POSITION IN GERMANY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12063, 18 July 1917, Page 5

POSITION IN GERMANY.

"POLITICAL CIVIL WAR."

PARLIAMENTARY CHAOS. Australian and N.Z. CaMe Association. (Received July 18, 8.55 a.m.) AMSTERDAM. July 17. The situation in Germany is described as a sort of political civil Avar, with too many leaders, of whom the fighters do not know who are friends or enemies. Ordinary party divisions are no longer clearly defined, whilst the Socialist majority is united on no-annexa-tions or indemnity, and the immediate introduction of the parliamentary system.

No other party is in full agreement with them on both questions. The National Liberals are hopelessly divided.

THE RECENT CRISIS. HOW IT CULMINATED. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association »«ul E/iut»r. (Received July IR, 0.10 a.m.) LONDON", .Tidy 17. ft is learned from Holland that the German political crisis Eliminated after Dr von Rethmann-llollweg proposed the constitution of a body consisting of members of the Reichstag to act- intermediately between the Reichstag and the Government. Bavaria agreed, but Austria, though politically unconcerned, frowned at tho scheme. The Kaiser, the Crown Prince, von Hindenburg and von Ludendorff op. posed the policy of non-annexation, but Dr von Rethmaiin-Hollueg insisted thereon. Bavaria and Austria persisted in their demand, and therefore Dr Bethmunn-Hollweg then resigned. A PAN-GERMAN VICTORY. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received July 18, 11.50 a.m.) LONDON, July 17. A "Morning Post" correspondent states that German Socialists before the war frankly told Mr Ramsay Macdonald and other comrades that the German Army was a popular institution, and in the event of war they would be Germans iirst and Socialists afterwards. The Reichstag majority's resolution of a no annexation and no indemnity peace, the correspondent says, was merely a littlo salt* for the tail of the revolutionary bird in Russia and elsewhere. The eliauge from von Roth-mann-Hollwcg to Miehaeiis is a PanGerman victory. NEW CHANCELT/O.R"S MISSION. TO KEEP HUNS UNDER EXPECTANT RESTRAINT. Australian and N.Z. Cabin Association. (Received Julv 18, 11.50 a.m.) ROTTERDAM, July 17. Dr Miehaeiis, in nn interview, said:— "My mission is io restore and develop German unity, inwardly and outwardly." This is interpreted to mean that Dr Miehaeiis is to keep th 0 nation unden expectant restraint while tho militarists engage in another desperate final gamble on one or other of the fronts.

CROWN PRINCE'S ASCENDANCY,

KAISER MAY ULTIMATELY RETIRE.

Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received July IK, 10. lo a.m.) NEW YORK, July 17.

The Washington correspondent of the "New York Times" has had access to semi-official documents indicating that the German Crown Prince has gained an ascendancy, curtailing the prestige of the Kaiser and presaging the Emperor's ultimate retirement. The appointment of l>r Mieharlh was dictated by tbo Crown Prince, von Hindenburg and von Ludendorff, and ■while they hold power Austria's strong desire for peace will not be taken into account. Yon Ealkonhayn commands the Austrians on the Italian front. ITALIAN OPINION. Australian and N.Z. C Jib In Association. (Rewired Julv IS. 11.-V) a.m.) RO.MIv. July 17. Newspapers, commenting on the German crisis, considers that, the |X?aco question remains unchanged.