THE GERMAN DEFEAT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 18046, 13 March 1919, Page 5

THE GERMAN DEFEAT.

A PAGE OF WAR HISTORY. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received March 12, 5.5 p.m.) NEW YORK, March 9. A Now York morning newspaper prints excerpts from a book by von Ludendorff (formerly Chief of the German General Staff), explaining his part in the war. Ludendorff says The German Empire mado a decision on January 9, 1917, which meant ruthless submarine war, and the Supreme Army Command was compelled to obey orders. Any subsequent action by President Wilson could not change the Emperor’s policy. « , . , « During the epnng of 1918, when we were still victoriously invading France I confided to the party leaders that it’would be best to make peace as quickly as possible. Early in July, 1918 I hoped it would be possible to force peace by a continuous attack on the enemy lines, but this hope was shattered by the middle of July. After our defeat on August 8 I surrendered all hope and informed the party leaders that by the end of September the enemy could break through the German President Wilson.’s third Note arrived I determined to fight to the bitter end, being unwilling to make an unconditional surrender. We could have held out a few months longer after November, but I a 9 ° ver ruled.