PEACE PROPOSALS

Otago Witness, Issue 3372, 30 October 1918, Page 20

PEACE PROPOSALS

EXCHANGE OF NOTES CONTINUED.

GERMANY ASKS FOR AN ARMISTICE. AUSTRIAN EMPIRE GOING TO PIECES. TURKEY SEEKING PEACE. (By Cable.) GERMAN REPLY TO PRESIDENT WILSONA German official states: Germany's reply to President Wilson is as follows : In accepting proposals for the evacuation of occupied territories, the German Government has started from the assumption that the procedure of this evacuation and.the. conditions of the armistice should be left to the judgment of military advisers, and the actual standard of power of both sides in the field must form the basis of an arrangement safeguarding and guaranteeing the standard. The German Government suggests to the President that an opportunity should be arranged for fixing details, and trusts that the President will approve of no demand irreconcilable with the honour of the German people and with' the opening of a way to a peace of justice. The German Government protests against the reproach of illegal and inhuman actions made against the German land and sea forces, and thus against the German people. For covering a retreat destructions will always be necessary, and in so far are permitted by international law. The German troops are under the strictest instructions to spare private property and exercise care with the population to the best of their ability. Where transgressions' occur, despite these instructions, the guilty are punished. The German Government further denies that the navy, in sinking ships, ever purposely destroyed lifeboats with passengers. The Government proposes, regarding all these charges, that the facts be cleared up by neutral commissions in order to avoid anything hampering, the work towards peace. \ The German Government has despatched orders to all submarine commanders precluding the torpedoing of passenger ships, without, however, for technical reasons, being able to guarantee that the orders will reach every single submarine at sea before its return.

As a fundamental condition of peace, the President prescribes the destruction of every arbitrary power that can separately, secretly, and of its own single choice, disturb the peace of the world. To this the German Government replies that hitherto the representation of the people of the German Empire has not been endowed with influence on the formation of the Government. The Constitution did not provide for the concurrence of representatives of the people in decisions of peace and war. These provisions must now undergo a fundamental change. A new Government has been formed in complete accordance with the principle of the representation of the people, based on equal universal, secret, and direct franchise. The leaders of the great parties in jthe Reichstag are members of this Government. In future no. Government can take or continue in office without possessing the confidence of the majority of the Reichstag. The responsibility of the Chancellor of the Empire to the representatives of the people is being legally developed and safeguarded. The first act of the new Government has been to lay before the Reichstag a Bill to alter the Constitution of the Empire in order to require the consent of the representatives of the people for decisions of war and peace. The permanence of the new system is, however, guaranteed not only by constitutional safeguards, but also by the unshakeable determination of the German people, whose vast majority stands behind these reforms and demands their energetic continuance. , The President's question with whom he and the Governments associated against Germany are dealing is, therefore, answered in a clear and unequivocal manner by the statement that the offer of peace and an armistice emanated from a Government which is free from any. arbitrary, irresponsible' influence, and is 6jip ported by the approval of an overwhelming majority of the German people. (Signed) Solf, Berlin. October 20, 1918.

Generally speaking, the German Note puzzles Washington. Some think it a clumsy effort to tell the world that Germany is rapidly reforming her system of government, but "without admitting it in so many words. Others think it is an attempt to continue negotiations in the hope that President Wilson will be induced to be more merciful in imposing terms.

PRESIDENT WILSON'S LAST REPLY. GERMANY CANNOT BE TRUSTED. President Wilson, replying to Germany's Note, demands Germany's surrender and the enforced abdication of the Kaiser. Mr Wilson states that the nations of the world do not tru6t those who have been masters of the German policy. The President says he has transmitted to the Allies his correspondence with Germany, and i suggests that if they feel so disposed they may establish, together with the United "States, the terms of such an armistice as would fully protect the Allies' interests. He states that the United States cannot deal with anyone but veritable representatives of the German, people, and must be assured of their genuine constitutional standing as the real rulers of Germany. Any armistice ■ must make a renewal of hostilities by Germany impossible.

Following the assurance of the Note, the Government has announced that the shipments of United States troops to France during the war exceed two million. The Government is prepared, if necessary, to apply the doctrine of force without stint.

After covering the points already cabled, the text of President Wilson's reply adds: Should th<3 Allied Governments, to whom will be submitted all the correspondence, deem an armistice possible from a military, point of view, the acceptance of such terms as might be laid down would afford the bast concrete evidence of Germany's unequivocal acceptance of the terms and the principles of peace upon which the whole Allied action proceeds. Mr Wilson then says: The Presiden would deem himself lacking, in candour did he not point out in the frankest possible terms the reason why extraordinary safeguards must be demanded. Significant and important as the constitutional changes proposed in Germany seem to be which are spoken of by the German Foreign Secretary (Dr Solf), it does not appear that the principle of a Government responsible to the German people has yet been fully worked out, or that any guarantees either exist, or are in contemplation, that the alterations in principle and practice, now practically agreed upon, will

be permanent. Moreover, it 'does not appear that the heart of the present difficulty has been reached. It may be that future wars •tve been brought under the control of the German people, but the present -war has not been; and it is with the present war that we are dealing. It is evident that the German people have no means of commanding the acquiescence of the military authorities of the German. Empire in the popular will. That is still in the power of the Kins; of Prussia, whose control of the policy of the German Empire is unimpaired. That determining initiative still remains with those who hitherto have been the- masters of Germany/ " Feeling that the whole peace_ of ther world depends now on plain speaking and straightforward action, the _ President deems it his duty to say, without any attempt to soften what may seem harsh words, that the nations of the world do not, and cannot, trust the word of those who have hitherto guided German policy, and to point out once more that, in concluding peace and attempting to undo the infinite injuries and injustices of this war, the Government of the United States cannot deal with any but the veritable representatives of the German people, and those representatives must first have been

assured of their genuine and constitutional standing as the rulers of Germany. "If Ave must,.deal with the military masters and monarchical autocrats of Germany now, or if wo are likely to have to deal with them later, in regard to the interntional obligations of the German Empire, we must demand, not. peace negotiations, but surrender. Nothing can be gained by leaving this essential thing unsaid." President Wilson consulted the Allied Governments with the object of ascertaining their views with reference to the reply to Germany. It is understood that he was largely guided by the attitude of the Supreme War Council. GERMANY AGAIN SEEKS AN ARMISTICE. Germany has replied to President Wilson, asking for an armistice in the name of the German people. The German reply to Mr Wilson points out the changes in the German Constitution, and says: The peace negotiations are being conducted by the people's Government, to whom the military powers are subject. The reply says the Government ■ is awaiting the. proposals of the armistice .as the first step "towards' a just peace, such as was laid down in Mr Wilson's principles. Mr Lloyd George has gone. to France suddenly. -BRITISH VIEWS'ON THE GERMAN ■ ■ NOTE. A British Cabinet Council considered the German reply; but it technically concerns the United States only, so there has beenno public announcement of the result. The general impression is that the reply is utterly unsatisfactory, and amounts to a mere quibble. It fails to recognise Germany's military defeat. Navy opinion favours a demand for the • surrender of all XJ boats prior to an armistice being granted. - ■" Referring to the German reply, a prominent Labour member of the Commons said:"My answer to the Huns is 'Go to Hell.' "

British newspapers generally regard Germany's reply as an admitted desire to gain time.

The Daily News urges the Allies to be armed for any emergency, and says it is urgently necessary to co-ordinate the Entente's political, front. It also declares that a section of the press is playing the German game in hinting that the European Allies must have their own policy (apart from America).

FRENCH OPINIONS. Le Journal- lays: A debacle is approaching, and the Germanic "bloc" is crumbling. It appears, however, that,the German people do not hate the ICaker, but merely regard him ate a man whose day is done. The Crown Prince is regarded , with contempt, > Many think he is the cause of all the bloodshed. The only man whom sober "observers in Germany mark as a successor to the Kaiser is Prince Rupprecht of Bavaria, the Hohenzollerns merely to retain the title of King of Prussia. «.

French Parliamentary circles and the .press regard the .German reply as wilfully equivocal and tortuous, especially as regards an arnvistice. They do not consider that the pretended constitutional reforms in Germany afford any guarantee of tionL'Homme Libre says: The German reply is v an evil scrap of paper, impregnated with lying and hypocrisy. ITALY DISTRUSTFUL. The Italian feeling is strongly distrustful of Germany's Note, claiming that a dissolution of enemy States from -within or complete victory on enemy territory has become, necessary. AMERICAN OPINIONS. The New York Times, commenting on the German Note, says: "The reply reads -". false. It is coloured with those deceptions and that hypocrisy which Ve have come to regard as inseparable from the processes of the German mind. The press of New York and other cities generally considers that Germany knows she is beaten, but is unwilling to surrender at the present stage. All the papers agree that' the Note is unsatisfactory. Mr Taft, interviewed at Philadelphia, said: " Another German Peace Note has come, but we are ,no nearer peace. Germany has adopted a popular form of Government overnight as it were. But where are the Hohenzollerns ? Have they surrendered? Who controls the German army and navy? It is difficult to be patient with such a travesty at this time. We hope that an answer from America will be sent closing the chapter of useless negotiations. Senator Lodge, in a statement, says: Germany's latest Note is a clumsy trap merely to involve the United States in diplomatic discussions. The Note is varnished over with false flattery. It is inconceivable that anyone could be taken in by it. The only answer ought to \be that Germanv must surrender unconditionally.

A STRONG RESOLUTION. Senator Poindexter has introduced a joint resolution in Congress proposing that Congress shall forbid further negotiations by the United States with Germany until the German forces have surrendered unconditionally. The resolution further calls for the prosecution of the war with the utmost vigour, and for the occupation and control of such German territory as can be obtained by force until peace negotiations are concluded. The resolution also declares that it shall be unlawful for any official of the American Government to answer any message, Note, or representation from Germany on the subject of peace or an armistice. The resolution has been referred to the Foreign Relations Committer.

AMERICAN OPINION ON THE PRESIDENT'S REPLY. iJOpinion on the President's reply to the German Note somewhat varies, but the general comment on it is favourable. It Is believed that the reply is tantamount to a demand for Germany's unconditional 6urrender or consent to an armistice on terms which would practically force Germany's capitulation. Some Senators and public men consider the reply satisfactory, while others regret that the President did not flatly impose unconditional surrender. Ex-President Taft said: "This message *«is the strongest Note that has come from our President. " He is getting nearer and nearer to the demand for unconditional surrender. For the first time he fully recognises the part our Allies are to play on peace-making." Senator Lodge said: " While I agree that if we must deal with autocratic Germany we must insist on unconditional surrender, my opinion is that there is no German Government existing with whom to discuss anything. I deplore any exchange of Notes with Germany at this stage, when we are advancing to complete our victory. Our only course now is to demand unconditional surrender. When reports are received that the German army lias surrendered, then the Allies and the United States can agree as to what terms they shall impose." The United Press Washington correspondent learns that the armistice terms include the occupation of all the munition plants in Germany, the Allies' possession of the German battleships, the surrender of the U boats, and the evacuation of Alsace-Lorraine and Poland.

The press throughout the country generally praise the Note. A few papers regret the exchange of Notes withj Germany. Official circles are already I debating the probable terms of armistice that are likely to be formulated for presentation to Germany. The is expressed that President Wilson has finished Note-writing, and that unless Germany agrees to the latest stipulations correspondence will end. The position is described as meaning Germany's surrender, with the disappearance of her War Lords, or else a continuance of fighting. In a telegram from Oyster Bay to Senator Lodge embodying his comment on President Wilson's reply to Germany, Mr Rooseveb said "T earnestly trust that the Senate will take affirmative action' against a negotiated peace with Germany, and in favour of peace based on unconditional surrender. I hope the senate will declare against the adoption of President Wilson's 14 points as offering a basis for peace satisfactory to the United States. Let us dictate peace by hammering guns, and not by a chat about peace to the accompaniment of clinking typewriters. The language of the 14 points and the subsequent, explanations of them are . neither straightforward nor plain. The 14 points are satisfactoryto Germany, pro-Germans, pacifists, and Socialists.

ENGLISH PRESS VIEWS. The Standard says that President Wilson's reply' means that the war will continue until Germany admits complete defeat, disposing of any fear that President Wilson would be' hoodwinked by Prussian trickery or involved in a long discussion of empty generalities. The draft of the armistice includes a demand for the immediate exchange of all prisoners on the lines of The Hague agreement.

The Westminster Gazette' says that democratic nations will be grateful to President Wilson for forcibly projecting the issues between free people and military despotism into the foreground. The choice now rests -with the German people to say who shall rule them.

The Pall Mall Gazette says that President Wilson carries an iron hand under a velvet glove. His answer will be enthusiastically endorsed by' the peoples and armies of the civilised Powers.

GERMAN CHANCELLOR'S SPEECH. NO PEACE BY VIOLENCE. In the Reichstag Prince Max stated that Germany refused to surrender unconaifionallv. Germany is anxious for peace, but will continue to fight rather than accept peace .by violence. In the "Reichstag the Chancellor, in his speech, said the whole German people were anxious to hear the Government's views on the prospects of the success of the peace effort. President Wilson's first answer to the German Government's peace move,- brought the question of a peace of justice or a peace by violence to the forefront in all countries. He hoped Mr Wilson's next answer would set all doubts at rest.. Until then the German people must prepare for both eventualities. Either the enemy Governments were anxious for war, in which case the Germans would fight defensively with all the force of a people driven to the last extremity; or the enemy Governments were in favour of going to the conference" table. In the latter case the German people were entitled to ask: " What does a peace based, on President Wilson's conditions mean for Germany's future?" That was a question of stupendous import, for it was not Germany's strength which would decide what was right, but the decision would result from what was thought i-ight in free discussion with Germany's opponents. That was a great change for a proud people accustomed to victory. It had been represented to him that acceptance of Mr Wilson's conditions would mean the submission of questions of legality to an anti-German Court of Justice. If that were so, why, asked the Chancellor, did the extreme apostles of force in the Entente fear tha Council Chamber as the "guilty feared a court of justice? The essence of President Wilson's programme was a League of Nations, which meant the abandonment of unqualified national independence and sovereignty, both by Germany and others. If Germany maintained as a fundamental that national egoism which Jiill recently had been dominant, the bitterness which would

thereby be engendered would cripple them for generations. They must comprehend that the significance of this was frightful. This war. was a' victory for the ideal of Justice, and, if they submitted to this ideal, they would find in it a cure for . their present wounds and a reservoir of future strength. When he advocated a League of Nations as a source of consolation and new force, he did not deny that heavy opposition must bo the outcome before the ideal was realised. Whatever the next few days and weeks bi'ought—whether war or peace—the German people would -be best prepared for either by carrying the Government's programme and definitely breaking away from the old system. " The Chancellor then outlined the reforms in the Prussian franchise and the Constitution of the Imperial Government, under which the Reichstag would wshare responsibility with the Chancellor for the Imperial policy. The reforms also included a measure of autonomy for Alsace-Lorraine. He said the reform measures would include a Bill altering the Imperial Constitution, in order to embody fundamental idea's of the new form of government. This Bill would give the Reichstag, as the house of the people's representatives, joint responsibility in deciding questions of peace and war, but not till the League of Nation's takes practical shape and abolishes secret treaties.

The Chancellor dealt at length with the modifications of military rule and amnesties for political prisoners already decreed, emphasising that they were proposed by the Kaiser. Thus the Chancellor's new form of government harmonised with constitutional precedents. He anticipated criticisms of "the political changes, but would welcome them, because opposition was the breath of parliamentary life. He asserted that he and his colleagues were unanimous in the purpose of giving the German people political authority. Prince Max concluded bv extolling the army, confronted by superior . forces,- and by appealing to the people to defend the soldiers against unjust charges, and to give the army the men, material, and food it needed.

.A REICHSTAG DISCUSSION. In the Reichstag debate following Prince Max's speech, Herr Westarp said : "We expect the war to continue with new strength after President Wilson's second answer. We stand by the Goverriment. Germany will never accept a .dishonourable peace.." Herr Naumann said: "We were entitled to hope for victory after our military successes, t. We hear to-day with bitterness that' we have lost." m The Reichstag passed a resolution of confidence in Prince. Max.

In the Reichstag iDr Sol f said that Denmark acknowledged by_ the 1907 treaty that the point, now raised had been nullified. The Government proposed to continue reforms in Alsace-Lorraine, but it would not anticipate a solution. A discussion on Polish questions aroused a tumult.

Herr von Schenck declared that the army was still unbeaten. The situation was grave, but not desperate. » Heir Noske declared that annexation of the German colonies was not in accordance with President Wilson's principles. Herr Ledebour demanded that the population of Denmark should be allowed to decide whether they would belong to Denmark or Germany.

The sitting was interrupted dramatically by the arrival of President Wilson's Note, which a 'sectional meeting discussed. The German newspapers are dissatisfied, but many regard the Note as progress towards peaces .

The Boui'se was optimistic, and prices rose. , * After President Wilson's last message was received comment in the German Reichstag was largely devoted to Dr Solf's denial of any intention to repudiate Mr Wilson's proposals, and expressing Ger many's willingness to agree to regulate Alsace-Lorraine by the peace negotiations, and in justice and fairness loyally to fulfil Mr Wilson's 'programme; also to von Payer's expression in favour of unequivocal houesty and endeavour to win the world's confidence. Another subject of comment was Germany's offer to return to Belgium the stolen public treasures and pictures which, it is alleged, were taken only to 'ensure their safety. De Ledebour, Socialist, speaking in the Reichstag, said that the old regime in its entirety must go; an end must be made of the whole monarchical system. Herr von Payer protested, pointing to the Kaiser's recent actions as proofs of his Vchanged attitude. BRITISH PRESS. COMMENTS. comments on the fuller reports of the Reichstag debate remark that there is a notable change in tne tone of the principal speakers.. - Admiral von Payer, Vice-Chancellor, admitted that the present reforms were not final, and niqst be extended. He declared that the German people need peace, and he admitted that their enemies' distrust of German sincerity was not groundless. Von Payer reproached the Conservatives, whose whole policy was responsible for Germany's predicament.

THE KAISER. DEMANDS FOR ABDICATION. Advices from Germany state that ths Empress is suffering from a mental disease. The Kaiser's piety is intense under stress of recent events. The Kaiser is suffering from nervous prostration, and his condition is critical. His children have been summoned to his bedside. Spanish influenza has seized the Chancellor, Prince Max. Maximilian Harden, the Berlin journalist, addressing a gathering of several thousands in Berlin, declared that the Kaiser

must shoulder the cross of seeking a peace based on the enemy's military superiority, and must therefore be shorn of his despotic powers.

L'lnlonnation prints reports from Berlin to the effect that huge crowds outside the Reichstag building demanded the abdication of the Kaiser and the establishment of a republic. The bocial Democrats are holding mass meetings in all parts of Germany, which are crowded. They demand a republican government and the abdication of the Kaiser, on the ground that the war will only continue in order to ensure the Hohenzolierns' throne.

The Kolnische Zeitung and the Lokal Anzeiger protest strongly against sacrificing the Kaiser. / The Leipzeiger Volkszeitung states that the police in Berlin and other large cities are armed with poison gas bombs. The Confederate German Princes met at Berlin on Wednesday to "discuss the Kaiser's abdication.

Tension is growing in political circles at Berlin. The .Liberals accuse the PanGermans of plotting to obstruct the Government's reforms. The Kaiser attended a Prussian Crown Council; most important decisions are believed to be imminent.

The Hague .correspondent of The Times states: The Munich Post reprints' from the Soviets' newspaper a letter which the Kaiser wrote ;to the Emperor Charles: "My Reichstag exhibits cursedly the ban of leadership. • These Socialists, Jews, and ultramontaine Catholics should ,be lianged separately to a post." ,The correspondent comments: The aVdCnt desire in even the highest circles that the Kaiser and his son should and so facilitate a solution of the frightful crisis is not susceptible of being rendered stronger even by such disclosures. \

The ever-growing demand in Germany for the Kaiser's abdication is the main topic of public conversation. The Frankfurter Zeitung states: Although the Kaiser is doubtless actuated by the best intentions, nothing can alter the fact that during 30 years ho has made himself the symbol of the old regime. The German people are for an Emperor not such as he. The paper be- t lieves that the greater part of the people would be grateful if the Kaiser drew the obvious deduction from the radical changes in-the German policy that Germany has had more than enough of the old regime. The Arbeiter Zeitung also demands the Kaiser's abdication.

HAVE MIIJTARISTS GAINED CONTROL \ The tone of the German press indicates that the militarists have regained control for the time being. Captain Perseus, writing in the Berliner Tageblatt, forecasts an early and great expansion of the submarine campaign. Count RWentlow demands the retention of Alsace-Lorraine, the sacrifice of which,he says, is,- incompatible with Germany's' honour.

Vorwarts says that the Pah-Germans are only arranging a signal to stop the peace' negotiations, attempt "to' overthrow the Government and establish a dictatorship, and continue the war to the uttermost.

The Reichstag passed placing the military commands under the control of a civil Government by a* great majority against the votes of the Conservatives. The Vossische Zeitung says: The Government will make all possible concessions to Mr Wilson, short of humiliation. The Kreuz Zeitung declares that the only answer is to fight to the last.LUDENDORFF AND HINDENBURG. Ludendorff and Hindenburg are at variance. Hindenburg approves of the peace move, while Ludendorff, who at first halfheartedly supported it, is now inclined to place everything to the hazard again. This attitude is supported by flaming appeals to various organisations, such as from the German Navy League to the Socialist trade unions, all condemning peace at any price. , Von Hindenburg. in a message to the troops, read to all units, says: " Recent political events have produced a profound impression in the army. It is my duty to support the Government set up by the Kaiser. I approve of the steps made in favour of peace. The German army has this superiority ov#r all others :■ neither officers nor men have ever dabbled in politics.' We wish to adhere firmly to this policy. I rely on the confidence reposed in me during the days of good fortune being even more strongly evidenced now."

The Central News Berlin correspondent states that it has been officially announced that the Kaiser has accepted Ludendorff's resignation. Ludendorff had practically no choice but resignation. The Echo do Paris says that Ludendorff resigned because he sees the impossibility of continuing the war. Le Matin declares that Germany will represent his retirement as new proof of the subordination of the military to the civil power, but this will deceive nobody, because the enemy are beaten, and Germany in desperation will be forced to capitulate. • DR LIEBKNECTIT RELEASED. A German wireless report states that Herr Liebknecht (the prominent Socialist) has been amnestied.

A great demonstration occurred when Dr Liebknecht (Socialist leader) -was leaving prison. In reply to the mob, Dr Liebknecht shouted : " Don't say ' Long live Liebknecht!' Say ' Long live German Socialist Democracy.' " Dr Liebknecht will resume his seat in the Reichstag to-day. OPINIONS ON PRESIDENT WILSON'S NOTE. The German press, commenting on President Wilson's Note, variously describe it as "crafty," "insincere," "an attempt to tie Germany's hands by an armistice without guaranteeing her against the mailed list," and as " the most huniiliat-

ing document since the days of Napoleon." it is officially reported from Berlin that the majority parties in the Etichetag are disappointed with President Wilson's Note, but recognise that Mr Wilson's attitude towards Germany's autocratic government demands the* most earnest consideration. It is expected that tho Kaiser will shortly issue a proclamation, allaying the suspense. - , Advices received in Copenhagen state that, though' Reichstag circles are favourably impressed with the fact, that President Wilson lias not interrupted negotiations ,the newspapers are pessimistic.

A CRUMBLING EMPIRE.

HUNGARIAN INDEPENDENCE. The Budapest newspaper Az Ujsag states that Count--Tisza's speech is a prelude to separate peace. . Hungary intends to protect her own interests and make her own terms. Political circles declare that Berlin is aware of Hungary's intentions. Hungary has stopped the export of grain to Austria. This, combined... with -the i diminution of supplies from Poland, threatens Austria with starvation before the end of November.

A Budapest telegram states . that the Emperor Charles will issue a manifesto in a few .days proclaiming .Hungary's independence; ':'"■".'""." . ■'"

In the Hungarian Chamber Count Karolyi demanded that the independence of Hungary be immediately proclaimed, a. separate peace made, the alliance with .Germany dissolved, the of the .South Slavonians acknowledged, and a Hungarian, King l.proclaimed 4 who would reside at Budapest. "' ■ : ' '■'" k Amil great '"■ excitement 'Dr Wekerle (Hungarian Premier) declared that Hungary could- not talk of a, separate peace, and the 1 Government would combat Count Karolyi's threat of revolution by every means in its power. The Magyar National Council has proclaimed Count Karolyi a> its President, and is leading a movement amongst Hungarian youths, who are arming and organising for military purposes. Crowds parading Budapest demand the denunciation of the German Alliance. The National Council has issued a manifesto recognising the Polish, South SlavoCzechs, and Gormano-Austrian States, demanding immediate, peace, the retirement of Hungarian troops to Hungary, and. also the annulment of the Brcst-Litovsk and Bucharest Treaties. The Magyar National Council at Budapest proclaimed its supremacy over existing authorities. This; is regarded as the prelude to a break-up of the Dual Monarchy. •. . t '•'•'- A GERMAN AUSTRIAN' STATE. , Advices from Vienna state that the German Deputies of the Reichsrath met as a constituent German National Assembly, when it was r.esolved to take measures to form an German-Austrian State? haying a voice in ncace negotiations.

It is reported from Vienna th.it the Emperor Charles and his family are leay-i ing Vienna, for Hungary. This is regarded as marking the end of the dual' monarchy. It is believed that Charles will take the title of King of Hungary. If correct, this means an attempt to federalise Austria- and seek closer connection with Southern Germany. Indications point to crystallisation of the scheme to establish a "new German Federation with a Catholio head. •■ - ' - POLAND AND UKRAINIA. The Vossische Zeitung learns from its Vienna correspondent that the Austrian occupation authorities in WarsaAv have formally handed over the administration to the "Poles. f The Ukrainian Constituent Assembly, sitting in Lemberg. proclaimed the independence of the Ukrainian portions of Galicia and Hungary. The Assembly resolved to send delegates to a peace conference.

THE CZECHOSLOVAKS. Dr Kramasch heads the new 'Government at Prague. M. Karolyi visited him, and offered on behalf of Hungary to transfer certain counties to the now Czechoslovak State.

Dr Kramasch has issued' a proclamation that the Czecho-Slovak Ministry has sole power to make decisions concerning the future, as the authority of Austria-Hun-gary has ceased to existAt Philadelphia, delegates representative of the oppressed nations of Europe have opened a conference in Independence Hall, with the object of arranging a work-< ing basis for Mid-Europe and a union of the small States. M. Masary, president, announced that the new Czecho Slovak flag was red, white, and blue, because bloodshed was necessary to maintain hide* pendence. Representatives of the Czecho-Slovaka, Lithuanians, . Rumanians, Jugo-Slavs,. Ukrainians, Poles, and "unredeemed" Italians were present. It is esttimated that 65,C00,000 people of mid-Europe will be affected by these declarations.

CROAT AND SLAV SOLDIERS MUTINY. The Croatian soldiers at Fiume mutinied and barricaded" the bairacks, railway station, and public buildings. The revolt was headed by Croat soldiers of the 79th Regiment and several naval units, -who attacked the barracks at Houved. The regiments disarmed the garrison, arrested the Mayor and the Chief of Police, and) blew iip the railway. Three regiments from Albania suppressed the revolt. Hundreds were killed in the streets. Two Slav regiments mutinied at Karlo-. wicz, dominating the-town. V . Other mutinies are reported, besides that at Fiume. The Revolutionary movement is jspreading throughout Croatia. Segna, Ogulin, and Delnice aro in revolutionary hands,.

Three hundred persons were killed at tfaganria and:.4oo at Flume. Reports from Vienna assert that the movement is assuming Bolshevist characteristics, and the hunt after Magyars is . 'claiming many victims. Count Karolyl "failed to form a coalition people's Cabinet,.' owing to the resistance of the, Serbs and "Rumanians. The dissolution of Hungary ' is regarded as inevitable. The Neue Freie Press says Count Andrassy's policy is to explore every pos- _; ' sibility of peace" by direct approaches * toward the Allies. ' ON THE VERGE OF STARVATION. - Advices from Vienna report that the city is reduced to the verge of starvation owing to the stoppage- of food supplies from Hungary and Bohemia.. The Ministry is bewildered, and Br Mickl, Chief of the Emperor's Civil Cabinet, has committed suicide thrqugh grief at Austria's position. Telegrams from Vienna state that it is publicly announced that preparations are being made for the demobilisation of the Austro-Hungarian army. This, -it is stated, is necessary owing to the pressure of public opinion, as the people are eagerly demanding peace. The news of the break-up of Austria is having a depressing effect in Berlin.

TURKEY OFFERS PEACE.

The Daily Mail says the Turkish Minister in Switzerland has handed to the Entente an offer of peace, which means virtual surrender. —Reuter, via Vancouver. 1 Outlining the new Government's policy in the Turkish Chamber, Izzet Pasha said that they were fa-cing. enormous difficulties at home and dangers abroad. The country needed repose. He -promised equal ffan- . chise protection for minorities, 'self-deter-mination in all Turkish vilayets, a politi- . cal amnesty, "and restoration and compen- . sation to the evicted peoples.- • DENMARK'S NATIONAL ASPIRATIONS. The Danish Foreign Office denies that it has approached Germany on the Schles'wig question. The Schleswig question agitates the Denmark newspapers. They assert that Denmark merely wishes that that which is Danish should remain Danish. The Government's policy is to avoid offending Germany for obvious reasons, yet to keep i.hy question in the foreground for the Peace Conference. The Daily Express Copenhagen correspondent reports that a secret session of both Chambers of the Rigsdag unanimously affirmed that the national hopes of Denmark are knitted to a realisation of the principle of national self-determina-tion. This was coupled with an affirmation of Denmark's neutrality. VICTORY WITHIN REACH. King George, in a stirring address to the British, French, Italian, and Belgian inter-parliamentary delegates, said that victory wae within reach, and we were all agreed that it must be complete and de- . cisive. The New York newspapers give prominence to King George's speech to the inter-parliamentary delegates. They consider that hie words, " Victory is within . our reach, and we are all agreed that it must be a complete victory," are the British opinion concerning the German Note. THE GERMAN COLONIES. THE UNITY oITtHE BRITISH EMPIRE, Speaking at the Australian and New Zealand Luncheon Club in London, Mr

Balfour, alluding _to the question of vthe German colonies, said it was absolutely essential that the British Empire's communications should remain safe. If the German colonies were returned, .what security was there that, the "original possessors Avould not use them as bases for piratical warfare? He could see no other answer to this question than that in no circumstances was it consistent with the safety, security, and unity of the Empire that the colonies be" returned to Germany.—{Applause.) This was not a selfish imperialistic doctrine; it was one in which the interests of the world were almost as much concerned as.the interests of the Empire itself. If we were to remain a united Empire it was absolutely necessary that the ways whereby the component parts could .communicate with each other should never again be at the mercy of an unscrupulous Power. —(Cheers.) Mr Balfour, in the course of his speech, said that four years of war had supplied a fully abundant confirmation of the unity of the Empire.. He did not believe that a single German statesman ever thought that if Britain was involved in a war she would find Canada, Australia, New Zealand, .South Africa, and India fighting by her side. To him it meant more than so many hundred thousand gallant soldiers added to our forces; it meant that the Empire stood for ■ liberty, justice, and peace. "That," said Mr Balfour, "is the greatest joy from agonies of trial almost too heavy to be borne. It leaves behind it a memory of Australia and New Zealand fighting side by side with ■ their brethren of the Motherland in the common cause, leaving us all with the certitude that their efforts will be crowned by a durable peace." The Daily Chronicle welcomes Mr Balfour's outspoken pronouncement with reference to the German colonies. " The Empire is feeling quite solid on this point. It was high time that our attitude was laid down. We did not go into the war colony-snatching; but we cannot return submarine bases to pirates." Lord Northcliffe, in a speech at the American Officers' Club, said that the first German peace offensive had yielded an inestimable boom by unifying the Entente's military command, while the present peace offensive would prove a blessing if it resulted in the Entente's united peace programme being carefully co-ordinated between the Governments of the associated Powers. LORD MILNER CRITICISED. In the House of Commons Major Davies called attention to an interview with Lord Milner in the Evening Standard, and said that critics objected to Lord Milner's opinion that " a complete transformation of the system is already in progress in Germany, and that we don't wish to see Bolshevism there." Lord Milner also denied that militarism was popular in Germany, and added: "A change in the political system cannot be made until -the German armies are finally defeated. Such reforms should be left to the German people in accordance with the principle of self-determination. Meanwhile the whole energy of the Allies should be concentrated to defeat the German army." Major Davies said that Lord Milner's sentiments had aroused profound misgivings among the Allies.

Mr Dillon complained that the Govenu ment was not making any statement regarding peace. Lord Milner's interview ran counter to President Wilson's conditions of peace when Lord Milner said it would be unwise for the Allies to make it a condition of peace that Germany should change the personnel or form of her government. Mr Dillon also_ strongly criticised Mr Balfour's speech, in which he stated that we were not going to return to Germany her colonies. To put this forward as the only official expression

of British policy Tendered us absolutely contemptible in the face of our allies. Mr Pringle spoke on similar lines. Sir George Cave, on behalf of the Government, strongly deprecated any discussion, and said that communications of intense moment were jmssing between the Governments of our enemies and other Powers, and a public discussion upon peace would be wrong. Mr Balfour had only dealt with the matter of Germany's colonies because he thought it in the public interest to make the matter clear. Mr Bonar Law had also said the same thing several times. The House of Commons then adjourned. In the House-of Commons, replying to a series of questions regarding President Wilson's 14 points, Mr Balfour said it was not desirable at present to discuss the question* arising from negotiations between Germany and President Wilson. A LEAGUE OF: NATIONS. In replying to Mr David Davies in the House of Commons, Lord Robert Cecil stated that the Government was trying to reach an agreement with the Allies and the United States to enable a detailed scheme for a League of Nations to be drafted. GERMANY'S CHANGE OF HEART. Mr Keith Murdoch (correspondent of the Melbourne Herald and the Sydney Sun), in a special article, says that, though defeat inexorably confronts the Central Powers, few commentators believe that Germany will immediately accept the Allies' terms for an armistice. War Cabinets are meeting in all the capitals, and there is much coming and going between the Chancellories. The terms that have been framed by the Allied naval and military advisers are known to be very severe, including the surrender of submarines, the Allied occupation of the Rhine bridgeheads, and perhaps the dismantling of the High Seas Fleet. The next step will be a meeting of Allied statesmen and commanders, including representatives of America, to consider President Wilson's 14 points. Mr Balfour's announcement at the Australasian luncheon '.is regarded as final upon the questions of the fate of the German colonies and the freedom of the seas. British opinion seems ready to place the German colonies under trust, or even to give them to our Allies, but will never permit their return to Germany unless Germany is radically changed. The British desire rather to give up the colonies to our Allies than to encourage the idea that we avaged a war of conquest. Although consultation with the overseas dominions is supposed to be proceeding, it is noticeable that meetings of the Imperial Cabinet, are; being -held, though every recent meeting of "the War Cabinet must have been absorbed by a question affecting the whole Empire. The liberation of Liebknecht and Dittman may imply that the German Government does not fear revolution, or else wishes to appease the people while forcing the pace towards peace. The Allied military authorities strongly hold the former view, pointing out that Germany is certainly sufficiently strong in the field to prolong fighting tall next summer. They earnestly urge that there should not be the slightest slackening militarily on the part of the Allies, asserting that Germany has conducted a brilliant retreat, and is making every Allied advance now as difficult as in 1917. Ludendorff is hoping that the peace movement, which is being advertised throughout the German army as being approved by the High Command, will restore the army's morale, whilst the " last ditch " movement increases the reserves and supplies of munitions. The Berliner Tageblatt says: " Our enemy has hundreds of tanks, and we cannot yet combat them with equal' measures, but we are busily engaged in making tanks, and will soon be able to meet tanks with tanks."

Mr Murdoch adds: "Germany, however, recognises that she is beaten, and that the only question is of making the best terms. Even the Cologne Gazette accepts the Allies' military superiority and the hopelessness of the German cause. The position in Austria is viewed seriously in Germany, and grave developments are anticipated as a result of the events now in progress there." Mr Arnold Dosch Fleurot cables that Mr Henry Emery, representative of the Guaranty Trust Company of Xew York, who was captured by the Germans at the Aaland Islands early in March, has arrived at Copenhagen from Berlin, where he was detained, but was given his personal freedom. Mr Emery, in describing the German people's change of heart since June, said : "A military defeat was necessary to give the Liberal leaders ascendancy 'over the Junkers. > Prior* to leaving Berlin, 1 found the democratic sentiment growing in thousands of ways. A civil Cabinet has assumed control of the Government, unhorsing the General Staff, -which is now discredited and defeated. Anybody today knowing Germany must credit Prince Maximilian's statement that the arbitrary powers in Germany, which threatened the safety of the world, are now gone. The Germans do not care for the Kaiser. The German people turned towards President Wilson because they considered him the only great political leader who could be trusted to make a permanent peace without disabling Germany economically. . The German people are willing to withdraw from France and from Belgium, to give up Alsace-Lorraine, and to pay jut indemnity to Belgium; but they want German territory invaded." —* POSITION IN AUSTRIA. Mr Frederick Penfield, formerly United States Ambassador to Austria, has been interviewed at Atlantic City. Mr Penfield said he strongly approved of President Wilson's reply to Austria. When he left Austria last spring every-

body seemed weary of the war. The last words the Emperor said to him were: "Please tell Mr Wilson that I want Peace, Peace, Pence; and will do anything possible to secure Peace." Mr Penfield added : " The Hungarians in their hearts despise Germany, and probably two-thirds of the people of Hungary approve of President Wilson's attitude. They resent being chained to the Kaiser's chariot. JUSTICE. LONDON, October 23. Mr Rudyard Kipling has written a war* poem entitled "Justice," which has just been published. It condemns Germany's crimes and enormities, and urges that a people with the heart of beasts must relearn the law. Kipling writes: " Heavy the load we undergo, And our own hands prepare, If wo have parley with the foe, The load our sons must bear. Beforo we lose th© world That bids new worlds to birth, Needs must we loose first tho sword Of justice upon earth; Or else all else is vain Sinc-o lifo on earth began, And tho spent world sinks back again Hopeless of God and man."