PEACE TALK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3344, 17 April 1918, Page 17

PEACE TALK.

M. Ribot, who was Premier of Franc© at the time, declares that it is absolutely incorrect that the Government took the initiative in any pourparlers with Austria. Any oonversationss which may have occurred between Counts Royerdra and Armand (the respective agents in Switzerland) simply occurred in connection with the -work of the Second Military Bureau, whose role Is to

gather information by all possible moans on tho situation in enemy countries, and no diplomatic importance is attached to its services. M. Cleinenceau, French Premier, has issued a Note regarding Count C'zermn's Jie, in whicn ho (M. Ctemenceau) states that the Austrian Emperor, in a letter written in March, 1917, admitted the justice ot the French ciainis regarding Alsace-Lorraine. All the German newspapers publish a semi-official Noto calling on. the Austrian Government to explain the Emperor Charles's Alsace-Lorramo letter. The Tagoblatt states that the Austrian Foreign Oihce admits that the Emperor and other AustroHungarians made various attempts to secure a general peace. The Austrian Embassy at Berlin officially denies that the Emperor wrote the letter. Tho Austrian Emperor Charles's letter was communicated by Prince Sixte of Bourbon, the Emperor's brother-in-law, to M. Poincaire, French President, on March 31, 1917. Charles heads the manifesto in a precise manner: "It is in reality my sentiments —and 1' beg you to transmit it secretly and unofficially to M. Poincaire—that I should support by all means, using all my personal mliuence with my allies, the just claims of Franco relative to Alsace-Lorraine, and that Belgium should be re-established in her sovereignty, keeping her African possessions."

The Emperor Charles has telegraphed to the Kaiser indignantly denying that he recognised that France has a just claim on Alsace-Lorraine.

The Kaiser, replying to the Emperor Carl's telegram disavowing tho AlsaceLorraine letter, says: "I have not doubted for a moment that you place German affairs on an equal plane with your own. Since we are united in behalf of the rights of your monarchy, we must expect the enemy to make efforts to divide us." It is officially stated in Vienna that tho Emperor Carl's letter to Prince Sixte of Bourbon was fraudulently altered, and that Prince Sixte (who is tho Emperor's brother-in-law) instituted negotiations with a view to bringing about a rapprochment among the belligerents. Carl wrote to him a private letter, not destined for M; Poincaire, and not containing any instructions that Sixto should mitiate any negotiations. Tho letter contained no mention of Belgium, ann in regard to Alsace-Lorraine it stated that Austria would support the French claims if they were just; but they were unjust. An official statement in reply to the Vienna official statement says that Prince Sixte showed M. Poincaire the original oi the Emperor Carl's le'ttefj as published, and two of the Prince's friends oan attest the letter's authenticity. The official statement asks regarding Alsace-Lorraine: "Is it not evident that no conversations could take place with Prince Sixte if the Emperor's letter contested our rights instead of affirming them?" PRESIDENT WILSON'S RECENT SPEECH. The New York World's Washington correspondent states that official despatches state that a mass meeting of Czechs at Prague (Bohemia) denounced Count Czernin and approved President Wilson's speeoh. The Austrian labour situation is critical, and Czernin has been forced to abandon his visit to Bucharest because of his country's internal troubles. Vorwarts, commenting on President Wilson's Baltimore speech, says: "If Germany does not finish the war by military means her future is in darkness. It does not look bright oven if she does succeed in finishing tho war by next spring or summer. Therefore there is no other solution than complete victory." Mr Arthur Henderson, M.P., addressing the London Wesley'an Mission, said that in the past fortnight Britain had faced a trying ordeal, and had displayed unshakeablo confidence. The latest attack had unified the people and drawn them together in a concentrated and determined effort. He (Mr Henderson) had favoured a policy of conciliation, believing that humanity's interests demanded that the war should not continue longer than was necessary to secure an honourable, clean, and democratic peace; but tho latest military aggression had involved a temporary suspension of moral and diplomatic effort. Germany's offensive, following on her shameful treatment of Russia, had made conciliation difficult. Mr Henderson agreed with President W'ilson that organised brutality, coupled with arrogant autocracy, must be destroyed. Although tho continuance of the fight would bo costly, wo must await a change of me.ntality in the German Government and people. GERMANY'S NEW TERMS. Dr JTelfferich (Minister of the Interior), speaking at Stuttgart, said: "We are fight;ng for our life against England's political system. We •Jiall c*onquer in the west as in the east. We must undo England's gains in tho colonies, Mesopotamia, Persia, and China. We must not emerge crippled by tho war, and we must not be excluded from universal commerce, which is England's aim." The Taglische Rundschau states that tho German Government has definitely annulled the Reichstag's peace resolution, in which it declared for no annexations and no indemnities. Sections of the Reichstag majority parties, including the Socialist majority, have accepted the Government's peace programme, comprising the annexation of French 'territories and the Flemish coast, with large indemnities. The Bremen Weser Zeitung states that many Germans have abandoned all hope of recovering the South Sea colonies; but their products are immensely valuable, and their situation is such as to render 'them essential for Germany's wond trade as coaling and wireless stations. Perhaps it would be possible, suggests the paper, in the peace negotiations to pit the conflicting interests of Britain, Japan, and America against one another, and eo result in tho German recovery of the colonies. GERMAN INTERNAL AFFAIRS. Le Matin's Zurich correspondent says that tho postponement of Chancellor von Hcrtling's intended _ speech in the Reichstag surprised The postponement is attributed to serious dissension between Ministers and Ludondorff, who threatens to resign if Hertling and Czernin make any more peace speeches, which he declares weakens the German army's morale and endanger his miltiary plans. The Kaiser advised von Hertling to postpone his speech. German soldiers at Beverloo Camp, Limburg (Belgium) mutinied when ordered to proceed to the front. They shot three officers dead and wounded many. Tho mutiny was quelled, and 17 soldiers were arrested.

ARGENTINE SYMPATHY

The United Press special correspondent at Buenos Aires interviewed the President (Senor Irigoyen), who said: " Argentina's sympathetic approval has followed the United States step by step. Argentina is not indifferent to the international conflict, but the difficulies of her position are not fully understood." The interviewer asked why Argentina resisted the people's ardent desire to break with Germany. Senor Irigoyen replied: When affronted by Germany, we demanded an apology and reparation, and both were granted; therefore Argentina, under the law, was unable to proceed further despite the individual wishes and national sentiments. There is no reason to doubt what action we will take in the event of further German affront." HIGH COMMANDERS. In the House of Commons Mr Bonar Law, replying to a question regarding General Foch, said the Versailles (Supreme War) Council, so far as working out details was concerned, was still going on. General Foch, who was chairman, of the council, had been necessarily occupied with other work; Ho was appointed generalissimo with the full approval not merely of the Governments, but of the generals concerned with the direct strategy of both armies. He was exercising the powers of generalissimo, directing the strategy in the present battle. Major-general Sackville-West has been appointed British miltiary representative on the Supremo War Council at Versailles, in place of General Rawlinson. CONGRATULATIONS AND SYMPATHY. Lord French has telegraphed to Sir Douglas Haig: " In heart and thought 1 am with you and my old comrades in this time of trial. I am confident that the lustre which has illuminated our glorious army in every phase of the campaign will continue to snine as brightly as ever." The Emperor of Japan has sent_ a message to King George complimenting him on the bravery and steadfastness of the British on the west front, and .expressing his confidence in the Allies' final triumph. The King replied, expressing his cordial thanks, and sharing the Emperor's confidence in the triumph of our cause. King Emanuel has sent the following message to President Wilson on the anniversary of America's entrance into the war: The powerful support of the United States stiffens the resistance of the people and soldiers of Italy, who are full of faith in the justice of <iur common cause, and await confidently the expected enemy offensive." PRODUCTION OF MUNITIONS. In the Houso of Commons Mr Kellaway outlined the progress made in the production of munitons. The increase in the first two months of 1918, as compared with last year, amounted to: Light guns, 30 per cent.; medium, 57 per cent. ; heavy, 38 per cent.; machine guns, 06 per cent.; shells, 83 per cent.; tanks, 39 per oent. j aeroplanes, 223 per cent. The average weekly production of aeroplanes in 1918 equalled the average production for two months in 1915, while one week's production of machine guns equalled the output for five months in 1915. Over 100,000 men were released for the army in 1917. The army was as well equipped to-day as when the German offensive began. All the guns lost had been replaced, and we were now actually stronger in machine gun 3 than at the beginning of the battle, and nearly as strong, if not stronger, in tanks, those lost being replaced by a superior model. GERMAN TREATMENT OF WAR PRISONERS. Mr Justice Younger's Committee inquiring into the German treatment of war prisoners behind the lines has issued its report, which says: The British and German Governments agreed a year ago not to employ prisoners within 30 kilometres of the firing-line; but the Germans continuously broke the agreement, whereas the British observed the letter and spirit of the agreement. The Germans employed British prisoners at war work at Cambrai and Lillo under pain of death. Many were killed and wounded by British guns, and many died from starvation and overwork. A private who, 'when starving, fell ■ out of the line in order to pick up a morsel of bread on the roadside, was shot and killed by the guard. The committee secured a great amount of incontrovertible evidence, confirming stories of ill-treatment, including scantiness of rations, cruelly inadequate lodgings ? absence of fires in winter, and insanitation. Tho report declares that the amount of preventible suffering can hardly be # exaggerated. The prisoners' lot was an intolerable record of calculated ill-treatment that will send a shiver throughout the civilised world and steel the heart of every Briton never to rest until this race of savage beasts is crushed. ASSISTANCE FROM SOUTH AFRICA. The great recruiting rally opened at Capetown on the Bth. All business places were closed at mid-day. Overflowing Intercession services were held in churches, halls, and theatres. The South African Government announces that, in view of the urgent necessity for recruits, it has been decided that only absoluely essential works shall be carired on. and non-essential works are to bo stopped till the end of the war. The Government desires that the services of women and returned soldiers shall be utilised as far as possible in tho public service. They will also allow recruiting agents access to Government offices for the purpose of obtaining recruits, this latter concession having hitherto been refused. In vow of the gravity of the stiuatioii revealed by Mr Lloyd George's speech, it is suggested that South Africa should increase its brigade on the west front to a division. The Cape province Federation of Labour unanimously resolved on calling on every trades union to accept the challenge of tho foe and use its utmost endeavours to secure every available enlistment forthwith, to onsure' the security of future democracy by a supreme effort for a speedy and triumphant peace. The Hon. H. Burton, Minister of Railways and Finance, made a vehement speech against the Republican propaganda, which, he said, was beginning to show itself again owing to the present conditions of the war. He declared that the Government would not change their war policy even if they stood alone as 10 men. Much of the Nationalists' talk was treachery. They were like Sinn Foiners, and stood for nothing but egotistical isolation. Mr Burton urged that it was time to close their ranks against treason

and dishonour. The speech aroused enthusiasm. NEWFOUNDLAND'S LOYALTY. The Newfoundland Legislature will meet on the 23rd inst. to consider what measures shall be take i to maintain the strength of . tho Newfoundland Regiment. An Order- i in-Council forbids the departure from the colony of any eligible unmarried men. GERMAN PROPAGANDA. Tile Morning Post's Zurich correspondent says that Swiss newspaper readers are being regaled with every scrap of information j suggesting that the English people are los- ! ing heart Tho German? consider the mili- ! tary position now strong enough to justify ; a candid disclosure of their aim to occupy j *«» P l^ o which they expect that the British Empire will bo compelled to vacate. ' BOLO'S REVELATIONS. Bolo'e execution has been postponed to allow him to make a statement, which may bear upon other cases before the courts. ' The postponement is unprecedented in French judicial annals; but his revelations are of enormous importance, and it is necessary that 8010 should confront those whom he accuses. Bolo's revelation in the condemned cell on the 11th occupied five hours. I 8010 s counsel holds out the hope tha't 8010 may escape shooting, as he persists that he is innocent of treason. ANZAC DAY. Mr Fisher and Sir Thomas Mackenzie are arranging for Anzac Day celebrations. Combined Australian and New Zealand religious services will be held, at which addressee will bo given by padres, at the Central Hall, | Westminster, in the morning, and at a : theatre in the afternoon. A concert will be j held in tha evening. ' j STRIPPING FOR THE BATTLE. The Archbishop of York', in a speech, said that Britain was stripping for a great I battle. _ Ho did not doubt 'that victory would be achieved. France stands undaunted »nd unconquerable, and the decision to conscript the Irish shows that Britain is prepared to make any sacrifice and to take any risk to ensure success. "I will tell England that the American spirit has been aroused, and that she will stand by till the end." ' j NEW ZEAL-ANDERS DECORATED. J. C. Alexander, of the New Zealand Artillery, has been awarded a bar to the Military Medal. Two New Zealanders were : awarded Military Medals. For services culminating in the capture ' of Jerusalem, General Chauvel has been created Commander of the Bath, and tho New Zealander, Lieutenant-oolonel C. J. j Powles a Companion of St. Michael and St,. | George. Distinjruished Service Order to Captain R. P. Harper (New Zealand). j Military Cross to Lieutenant A. Hall (Wellington Rifles), M. E. Johnson (Auckland Rifles), R. Mackenzie (Camel Corps), '■ and R. T. Patrick (Engineers). " j VARIOUS ITEMS. j King Alphonso's intervention resulted in ' the reprieve of 18 out of 26 Belgians, in- ! eluding several priests, who had been condemned to death. King Aiphonso is continuing his efforts on behalf of others. According to the Daily Express Geneva correspondent, a telegram from Strassburg states that Hinderiburg is in hospital there

with a slight wound, due to a bomb irona an allied aeroplane on the western front. It is reported that the Kaiser is suffering from mental exhaustion as a result of hitf extreme activity during the offensive, and has decided to rest, transferring the supremo command to von Ludcndorff. Tho Belgian relief ship Comte Do Het Denacver struck a mine and sank off the Dogger Bank, 12 being drowned. A French Ministerial degree places General Sarrail, who is superseded in tho Salonika command in consequence of hia connection with M- Cailleaux's machinations, on the second reserve list. The American War Department ha« removed tho statute of Frederick the Grea* from the front of the War College. The. British Government has decided to erect a National War Museum as a war memorial. It will be of huge dimension*. Eight thousand valuable war mementoef have boon already presented, in addition .t» the great collection secured by official committees. . ■ _ An impressive service was held at tot* Paul's, London, in memory of nurses who have died on service during the war. The attendance included Royalty. The roll Ot honour included names from the New Zea* land and other dominions' army nursing services . , The Daily Mail says that authority ha» been given for promotions up to the rank of general by selection instead of by seniority. This facilitates the immediate advance of young officers who liave proved their brilliant qualifications for leadership. An American correspondent on the wes| front relates that a man in the uniform of a British staff officer drove up in an automobile and ordered the British commander to retire three miles. The British commanded became suspicious, and searched the staff officer, "who proved to bo a disguised German. He was immediately shot. RECRUITING IN AUSTRALIA. Invitations to attend the Governor-gene, ral's conference to discuss the Imperial Government's appeal for reinforcements were sent to Mr Hughes, the Minister for Repatriation, the leaders of the Labour parties in both the Federal Housee, the Premier* and leaders of the Oppositions in the various States, the presidents of the Federal and State Employers' Federations and Labour bodies. The Sydney Labour Council has accented the -invitation, but tho Melbourne Trades Hall declined acceptance. The Conference met in Melbourne on tho 12th. but press representatives were not admitted. It is officially announced that the discussion dealt with economic conditions, administration, the War Precautions Act regulations, and press censorship. Tho Governor-general, in his opening addrees. earnestly stressed the _ necessity for all parties to work in unity in view of tho seriousness of the war situation. Captain Carmichael, of New South Wales, appealed for 1000 recruits to return to tho front with him by June L The appeal gave quite a fillip to recruiting in Sydney, and 100 volunteered up. to the 12th. The Lord Mayor of Sydney member of Captain Carmichael's thousand winning the Victoria Cross, ancT £2OO for the first gaining the D.O. Medal. A number of businessmen in Sydney have offered to insure the 1000 men for £2OO each. AUSTRALIA'S WAR LOAN. Mr Watt has announced that tha Government will extend the closing date of the War Loan to April 24.

It is officially announced that the subscriptions to the War Loan had reached £36,000,000 on the 12th. m At Her Majesty's Theatre in Melbourne on the 6th £400.000 was subscribed to the War Loan. A tank -visited 'the Melbourne Stock Exchange, when £325,000 was subscribed. In addition to the £50,000 subscribed to the War Loan at Randwick Racecourse the Lord Mayor of Sydney caught sportsmen at Tattersall's Club on settling day, and raised £117,000. The utilisation of '{tanks'.' in connection with the campaign yielded excellent There was, up to the 9th, also great rivalry between, the various cities and towns. Sydney had badly outdistanced Melbourne, with subscriptions totalling £5,793,860, as against Melbourne's £1,360,910. There was tremendous enthusiasm in Sydney during the closing hours of the War Loan. The banks were besieged, and it is expected that the loan will be fully subscribed.