KAISER AND AUSTRIA

THE NEW ALLIANCE.

Some further particulars are to hand concerning the new agreement, or alliance, which the German Emperor, taking advantage of the difficulties with which the Austro-hungarian Empire is confronted, has been able to force on the Emperor Charles. According to the Vienna correspondent of the Munich paper Neueste Nachrichten, it has for its object the “consolidation” of the alliance in three ways:

1. By fixing the alliance for 25 years.

2. By a military convention between both countries.

3. By the closest economic and customs relations.

Another version gives the period of duration as 20 years. Reuters’ correspondent at Amsterdam, wiring on Tuesday, says that, according to a Vienna telegram, the papers emphasise the fact that neither power will give up its political, military, or economic personality, and they unanimously say that, in view of the multitude of enemies, necessity and self-preservation demand that the German Empire and Austria-hungary should give their defensive alliance a general character. According to another Reuters Amsterdam telegram, the Neue Freie Presse, Reichspost, and the Neues Wiener Tagblatt, all welcome the new agreement.

SLAV OPPOSITION.

It is perhaps significant that so far no comments from the non-german section of the Austrian Press have been allowed to pass the censors. A Vienna telegram quoted by Reuters’ representative at Zurich says that whilst the German parties express great satisfaction at the news of the renewal of the alliance with Germany, the Czechs and South Slavs have already declared their intention of offering their most determined opposition. The

Frankfurter Zeitung candidly admits that unfortunately it must be foreseen that the greater parts of the Slav nations in Austria, and especially the Czechs and Slovenes, will be even more hostile as a result of this closer alliance with Germany. It will not be easy for Austrian and Hungarian statesmen to obtain parliamentary sanction for this more extended alliance. In a Berlin telegram it is admitted that “it is obvious that the political and military arrangements can be carried through more quickly than the economic settlement, the negotiations for which will probably continue for several months.” The Berlin and other German papers naturally greet the alliance as a great victory for German diplomacy. An exception, however, is Vorwärts, which hopes that the conferences will not lead to premature engagements, and adds: An alliance can only repose on a secure foundation when it is concluded with the joyful assent of the peoples concerned, but at the moment we can count less than ever upon such an assent in Austria. Thanks to the Pan-german reactionary policy, which has gained far too great an influence on the decisions of the Government, Germany is cordially disliked in Austria, not only amongst the Slav majority, but amongst a considerable section of the German and Magyar minority.

BAVARIAN AND SAXON ALARM.

A Munich telegram states that the King of Bavaria has left for Main Headquarters and the front, accompanied by his Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Munich Neueste Nachrichten makes the following somewhat remarkable comment: The hour is grave. Bavaria cannot leave Prussia to be the sole arbiter of German destinies. King Ludwig has therefore decided to proceed to headquarters. The departure of the King of Saxony to take part in negotiations – a participation which is not desired in Berlin circles – is due to the same causes. The report that Germany bribed Austria into accepting the agreement by consenting to an “Austrian solution” of the Polish question is confirmed by the Lokal-anzeiger. This means, of course, that the Polish provinces of Russia are to be added to Austrian Poland – if the war ends victoriously for the Centrals. Contrary to the Lokal-anzeiger’s assertion, the Kölnische Zeitung denies that an Austropolish solution has been agreed upon at the Main Headquarters, or that any agreements would result with this solution. Economic negotiations will be conducted in such a way that the result does not tend to an economic war, but leaves an opportunity for an economic understanding with the Central Powers’ opponents. The name “Waffenbund” (Armed Alliance) has been chosen for the forthcoming military agreements.

AUSTRIA AND PEACE.

Amsterdam, Wednesday.

A much-censored message from the Vienna correspondent of the Tyd says that discontent at the continuation of the war is growing daily in Austria. The correspondent adds: “It is only the conviction that the Emperor honestly desires peace that keeps the people going.” – Reuter.