TWO SPEECHES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17699, 28 January 1918, Page 5

TWO SPEECHES.

YON HERTLING’S DEFIANCE ENDEAVOURS TO JUSTIFY GERMAN ACTIONS. (Received January 27, 5.5 p.m,) AMSTERDAM, January 25.

The Kaiser presided at the Crown Council, at which Marshal von Hiudenburg, General Ludendorff, Count von Hertling and Baron von Kulilmann settled the terms of Count von Hortling’s speech. Count von Hertling, in addressing the Main Committee of tho Reichstag, said that negotiations at Brest Litovsk were proceeding slowly and with difficulty, but he clung to the hope of coming to an agreement with the Russians. Negotiations with the Ukrainians continued favourably, and ho hoped soon to conclude a treaty that would be mutually satisfactory, especially from an economic point of view. The period wherein tho Entente might have co-operated in general peace negotiations expired on January 3, after which Germany was free to proceed with separate negotiations with Russia. Mr Lloyd George and President Wilson had since announced their war aims. Air Lloyd Georgo showed an alteration in tone, no longer abusing hut showing an inclination to negotiate, although not showing an earnest desire for peace. Mr Lloyd George, while, appreciating 'Germany’s political, economic and cultivated position, he said, “ ‘ adjudges her guilty of the utmost possible crimes ’ We cannot understand such feelings.” The Chancellor roviewed tho situation before the war, stating that tho alliance with Austria was purely defensive, and was never misused for aggressive purposes. Ho that King Edward VII. endeavoured to create an enemy coalition. _ President Wilson’s tone lias changed since, replying to the Pope, he tried to sow dissension between the German Government and tho poople. He no longer talked of an autocratic German Government suppressing tho people, and did not repeat the attacks on the House of Holienzollern. “Until the enemy unconditionally concedes to tho Central Poweis teiritorinl integrity, I shall reject all pioposals.” Ho said that they removed the. Belgian question from the joint and general negotiations. Proceeding to the question of northern France, lie said that it was a valuable pawn in Germany’s hands. Germany did not wish for violent annexation, and conditions of evacuation must bo arranged between Franco and Germany. Tlieic could not ho any talk of ceding Alsace and Lorraine, which was German m 1.789, when France incorporated it, and 87 per cent of the population now spoke German. Von Hertling, welcoming President Wilson’s reference to the freedom of the seas, said that it was of the highest importance that Britain should abandon Gibraltar, Malta, Aden. Hong Kong, the Falklnnds and other strong naval points d’appui. The settlement of Poland must be arranged by Germany and Austria alone. Von Hertling, replying to President Wilson, said that there would be some difficulty regarding the colonial questions. because, it was most important to Britain, but Mr Wilson’s proposal could be considered in conjunction with Germany’s demand for the colonies- “ 1 believe it could be left to the greatest colonial Empire, namely, iho British, to make up its mind concerning America’s proposal. When such an Anglo-Ameri-can agreement, is reached, wo could see what agreement was possible at the pcaco negotiations from our side, since we also advocate a new construction of the colonial situation.” Ho added that tho evacuation of Russia concerned only Russia. The central Belgian question could only be settled at a peace conference, but Germany never demanded the violent incorporation of Belgian territory'. Yon Hertling said that lie did not anticipate difficulties respecting open diplomacy, the demolition of trade barriers and the reduction of armaments. Germany was ready to discuss the basis of a League of Nations, when all the other questions "'ere settled. Mr Wilron’c and Mr Lloyd George’s statements contained certain principles for world peace, to which Germany could also agree, and which could form points for negotiation, but there were concrete questions concerned.

“The Allies’ will for peace is less observable. They speak as a conqueror to conquered. The actual situation is that our position was never so favourable. If our enemies force us to tinne then they must take the coreequonces. If tfle Allies alter their programme for peace we will test it cSU'L nestlv, for our aim is to reconstruct a durable, general peace. This is impossible while the lasting integrity of the German Empire, the security of its vital interests, and the dignity of the Fatherland is not ensured. Our motto is to remain together and calmly await events. We are entirely agreed in this aim. There may be varying opinions as to methods and conditions, but through all differences let us be over mindful of the Fatherland’s welfare and a good peace will and shall come. German workers know how to differentiate between the realities of life and

fantastic dreams. Such a, nation cannot go under. God is with us and will remain with us.” (Cheers.) AUSTRIA’S POSITION. NO ANNEXATIONS. “NOT A SQUARE METRE; NOT A CENTIME.” (Received January 27, 5.5 pm.) PARIS, January 25. Count Czernin, in a speech in the Reichsrath, said that it, was not intended to demand a singlo square metre of Russian territory or a single centimo of indemnity. Count Czernin went, on to say that tlie population of Poland would decide its own fate. This question must not delay peace a single day. The interpretation of the people’s right of free action caused a difference between Rus-, sia and Germany, but a _ compromise must bo reached. The difference was insufficient to causo a cessation of negotiations- W hen peace with Russia was secured a world-peace could not be prevented. President, Wilson’s speech was an important advance towards the Austrian standpoint, but Austria would support Germany and Turkey to the utmost. Austria would reject all adment. Exchanges of Austrian and America practically agreed on the great principles of tho new world settlement after the war, and their views on several concrete peace questions approached agreement. Their differences were insufficient to prevent a complete agroomnt. Exchanges of Austrian and American views might form a starting point for a conciliatory discussion between all States, which had hot yet entered into negotiations. OPINION OF SPEECHES. THE GERMAN VIEW. (Received January 27, 5.5 p.m.) COPENHAGEN, January 25. The leaders of the Central Party and the National Liberals supported von Hertling. Dr Scheidmatin expressed regret that von Hertling had not regarded President Wilson's messages as an honest declaration, tending to peace, and declared definitely that Alsace and Lorraine must remain German. Ho added that the submarine had proved unsuccessful and had only drawn America into the war. Hoffmann had adopted the wrong tone at Brest Litovsk. AMSTERDAM, January 26. Cologne reports state that von Hertling’s speech was well received in moderate German circles, where the fact that the Chancellor discussed President's Wilson’s speech seriatim is regarded as of considerable importance. Germany now believes that the Alsace question has been finally settled and that the legend of Germany’s plans for the annexation of Belgium and France have been exploded. Independent Socialists and Conservatives reproach von Hertling for not defining his war aims. The Austrian Press receive the speech with marked coolness. COMMENT IN LONDON. (Received January 27, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, January 20. Newspapers characterise von Ilertling’s speech as insolent, bombastic and arrogant. The'wily Hun’s idea is to negotiate with each enemy separately. The speech hangs the door on nonce. Newspapers are particularly indignant at Germany regarding- Belgium and Northern Franco as pawns, and ridicule the idea that Gibraltar and Hong Kong should be ceded. The tones cf von Hertling’s and Czernin’s speeches differ, hut it is evident that the counts are playing a gigantic game of spoof. AMERICAN CRITICISM. (Received January 27, 5.5 p.m.) WASHINGTON, January 25. Von Hertling’s speech is regarded ns indicating that the militarists still control German diplomacy. The arrogant claims are intended to deceive the world as to Germany’s real weakness, and her desire for peace. Czernin’s statement is interpreted as meaning that Germany cannot rely on Austria’s support in a war of conquest. The speeches make pence remoter. Arnrica adheres absolutely to President Wilson’s war aims. NEUTRAL ATTITUDE. (Received January 27, 5.5 p.m.) AMSTERDAM, January 26. The Dutch Press says that the speech brings pence no nearer. It rejects President Wilson’s terms, except those advantageous to Germany. AUSTRIAN MOVES. “ ACADEMIC FEELERS.” "WASHINGTON, January 25. Count Czernin is making overtures to the United States for peace. The overtures are regarded merely as academic feelers. - 1 “ * ‘A- “ 1 4 ■