Central Powers

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 26, 22 December 1917, Page 5

Central Powers

GENERAL ITEMS. Officials in Washington state that interest has been aroused by rumorsfrom Holland as to a movement which lias begun in German moderate circles with the object of ultimately dethrone ing the Kaiser and choosing Prince Max of Baden as his successor. It is reported that well-informed persons in Holland intimate there is some foundation for the rumor.

The Kaiser'has announced that the Christmas festivities will be cut down to a minimum, in view of the serious times.

The president of the German Reichs Bank has summoned the leading bankers to a conference to discuss the resumption of commercial relations with Russia immediately peace is sTgned.

Speaking in "the Austrian Reichsrs.th, the Premier stated that the Control Powers would not try to secure great advantages from Russia. Xo territorial or economic annexations would be the principle for a general peace, but such disinterested aims could not be maintained if their enemies continued the war.

The Independent German Socialists have decided to support Russia's main peace terms. They also urged the democratisation of Germany.