CZERNIN'S SPEECH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12284, 5 April 1918, Page 5

CZERNIN'S SPEECH.

REGARDED AS PEACE DRIVE. ATTEMPT TO SEPARATE ALLIES DOOMED TO fAILURE. PUNGENT COMMENT BY FRENCH PRIME MINISTER, By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Aeaooiation, , (Received April 4, 8.50 a.m.) WASHINGTON, April 4. Count Czernin’s speech is regarded as a peace-drive attempt to force a wedge between the British and French. The move is doomed to failure. » The “New T ork Times ” says Count Czeruiu is deluded if he thinks to accomplish anything by such a speech. The Allies are determined that Alsace shall be restored. We shall not cease fighting, not listen to peace talk, until German power is utterly, crushed. The “New York World” says ••-—The Allies have further evidence, in Count Czernin’s speech, that he is owned body and soul by Berlin. The “New York Herald” says the speech is an unmistakable sign that the German offensive is breaking down. M.CLEMENCEAU GIVES THE LIE DIRECT. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received April 5, 8.25 a.m.) PARIS, April 4. M, Clemenceau, interviewed regarding Count Czernin’s peace allegations, merely replied:—“Czeruiu has lied.” (A;cable message received yesterday stated that Count Czernin (Austrian Prime Minister) declared that he, like von Hertling (the German Chancellor), would have accepted President Wilson’s principles for a peace. M. Clemenceau (French Prime Minister) asked him a few days before the offensive began whether he wanted to negotiate, and on what basis. Count Czernin replied that he would gladly negotiate forthwith, on the basis of the status quo regarding Alsace and Lorraine. ’The French Government thereupon declined any negotiations.