THE CENTRAL POWERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17533, 27 January 1919, Page 5

THE CENTRAL POWERS

INDUSTRY PARALYSED. PRAGUE, January 22. The Czecho-Slovak Republic's industrial centres are not operating, because of lack of material. Tho country needs raw materrials and food, but has no money to pay. It has also rich natural resources which it is unable to develop, and it needs Allied aid in this matter.—A. and N.Z. Cable. THE CORRUPT HAPSBURGS. EVIDENCE OF GREAT WASTE. AN ARCHDUKE'S FRAUD ON THE PEOPLE VIENNA, January 23. (Received Jan. 26, at 5.5 p.m.) An investigation of the records at the Ministry of Wart has resulted in startling revelations of malpractices of members of the house of Hapsburg. While the Empire was suffering terrible privation Prince Charles was receiving from the Army Commissariat sufficient to feed 14,000 men, though the household consisted of only seven. The Archduke Frederick, while Commander-in-Chief, engaged in corrupt transactions yielding a profit of many millions of crowns. The Archduke Leopold Salvatare, while Inspector-general, made a million sterling out of the sale of vegetables.

The Archduke Max, the ex-Emperor's brother, indulged in a life of riotous enjoyment at Gounden, and two other Archdukes took large sums from the army funds which were paid to women.

GERMAN TROOPS.

POLES OBJECT TO FREE PASSAGE.

PARIS, January 23. (Received Jan.' 26, at 5.30 p.m.) The French Government has requested the Polish Government to grant a free passage to German troops returning from Ukrainia, adding that if the Government declined the troops would force their own way through. Poland, in reply, insisted on the. disarmament of the troops, for a concession of the requisite rolling stock, and for permission for Poles to immediately occupy Vilna, together with German munitions and other equipment.—A. and N.Z. Cable.

ENEMY INVASION OF POLAND. LONDON, January 23. (Eeceived Jan. 26, at 5.30 p.m.) The Morning Post draws attention to Germany sending troops to Poland, in spite of England's remonstrances. Germany had insolently expressed surprise that she should be requested to refrain from the provocation of the Polish inhabitants in East and West Prussia, in Silesia, and in Posen; suggested that Britain had inadequate information, and proceeded to accuse the Poles of provoking Germans. The newspaper adds that if the Allies permit Germany to attack Poland they not only acquiesce in a crime, but acknowledge that Germany is not conquered. The journal demands firmer methods.