THE AUSTRIAN UNREST.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 1081, 6 February 1918, Page 8

THE AUSTRIAN UNREST.

LONDON, Jah. 23. The Times in a loading article says: ‘‘Caution at LI iiocessary in assessing lln> importance of Austrian unrest. A copious flow of German reports does not show the exact origin or scope of the movement, and does not answer tlie main question —how far the manifestations were organised with the assent and tacit acquiescence of the Austrian authorities. It may be considered advisable to give t lie suffering masses their heads in their demand for food and peace, if only to bring pressure on Germany to grant Austria supplementary food supplies arid strengthen the Austrian at Brest-Litovsk by a popular _ery cl no annexations, which might facilitate the Austrian solution of the Polish question. If the movement spreads to Prague, Budapest, and other non-German centres, it may become clear how far it is genuine and potentially revolutionary/’ An authoritative view in London oi the Austro-Hungarian strikes ie that they have little significance, except as showing how the populace is suffering. They do not indicate a nip in re with Germany, which is regarded as most unlikely at A ionna. Messages from Berlin state that the Kmperor Karl refused the resignations of the Premier {Dr. Von Seidler) and Herr \\ okerle (Premier of Hungary). He commanded them, to retain the Ministers and accede to the popular demands regarding food, tlie extension of the communal fra.nchiso, women’s suffrage, and the civil control of industry. Dr. Seidler further announced tjiat the Government aimed at a speedy general peace without annexations, permitting Poland to settle her own relationships with Austria. Berlin states that all the strikes are ceasing and work is being resumed.