SIGNING OF THE ARMISTICE

Colonist, Volume LXI, Issue 15001, 24 February 1919, Page 5

SIGNING OF THE ARMISTICE

PRECEDED BY CABINET CRISIS'

GREAT DEJECTION IN GERMANY

("The'Times.")

(Received Feb. 23,- 5.5 p.m.; London, Feb. 20. Mr Charles Towers states that the renewal of the armistice was signed after a critical Cabinet crisis, the leaders declaring that the terms made Marshal Foch master of Germany. The members were solid for refusal, fearing to meet the Assembly if they consented • moreover thinking that Germany ought to be better off if she simply threw in her hand and challenged the Allies to occupy Germany and take the consequences, rather tlian struggle against internal outbreaks. The noon editions of the papers announcing the refusal sent Berlin halt crazy with excitement, but a later meeting oiifaiLparty leaders put a different complexion on the matter, and compelled the Cabinet to telegraph to Erzberger instructing him to sign. Rantzau thereupon resigned, but he subsequently withdrew. Great dejection prevails. bcheidemann, Ebert, and Rantzau take the gravest view of the situation. AVidespread disturbances are anticipated.