DIPLOMATIC OFFENSIVE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLII, Issue 11478, 5 March 1918, Page 6

DIPLOMATIC OFFENSIVE.

EFFORT TO DIVIDE ALLIES. ALARM AT AMERICAN EinERGY. London, Feb. 18. Mr Charles A. Tower, writing in the Daily News, says Germany has opened a new phase of its diplomatic offensive through inspired press telegrams and ' articles which suggest that, without prejudice, Mr Wilson’s formula might after all be made the basis of discussion. if ho would kindly assist in removing Mr Lloyd George anud M. Ciemenceau. The Socialist newspapers particularly are being used to promulgate the Government’s propaganda. The press throughout the country simultaneously that Mr Lloyd George is hopelessly compromised, and that the British Cabinet is uoaring a downfall.

Should these- promptings evoke an answer from America, Baron von Hertliug and Count Czernin might bo expected fto make the next move partly subscribing to the manufactured press opinions and inviting further overtures with a vi ew to checking America’s war work or creating divergence with the allies. Dutch obsevers believe that Germany is now really anxious to influence the United States and to encourage tiro pacificists in all the allied countries, owing to the complications on the eastern front and he necessity for maintaining a mobile army on the Russian frontier. Meanwhile circumstantial reports state that Austria is increasingly unwilling to join the Germans in further eastern hostilties, which are extremely unpopular among considerable sections of the Austrians and Germans.