AUSTRIANS FOR THE WEST.

Colonist, Volume LX, Issue 14656, 9 March 1918, Page 3

AUSTRIANS FOR THE WEST.

A BIG PRESS CAMPAIGN.

TO PREPARE THE MOSAL ROAD-

WAY

There have been several more or less indefinite rumours about the likelihood of Austrian ti cops being used in the expected enemy offensive on the west front, and it has been announced that an agreement for such hem has been arrived at. The Rotterdam "correspondent of the "London Daily Telegraph"' supplied an interesting report to his paper on December 10, dealing with this matter: —

Count Czernin, Austrian Foreign Minister, arrived in Berlin to-day on a ■/isit which may be fraught with tremendous consequences for the whole course of the war. One fact alone, perhaps trivial on the surface, is really of the greatest significance. Count Czernin's companion is Baron yon 'Weisner, head of the Press Department at the Austro-Hungarian Ministry for Foreign Affairs. This indicates, together with other information and the general tone of the newspapers, that'a campaign is afoot, the aim of which is to make Austria more than ever a vassal of the German militarists, with the immediate purpose of securing the help of her armies, largely freed in consequence of liussian developments, on the western front. In any event, of course, it is only for . Hindenburg to issue a command, and the Austrian legions would; have to march westwards in obedience, but Germany wants even more than that. Its Government knows that the Austro-Hungai'ian peoples are war weary, and their desire for peace has been intensified as a result of the armistice negotiations with Russia.

That feeling must r be changed, and a great press campaign is now being organised. It must be proved to the Austrian people that the war, in the words of the Vossische Zeitung, must be carried to a successful conclusion by Germany and Austria together, "not ODly with all the military, but also all the political forces" of both Empires. Count Cezrnin's speech to the Hungarian delegates, with references to the defence of Alsace-Lorraine and the expression about Austrian troops fighting side by side with tho Germans "on other fronts," is interpreted by r-ho German press aa a straight promise of Austrian divisions for the western Irdivt. Of course, this interpretation is inspired by the Government, and. even if their press campaign does not win over the support of the peoples of the Danv.be Monarchy, the. intention will be carried intjb effect ail the sarao; subject only to the changed circumstances on the Eastern front.

It. should be recognised that the course of events on the Kussiau and Italian fronts has given a tremendous stimulus to the Prussian militarists and annaxationists. The latter have aiready gone further than they would havt: dared a few months ago, ond have hinted to the Austrians that their soldiers must light not merely in "defence of Alsace-Lorraine," a3 Count Czerai* puts it, but for the retention ot ±>eigium. In the article^ already referred to the V-ossische Zeitung says: "Although there was never any doubt that Austria-Hungary would be ready to return tiie help it has.received by, on its side, sanding help wherever ie was needed, Count Czernin's declara-i tiou has been received with pleasure. ' In the tirst place, it will serve, cv remove any doubts oiir enemies may have felt as to thu solidarity of the Central Powert;.. It must n.uw be clear to everybody that this war must bo carried on to a successful conclusion**by Germany and Austria-Jriungaiy...with tnc whole o*i" tlieir political as well as military forces. It will show that the objects striven ior by both nations are the same. Vv'itti fine energy-yml clearness Count Czeinin has expressed these ideas, lie. spoke ot Alsace-Lorraine, but tiie enemy must be clear about it thac with the mere possession ot Alsace-Lorraine tho security of Germany is not fully guaranteed." -

By this, lot it be explained parenthetically, the paper meant the annexa tion of Belgium.

The Koln.'seho Voikszeitung comments: "As we Germans have helped our allies hi liberating Galicia, and freeing Trieste from Italy's threat, so the Danube Monarchy will, on its side, :.{ necessary, help us to protect AlsaceLorraine from French avarice. '1 know no difference between Strasburg and Trieste,' is Count Czernin's friendly way of expressing it. As regards itaiy Count Czernm has said that if ' italj continues tho war voluntarily, later on she will have to agree to a bad peace. This kind of speech is more likely to lead to its object than the methods followed by some Hungarian statesmen — methods- which leaci towards the Entente."

The last sentence indicates a realisation that the proposal that the Austrian armies shall assist Germany!^ plans of conquest will not go unopposed in Austria. .

; Count . Reventlow, in the Deutsche Tageszeitung, with, characteristic tact, hastens to assure the Aitstriaus. and everybody else whom it may or may not concern, that _it is quite incorrect to gather •■ the impression from Count Ozernin's/words that only v by Austria hastening to the help of Germany can the defence of Alsace-Lorraine be secured. He continues-:

"The fighting in the west does not turn on the defence of .Alsace-Lorraine, but on the fate of Belgium and the Flanders -ITboat bases. Jf in Austria they would understand that it goes far beyond, the ajiestipn.'of Alsace-JLoriraine then it would be an inestima'oie gam."