ABOUT THE ENEMY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17933, 2 November 1918, Page 9

ABOUT THE ENEMY.

..TURKEY'S ARMISTICE, BICNED BY THE BRITISH ADMIRAL. FREE PASSAGE FOR FLEETS. ~\ [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, November 1. Tha following cable has been reuolved by the Governor General from the Secretary of State for the Colonies: Some days ago General Town shend was liberated in order to inform the British Admiral in Command in the /Egesn that the Government of Turkey asked that negotiations be opened immediately for an armistice. A reply was sent that if the Government of Turkey sent fully accredited plenipotentiaries to Vice-Admiral Calthorpe, he was empowered to inform them of the conditions on which the Allies would agree to cessation of hostilities, and to sign an armistice on those conditions on their behalf. The Turkish plenipotentiary arrived at Mudros early this week, and the armistice was signed by Admiral CalthoVpa on behalf of the Allied Governments on the night of October 30, and comes Into operation at noon on October 31. it is not possible yet to publish the full terms of. the armistice. It includes the free passage of the Allied fleets through the Bosphorous to the Black Sea, the occupation of the forts on the Dardan< elles and the Bospherous necessary to secure their passage, and the immediate repatriation of Allied prisoners of war. The announcement of these terms will be made in both Houses of Parliament this afternoon. (Signed) LONG. SOME OF THE TEEMS. TIGRIS ARMIES SURRENDER. LONDON, October 81. It is asserted that the Turkish capitulation provides that the armies lay down their arms, that the British Fleet will occupy Constantinople, and that prisoners he released forthwith. , In the House of Commons Sir George Care announced that the armistice operated from noon to-day. It provided for a free passage for the fleers to the Bosphorus and the Black Sea and the occupation of ports thereon, and the repatriation of Allied prisoners. General Townsend had already heen leleased. The Turkish armies have surrendered on the Tigris front. REPORTED DNOONDITIOANL SURRENDER NEW YORK, Ootoher 81. Turjcey has surrendered unconditionally. ALLIED FLEET PASSES THE DARDANELLES. A. and N.Z. Cable Association and Renter. LONDON, October 81 (4.56 p.m.) The armistice with Turkey operated from noon to-day. The Allied Fleet passed the Dardanelles at six o'clock this morning. VEESAiLLES COUNCIL. "NO DECISION BEFORE END OF WEEK. (Received November 1, 8.50 p.m.) , ;. PARIS, #*3tober 81. .The conference at Versailles is fully representative of all fhia Allies. •Mr Bona-r Law, Lord Milner, Lord Reading, Sir Erie Geddes amd Lord Wemysa »re assisting Mr Lloyd George and Mr Balfour. It is improbable that the decision will be published before the end ;of the week The proceedings pre more protracted than vu anticipated owing

to Austria's demand for an armistice and other new problems. A subsidiary.naval conference will be held. Sir Eric Geddes and Lord Womyss nhd Admirals Sims and Benson, on behalf of America and other Allied naval men being present. The question of the submarines is proving a difficulty in connection with the naval armistice. It was stipulated in 1871 that the French and German warships should remain on either side of an imaginary line through Dunkirk, but such an arrangement is impossible with the German submarines, whose posi r tion is unknown. TERMS FOR GERMANY. AMERICAN VIEWS. SEVERITY WILL SURPRISE ENEMY. NEW YORK, October 31. The Washington correspondent of the "New York Times " states:—The Allies have not yet sent the terms of an armistice to Germany: The general opinion is that the latest indications are that Germany is willing to make practically any concessions and accept any terms to assure peace, but it is expected that the severity of the armistice and the peace terms the Allies will impose for the purpose of assuring- tha elimination of Germany as a menace to the peace of the world, and make her unable to recommence hostilities, will come as a great shock to German mili.tarists, naval authorities and people. Excellent reasons exist for the Tbelief in official and diplomatic circles that Field Marshal von Hiudenburg flatly told the Kaiser that it was useless to continue fighting. , The belief prevails, on what is considered reliable information, that Austria and Turkey notified Germany that they would sue for a separate peace unless Germany obtained an armistice soon. LIVERPOOL SHIPOWNERS' DEMAND. United Service. (Received November 1, 10.10 p.m.). LONDON, October 31. The Liverpool shipowners / carried a resolution demanding that there should be no return of the German colonies, and insisting on the seizure of German shipping as a part of the indemnity. HINDENBURG'S STATEMENT. neuter's Telegrams. (Received November 1, 7.45 p.m.) AMSTERDAM, Ootobex 81. The Jyiiscr ha? summoned an AlsaceLorraii."* Diet, to meet on Dcember 31. Hindenburg denies the report that ho said the German armies could only resist for a oliort time. He declares that this is untrue. The German army Dnd fleet want capturing. A REPORT DENIED. Heater's Telegram*. (Received November 1, 7.45 p.m.) LONDON, October 81. In the House of Commons, Sir Georga Cave stated that the terms of armisflce with Germany, published this morning, were unauthorised and obviously incorrect. LUDENDORFF'S SUCCESSOR. (Received November 1, 8.50 p.m.) LONDON, October 31. General von Groener, not Groper, succeeds Ludendorff. THE KAISER. READY TO ABDICATE. AMSTERDAM, October 81. The Kaiser, speaking to a number of members or the Reichstag, said that the people must not think he had decided to retain the throne. If the interests of Germany demanded it, ho would abdicate without hesitation, but the moment had not yet come. It is generally believed that when the abdication comes the Kaiser will favour the Crown Prince's eldest son as his successor, under a Regency Council, headed by the Chancellor. NO LONGER POPULAR BERNE, October 31. There are daily demonstrations against the Kaiser. The crowd in Berlin applauded Haase's demand for the Kaiser's abdication and the establishment of a republic. REPORTED ABDICATION. Router's Telegrams. (Received November 2, 10.40 a.m.) VANCOUVER, October 81. A London messago states that high German officials in Copenhagen hava

been informed that the Kaiser has abdicated. REFORMS IN GERMANY. WAITING FOR SIGNATURES. BERNE, October 81. The Bundesrat ha s approved the constitutional changes. The vote of the Reichstag was taken on Saturday. The reforms only need the Kaiser s and the Chancellor's signatures. GERMANY'S ATTITUDE. WILL NOT ACCEPT SHAMEFUL TERMS. (Received November 1, 7.45 p.m.) AMSTERDAM, October 81. The "Kolnischo Volkszeitung" says that' Germany is ready to give military guarantees, but will nob accept shameful terms. KUHLMANN MAY HEAD PEACE MISSION. (Received November 1, 7.45 p.m.) BERNE, October 81. German newspapers announce that von Kuhlmann will bo appointed head of the German mission to the Peace Conference. WAR LOAN AFFECTED. (Received November 1, 7.46 p.m.) AMSTERDAM, October 31. Hamburg papers state that radical class hatred is seriously affecting Germany's ninth war loan- Some persons are selling old war stock. MILITARISM NOT DEAD. "Tha Times" Servioe. (Received November 1, 30.10 p.m.) LONDON, October 31. The Hague correspondent of " The Times '' writes: —Addressing a demonstration at Frankfurt, Herr Haase said that the greatest insanity might yeo become a reality if the hopeless war was continued. Then it would be tha proletariats' work to resist. The correspondent adds that there is no doubt movements for desperate national defence are being organised by the Pan-Germans and other parties. There are indications of the blading up of the militarist spirit, with every species of excess. There will be wild submarining before militarism, which i 5? scotched, is definitely killed. WANING STRENGTH. 2,600,000 CASUALTIES THIS YEAR. (Received November 1, 8.20 p.m.) LONDON, October 81. Whereas in March last the enemy possessed SO fresh reserve divisions, the number is now reduced to 50, of which only seven had had a fortnight's rest, and none have nad a month's. There fore the Germans have not a single division which can bo called fresh. Oases actually occurred in tho last fortnight of the enemy divisions reappearing in the line unable to muster a thousand rifles out of an establishment of 6750 rifles, excluding machine-gun-ners. In one instance a division was reduced to roughly one battalion. During the last six months 25 divisions were disbanded, while in tho last four weeks five third-rate, ill-equipped divisions have been transferred from Russia to the west front. The enemy'9 total shortage in rifles on establishments nifty safely bo taken as over 550,000. It is estimated that since January 1 the enemy's casualties have been 2 ) '500 ) 000, of which 1,000,000 are permanent, while the total 'eserves in the German dopots at present are estimated not to excaed 340,000, including tho greater portion of the 1920 class. Hitherto every effort has heen made to postpone the employment of the later clas*, as it is the sole remaining reserve of the enemy's man-power. Its consumption, will involve serious economic consequences in Germany after the war. It is estimated that of 18,000 German guns of all calibres on the western front in July, 33 per cent have been lost in battle casualties alono. Divisions from Russia thrown into tha battle were not provided with artillery or machine-guns, while the decreasing aircraft activity is a further sign of deficiency in material resources, causing an increasingly serious effect on tho enemy's morale, though nothing like general demoralisation has occurred. It remains to be seen whether tho Entente armies' pressure can be continued with sufficient vigour to cause a general collapse in the enemy's resistance. AUSTRIAN DIVISIONS WITHDRAWN FROM FRANCE. (Received November 1, 8.50 p.m.) LONDON, October 31. Austria is withdrawing divisions from the west front. , Already three have gone. HOW THE ARMY IS KEPT FIRM. Router's Telegrams. (Received November 1, 10.10 p.m.) LONDON, October 31. A captured order, signed by General von Larisch, commanding an army corps of the Busigny sector, dated October 19,'says:—" We will accept a decisive battle on the Lys-Hermann hue, which must be held at any price." The Hermann line is the Scheldt line which we subsequently captured along von Larisch's sector. Another divisional order says:—" The High Command has ordered that the troops shall be made to understand clearly that the Hermann-Stelhing hue must be held at all costs,' for the reason that if this is held there, are good prospects of carrying out peace negotiations or arranging an armistice. If this line is not held, peace in the near future is out of the question. Malts this perfectly clear by word of mouth." Another order says:—"The main obstacle to peace or justice is the unbridled will of the enemy commanders to annihilate the German Army. They hope to achieve this by renewed attacks Only by standing firm can this, scheme of the enemy commanders be frustrated and an honourable peace secured. The enemy infantry is inferior in quality and without capacity of resistance. If we turn our backs on them we are lost, and with us tho whole Gorman Army. If only everyone stands firm our task is easy, and we shall bo able to settle accounts with the enemy. But every man must, stand. That is a question of honour." THE SUBMARINES. NOT ALLOWED TO RETURN UNMOLESTED. (Received November 1, 7.45 p.m.) LONDON, October 31. In the House of Commons, Dr Macnamara stated that the report thajb white-flagged German submarines were allowed to return to their base unmolested was without foundation. ALLIED VIEWS. "VICTORY IN A FEW WEEKS." NEW YORK, October 31. Senator Lodge, in a speech at Bos- j ton. frnidi—Germjuiy, should ba amn.

pelled to pay an indemnity to England, America and neutrals for the destruction of shipping, and should be forced to make reparation for her wrongs to the world at large. We are on the threshold of victory, and the enemy is crumbling. This is no time to negotiate It is the hour to press on. I believe that in a few weeks we shall reach a glorious end. Mr Roosevelt and Mr Taft have issued a joint appeal, urging the people to choose between a negotiated pence and unconditional surrender, adding, "The American people demand unconditional surrender." WAR RISKS DURING AN ARMISTICE. A. and N.Z. Cable Association find Renter. (Received November 1, 7.45 p.m.) LONDON, October 31. The Press Bureau states:—The Board of Trade has announced that war risks on cargo will be decreased 50 per cont incases where vessels sail during an armistice between tho belligerents. PARTITION OF AUSTRIA. THE INEVITABLE E3D. , BERNE, October 31. The latest news from Austro-Hun-gary shows that the supporters if the Emperor Karl are making desperate efforts to preservo the or authority, but the subject nationalists are winning everywhere. Co tint Karolyi agrees with the Czech National Committee's demand that Hungary shall cede the four counties of Kulrocz, Arva, Neutra and Tresonin to the new Czecho-Slovak State. Austria has informed the Polish Government that all the Austro-Hungarian troops have been ordered to evacuate Poland and to hand the civil and military administration over to Polish officials, but asks the Poles to grant Außtro-Hungary a certain quantity of coal and food, to help to mitigate the economic stress. The " Neue Freio Presso" says:—An Austrian moratorium will shortly be decreed. Tho public are in a state cf panic, and are besieging the banks. AN UNDERSTANDING. Reuter'a Telegram*. AMSTERDAM, October 31. The "Wcser Zeitung" says:—Advices from Budapest state that Count Karolyi and Count Andrassy have reached an understanding, under which Count Andrassy will be joint Foreign Minister temporarily Count Karolyi afterwards becoming Hungarian Foreign Minister, and thus completing tho separation of Hungary and Austria. HUNGARIAN" PREMIER. Reutor's Telegrams. BERNE, October 81. Count Hadik has been appointed Hungarian Premier. ARMS DEPOT RAIDED. Rtimer's Tftlctjraraß. BERNE, October 81. Workmen plundered the arms depots at Budapest. BERLIN-VIENNA RAILWAY CUT. NEW YORK, October 31. The Croatian Parliament has voted for independence. The Jugo-Slavs and Czeoho-Slovaks have cut the BerlinVienna railway. EMPEROR RETUR.NS TO VIENNA. United Service. (Received November 1, 10.10 p.m.) LONDON, Ootoher 81. The '/Daily News" Genoa correspondent, writing on Wednesday, states:—Chaos and confusion prevail in Austro-Hungarian Court circles. The Emperor's flight to Budapest occurred in a moment of weakness, and intense mental depression. Ho has now returned to Vienna determined to faco events. The Empress, in the fading light of the Imperial glory, makes a brave, dignified figure. The storm centre is Still Budapest, where the fate of the Hapsburga is being decided. Disorders and street fighting occur daily. Machine gun 3 sweep the streets, and many have been killed or wounded. It is difficult to know whether the Imperialists, the Karolyists or the unruly workers are getting the mastery. GERMAN PRESS BITTER. "The Times" Service. • (Received Noveber 1, 10.10 p.m.) AMSTERDAM, October 31. 'The German Press is bitter against Austro-Hungary. The "Tageblatt" declares: "It is a shameless breach or faith. Karl wants to purchase a merciful peace with a kick at the dying lion? The "Frankfurter Zeitung" says: "The Austro-Hungarian Governments exist only on paper. The power rests with the peoples, amongst whom the Germano-Austrians should bo able to assert their strength. The GermanAustrian Council has appointed* a* Foreign Minister to conduct relations with the Austro-Hungarian Government.'^ Munich reports state that the garrison at Afrana, including the officers, sided with the Croatian Council. _ Prague telegrams describe the joyous demonstrations when the Czechs' Council took over the administration. The Archduke Joseph continues to refuse to recognise Karolyi's authority. The ' rchduko Joseph has decreed that Hungary has full control of foreign affairs and the army. SOLDIERS PROCLAIM REPUBLIC. " The Times " Sorvioe. (Received November 1, 7.45 p.m.) COPENHAGEN, October 31. Great demonstrations in Vienna and Budapest indicate a general revolution. Tho army is breaking up- Soldiers in Budapest proclaimed a republic. COMMUNICATIONS INTERRUPTED. United Service. (Received November 1, 7.45 p.m.) BERNE., October 81. Communication 'becween Agrnm, Fiume, Budapest and Vienna is completely interrupted The Czecho Slovaks have cut tho railways connecting Berlin and Vienna through Oderberg and Bodebach. German trains are held up at Schandau. There was a violent anti-German outbreak, with piUnge and incendiarism, in Slavonia and Croatia. The German quarter of Pozega is in flames, and Esseg and Pacra are destroyed. THE AUSTRIAN: NOTE. SUBMITTED TO ALLIES. NEW YORK, October 81. Mr Lansing announces that the Austrian Note will be submitted to the Allies. DIRECT OVERTURES. The Times Service. LONDON. October 31. There is reason to believe that Count Andrassy has authorised direct overtures to the Italian commanders in the field for an immediate armistice. NO REPLY TO AUSTRIA. (Received November .1, 9-20 P- m -> WASHINGTON, October 31. Mr has .announced that no formal reply has been made to Jo latest Austrian Note, The Swado-h

Ministry had been informed that_ it had been duly forwarded to the Allies. GERMANS IN AUSTRIA. A NEW STATE (Received November 1, 7.45 p.m.) BERNE, October 81. The Executive Council of the new Germano-Austrian State has drafted a Note to President Wilson, claiming all flic Austrian territory in which the German element is in the majority, and claims that its representatives shall be able to attend the Peace Conference. Tho Council desires to negotiate with tho Allies on the basis of President Wilson's fourteen poiuts with the recognition of the Jugo Slav and Czechoslovak independence. The Council claims Moravia and Silesia as preponGerman, and appeals to President Wilson to secure an armistice and tho new Steta s right to self-deter-mination.