PEACE TALK.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17935, 31 October 1918, Page 5

PEACE TALK.

VERSAILLES COUNCIL.

SITTING IN SECRET, United Service.

LONDON, October 29. The Versailles Council sittings are surrounded with an impenetrable barrier of secrecy. There is a specially cleared cable line, giving direct connection between Paris and Washington. This enables President Wilson to keep in close touch. • H is thought in London that tho Council will not reach a decision before several days, by which time Turkey may havo sued for penCe and the Austrian capitulation be complete. Well informed circles believe that the Council will demand that Germany shall present a white Hag on tile west front, symbolising surrender, and that the Allies' 5 terms of armistice will include the occupation of Alsaeo and Lorraine, and tho Rhine bridgeheads, and tho surrender of tho submarines.

armistice terms. THE GERMAN FLEET. LONDON, October 29 (evening.) The “Evening News” states that the surranxW at tkn Gru-jinui fleet is

an essential part of the Allies’ armistice terms. NEW YORK, October 29. The Allies have captured Gonegliano, and the whole line ha 3 advancedr

GERMAN SHUFFLING. AMSTERDAM, October 29. The "Lokal Anzeiger” noints out that Germany’s request is for armistice proposals instead of armistice conditions. This means that Germany will negotiate with the Allies on a footing of equality. The Berlin Press has declared that the successful resistance on the western front shows that Germany can continue to fight if the armistice conditions are humiliating, but they admit that Austria’s capitulation makes .it hopeless to continue tho fight. They insist, however, that tho German Army is unbeaten. VIEWS IN LONDON. \ PEACE BY CHRISTMAS PROBABLE. LONDON, October 29. The impression in parliamentary circles is that the war is rushing to a close, and that peaco bofore Christmas is highly probable. It is inevitable that Parliament will be dissolved in a few weekß, and tho dissolution may bo expected to follow shortly upon an armistice. Tho “Daily Telegraph’s” political correspondent suggests that polling day for tho general election will be November 23, November 30, or December 7. THE AUSTRIAN NOTE. OPINION IN AMERICA. WASHINGTON, October 29. Much interest is eeing manifested in the German and Austrian Notes sent to President Wilson. The official text of the Austrian Note has not yet been received. It is felt in official circles that if the Austrian Note means complete capitulation, Germany will bo forced to recognise tho hopelessness of her situation, and will bo compelled to surrender unconditionally or continue the war under tremendously increased handicaps. According to well-informed circles, if Austria surrenders it will mean that, the Allies will be able to' enter the Dual Monarchy’s territory, and use the railways there, thus attacking Germany in a vulnerable point. It is believed that tho Czecho-Slovaks will bo ready to assist the A lies against Germany, who would be forced to withdraw troops from the west front in order to protect her southern frontier., It is not expected that President AVilson will reply to the latest German Note, the official text of which does not differ from tho wireless text.

(Received October 30, 5.5 p.m.) WASHINGTON, October 29. Iti New York, the general opinion of the Press is that the- Austro-Hungarian Note amounts to virtual capitulation, and shows an overwhelming desire for peace. The Dual Monarchy’s action inevitably brings Germany nearer to the brink of unconditional surrender.

SUPPLEMENTARY APPEAL TO AIR. LANSING. (Received October SO, 10,30 p.m.) .BASLE, October 30. Count An drossy has addressed a supplementary Note to Air Lansing, asking him to intervene with President Wilson for the purpose of bringing about an immediate armistice on all fronts. Tho Note urges Austria’s wish for immediate negotiations for peace. ISOLATION OF GERMANY. LONDON, October 29. Tho newspapers point out that the importance of Austria pleading for a separate peace is the further isolation of Gorman^ - , and insist that Germany must herself seek terms for an armistice, since tho Allies are not proposing it, as Dr Self’s Note to President Wilson impudently suggests.

PROBLEMS FOR ALLIES. United Service. (Received October 30, 7.40 p.m.)

LONDON, October 29

The utter confusion in Austria and Hungary )s presenting urgent problems to tho Allies. A difficulty confronts the Versailles Conference in estimating tho extent of the Emperor’s authority. It is persistently reported that lie lias run away to his Hungarian shootingbox at Godollo. The definite niiovemonts taking shape aro tho removal of tho Hapsburgs. tho creation of a Magyar State in Hungary, and Croatian and Czeclio-Slovak republics, whilst tho twelve million Gcrman-Austrinns, apparently isolated and deserted, look towards Germany.

Paris favours the prevention of a revolutionary tempest. The “Echo do Paris” states that the Allies’ terms must prevent tho Gcvnian-Austrians entering the Hohcnzollern Empire. “ Lo Matin ” urges the occupation of Prague, Trieste, Transylvania and Laibach.

United Service. (Received October 30, 7.40 p.m.)

Tho “Pall Mall Gazette” says that the armistice conditions include the formal entry of the Allic, into Berlin be-

foi-xi tho occupied parts of Germany are returned.

“The Timed" Service. (Received October 30, 7.40 D.m.) LONDON, October 59. ' Tlie Austro-Hungarian, reply is re* garclcd in well-informed circles as equivalent to a surrender. Count Audrassy recently went to Switzerland and vainly attempted to open communications with tiro Allied diplomats. He returned to Vienna knowing that the only course available was peace, with the Ilapsburg monarchy placed unreservedly in the hands of President Wilson. Tiro subsequent action of the new Slav Governments cutting off Austria’s food supplies made the position hopeless, and compelled the hasty dispatch of the Note without awaiting the outcome of the German negotiations. Allied diplomats expect the action, potently to influence Germany’s decision, and cause Turkey speedily to imitate Austria. BERNE, October 29. Tho Archduke Josoph has issued a proclamation stating that tho Emperor Karl had charged lain with the task of evolving a solution of the trouble bringing complete independence to Hungary and securing peace, giving Hungary a seat in the League of Nations. provided the unity of the Empire is maintained.

TROUBLE IN HUNGARY. RIOTS AT BUDAPEST. ' BERNE, October 29. There are serious riots at Budapest). The rioters succeeded in getting into the lobbies of the Royal Palace. The Magyar National Council demands the immediate dissolution of the Reichsrath.

(Received October 31, 1.10 a.m.) LONDON, October 30. Heavy fighting is going on in Buda. pest between the followers of Karolyi and the military. The soldiers are using machine-guns and bayonets. Many people have been killed.

KAROLYI DECLARES HUNGARY INDEPENDENT. Urited Service.

COPENHAGEN, October 30.

The “ Politiken’s ” Vienna correspondent states that Count Karolyi has succeeded in forming an anti-dynastio Ministry, with an understanding with the Czechs and Slavs. Count Karolyi was excitedly greeted on returning to Budapest. Ho announced** that he had visited the Emperor, who refused to accept the programme. Therefore, Count Karolyi declared, Hungary was an independent nation.

A FEDERATION PLAN. Eeuter’s Telegrams. (Received October 30, 7.40 p.m.) AMSTERDAM, October 29. Th© Austro-Hungarian Empire is breaking up so rapidly and completely that it is increasingly difficult to follow the process. Italy’s claims to her unredeemed territory and portions of the Dalmatian coast are secure, but it is scarcely probable that Hungary will abandon Frame to the Slavs without a struggle.

It is understood that Dr Lammasct is forming a coalition Ministry, whosa chief aim will be the formation of now federal States. Dr Lammasch supports th© view of the various nations forming their own special Government! and sending delegates to a joint Government. TURKEY SEEKS PEACE. NEGOTIATIONS OPENED. LONDON, October 29. A Central News telegram from Constantinople says:—Turkey has officially opened peace negotiations with the Entente. President Wilson, has sent all the correspondence to the Allies’ Ministers, naval and military advisers, who are now in Paris, considering what terms of armistice they may recommend to their respective Governments. United Service. LONDON, October 29. The/ unofficial advances from Turkey aro expected immediately to become official . CONDITION OF GERMANY. LIEBKNECHT PROPOSES REPUBLIC. COPENHAGEN, October 29. Dr Liebkuecht, in a great speech in Berlin, said: —The slogan is now world revolution or world destruction. Tjie time has come to act. The people’s reply to appeals for national defence must be the dictatorship of tlio proletariat, overthrowing capitalist rule and establishing a Socialist Republic. Thousands of those who were listening shouted, “ Long live its President, Liebknecht.” FINANCIAL PANIC IN BERLIN. AMSTERDAM, October 29. • Berlin reports state that there has been a financial panic for several davs % The bankers are appealing to the pub-’ lie not to withdraw deposits and not to hoard currency. FEDERAL COUNCIL AGREES TO REFORMS. Boater’s Tekcmia*. (.Received October 30, 7.40 p.m.) COPENHAGEN. October 29. The Berlin Federal Council approved of the Bill amending the Constitution in the form adopted by the Reichstag. THE KAISER. WATCHING EVENTS CALMLY. LONDON, October 29. The Kaiser is watching events calmly, and is ready to resign if events necessitate it. He has as little use for » democratic Germany as a democratic Germany has for him. His permanent ideas and training alike unfit him for the position of a shadow monarch.

GERMAN EMPRESS. HEART RELAPSE. AMSTERDAM, October 29 The. German Empress has suffered » serious heart relapse. LTTDENDORFF’S FALL. CHARGE OF CONSPIRACY. AMSTERDAM. October 20. Many newspapers accuso Ludendorff of endeavouring; to create a military conspiracy against the Reichstag, and regard him as the scapegoat for the Hoheuzollerns. LONDON, October 29. The “Daily Chronicle’s ” Amsterdam correspondent states:—i)r Erzberger was Ludcndorff’s special enemy. The Centro deputy has long been intent on getting Lndendorff’s scalp, and recently said in the Reichstag lobby, “ I wili get him yet.” Ludendorff’s nerves

were badly shaken. He vacillated continually between peace and war, and Ssod Hindenburg when the latte,r med the von Hcrtling Government that political changes were necessary In . order to approacli President Wilson With n peace otter. Later Ludendorff advocated another gamble on the "West front, including the sending out of the loot. TTnited Service. (Received October 30, 7.40 p.m.) LONDON, Octobor 29. The ‘'Berliner Tageblatt” states that tho military leaders demanded that the Ivaiser should bluntly break off negotiations and summon the people to fight to the last. GENERAL STAFF'S FAILURE. " Tho Time* " Service. LONDON, October 29. A correspondent writes:—lt is now clear that Ludendorff and Hindenburg planned a coup d’etat. 'On October 25 Hindenburg addressed telegrams to the divisional generals urging the continuance of the war m preference to a. dishonourable peace. A telegram from Ludendorff stated that President Wilson expected the capitulation of the army and navy, but they would rather fight to the bitter end. “ Vonvaerts ’ admits that the alterations in the Constitution limiting tho miltary were rushed n the Reichstag by the urgent danger of a coup d’etat and not as concessions to President Wilson. The “ Berliner Tageblatt ” states "Tho present’internal struggle is. os much between the military and civil authorities as the discussion of peaces. Discussing Hindenburg and Ludendorff ’s see-saw tactics, the paper adds: "The German people decline to chango their policy according to the temporary humour of the High Command. Wo have had enough of’ the suddenness of the Kaiser’s regime.”

SUBMARINES RECALLED. A POSITIVE ASSERTION. LONDON, October 29. Tlig “ Daily Chronicle,” despite contrary reports, states: —-Tlic Germans have recalled the submarines, and there has been a cessation of submarine warfare for four days. A DANISH REPORT. NEW YORK, October 29. A United Press Washington message states: —Danish advices have been received stating that U-boats, flying the white flag,, nave been seen heading towards K,iel. THE MINE BARRAGE. SUCCESS AGAINST U-BOATS. NEW YORK, October 29. Mr Daniels announced that more than 250,000 mines were laid in a. great anti-submarine minefield across the North Sea, from the Norwegian, coast to within a few miles of Scotland. The British and American Navies co-oper-ated. The mine barrage proved a most effective measure against the U-boats. A. mine loading plant had been established I with a capacity of more than 1000 mines daily. The minefield is the greatest in the world’s history. Mr Daniels said: The success of the special type of mine .used surpassed all expectations.” '

JAPAN’S AIMS. THE PACIFIC”ISLANDS. “ Tlie Timw " Sorvioe. (Received October 30, 7.40 p.in.) TOKT.O, October 29. Baron Osaka, the cx-Premier, writes t]iat Samoa should be left to Britain id America, while Australia will hold few Guinea. Japan considers that the arshalls, Carolines, and Ladrones are valueless, but dangerous in Gorman hands.. As there is no reason why they should’b© given to a third Power, they must' remain in the possession of Julian. fTsingtau,' with the Tsingtau railway, must remain Japanoso, Germany compensating the ex-owners of the property.