INTERNAL GERMANY

Waikato Times, Volume 89, Issue 13896, 23 October 1918, Page 5

INTERNAL GERMANY

LUDENDORFF'S STRONG HAND. CONTROLS THE POSITION. WITH CONSIDERABLE MILITARY SUPPORT. AT VARIANCE WITH HINDENBURG. OVER THE PEACE MOVES. PEACE GENERALLY CONDEMNED. BY VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received October 23, 8.50 a.m. LONDON, October 22. The Daily Chronicle's Amsterdam correspondent says that information from Germany shows that Ludendorff is playing a strong hand with considerable military support and the threat of a coup d'etat. Ludendorff told the Government that the army was carrying out an orderly retreat, which cannot be the retreat of a beaten army. The new line, he says, will be in a favourable position and will influence events. Ludendorff and Hindenburg are at variance. Hindenburg approves of the peace move, but Ludendorff, who half-heartedly supported it, is now inclined to place everything at hazard again. This attitude is supported by flaming appeals by the various organisations, from the Navy League to the Socialist trade unions, all condemning peace at any price.

There are indications that the Germans consider the Antwerp-Metz line as over long, and are likely to take up the Liege-Naraur-Montmedy-Metz position. Troops are continually arriving at Antwerp en route for Liege.

MILITARISTS REGAIN CONTROL?

PEACE NEGOTIATIONS A BLIND

(United Service.) Received October 23, 1.20 p m LONDON. October 22. Ine German Press indicates that the mihtanlts have regained control for the time being. Captain Persius, in the Tageblatt, forecasts an early expansion of the submarine campaign. Count Reventlow demands the retention of Alsace-Lorraine, the sacrifice of which would te incompatible with our honour.

The \ orwaerts says the pan-Germans only signal stop peace negotiations in an attempt, to overthrow the Government, establish a dictatorship, and continue the war to the uttermost AMSTERDAM, October 22. Maxmillan Harden, addressing a gathering of several thousands in Berlin, declared that the Kaiser must shorten th e process of seeking peace based on the enemy's military superiority, and must thereafter be shorn of his despotic power.