ERZBERGER'S REPORT TO WEIMAR ASSEMBLY.

Colonist, Volume LXI, Issue 15000, 22 February 1919, Page 5

ERZBERGER'S REPORT TO WEIMAR ASSEMBLY.

A FRUITLESS MISSION

REFUSAL TO SURRENDER MERCHANTMEN.

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Association)

London, Feb. 18. German wireless reports state that Erzberger, in a speech at Weimar, announced the result of the Treves mission. He described the futile efforts to secure an extension of time to eliminate certain conditions. He said that Marshal Foch promised to intervene for the protection of the Germans in the East, and also declared positively that his measures in Poland were without political significance. Marshal Foch promised to submit the demand for the release of German prisoners to the .War Council.

Erzberger said that he signed the agreement on the Government's instructions after handing a note of protest to the Armistice Commission. "All the world knows," declared Erzberger. "that Germany docs not wish to and cannot conduct a fresh war,. but though it is possible to render us defenceless, ive must not be robbed of honour."

The House adjourned, the President declaring that the entire nation was full of apprehension regarding the armistice agreement and its results.

A German wireless message announces that Germany refuses to transfer the merchant fleet until the financial treaty is concluded in accordance with an understanding reached at Spa, where Germany pointed out that the shipping question was indissolubly bound up with finance.

The message adds: "It is the Government's solemn pledge not to place its merchantmen under foreign control until the Germans' food supply, which was the ruling consideration for surrender, is assured."