." MOBILISATION. ' WHOLE NATION DIRECTED TO WAR. AMSTERDAM, November 15. German newspapers are full of the civilian mobilisation scheme, and have highly coloured pictures of the new Germany controlled from Herr Groner's office, whence the activity of all industry and every ntilisible citizen will be directed. The Germans are being persuaded that their supreme organising genius will turn the scalo of victory, and they intend to show the world how a great Empire can be run as a, business directed to a single end—the winning of the war. , The newspapers, with a view to stimulating the nation, recall Kitchener's saying that for England the war would only begin in 1916. The German had underestimated England, and must convert the Empire into a colossal munitions factory. There is some doubt as to whether compulsion, will apply to women. It is understood that in food mobilisation the authorities will allot the dietary in accord with the importance of war work. • TO ASTONISH EUROPE. (Received November 16, 8.65 p.m.) AMSTERDAM, November 15. The newspaper "Tyd" states that all German citizens will be mobilised for army or factory work in December. The preparations to place a barrier before the Entente's /assault will astonish Europe. An air fleet is bo-, ing built which will lead to undreamed of aerial battles. There is a laok of soldiers and war material at the present moment, but these conditions will soon cease. It is expected that the Roichstag will extend the operation of the Bill to women. NIGERIA AUCTION. A GERMAN REPRISAL. Australian and N.Z. Cablo Association. (Received November 16, 8 p.m.) AMSTERDAM, November 15. As a reprisal for the forced sale of property,in Nigeria tho German Government is selling the palace of Sir Francis Oppenheimer, former ConsulGeneral at Frankfurt, valued at 2..Q00,- < 000 marks,. 4

E.NGAGED GIRL& v- — ■ ; V DEAD NAMSMBffATSfflffl^'■ SfAJEEN. £ (Received November *l$ f JsJft%pp$ i V.,' AMSTERDAM, November 16* '"f : The Saxon Government has. decided _ 3 that girls engaged to soldiers Tolled in ■ aotion shall be allowed the title orV. r: fratt if it. is proved that they had, anil V". earnest intent to marry. Special "G©4 *"< vernment permission is required before* ? the girl assumes the name of 'iiotf' fiance. <• ■' < V / RUSSIAN PRISONERS | V'~ REPLACE BELGIAN MINERS. (Received November 16, ,6.55 p.m.)'. ' y AMSTERDAM, November 15. ••'• Eight thousand Russian prisoners at-, Liege have been compelled to work in}' 4 coal mines, replacing deported BeM; gians. ' •<;