ALLIES’ TERMS TO AUSTRIA-HUNGARY

PREMIER’S STATEMENT.

GERMANY’S WAY TO PEACE. THROUGH MARSHAL FOCH.

The Prime Minister gave the House of Commons a very pleasant surprise yesterday. Having returned from Paris overnight, he himself came down to make the expected statement of the full terms of the Austro-italian armistice. When he entered the Chamber he was given a hearty greeting, and the chorus rang out again and again as he passed from point to point of the remarkable story which he had to tell. The Versailles Conference of last week was evidently one of the most decisive conferences of the world. It settled the fate of Turkey, Austria and – no one who heard the Prime Minister can doubt it – of Germany also. A great cheer went up as Mr. Lloyd George announced that the Allies were to have the right of free movement over all road, rail, and waterways in Austro-hungarian territory, and the use of all necessary means of transport. It was renewed as he emphasised the meaning and significance of the stipulation, viz., that the Allies will now be able to move their forces anywhere they wish, and open up new fronts of attack upon Germany. This was underlined by Mr. Asquith, who said that now there would be “a universal sense of security.” But the loudest cheer of all was given when the Prime Minister spoke of the decision of the Versailles Conference with respect to Germany. He said that he could not disclose the terms on which the Allies – who are “in complete agreement” – are prepared to grant an armistice, but they have been sent to President Wilson, who has been requested to inform Germany that “application should be made to Marshal Foch in the usual military form.” Then, indeed, the House put off all restraint, and infused a ringing sound of triumph into its cheering. If Prussian militarism wants an armistice it will have to sue for it from its conqueror, according to the approved rules and customs of war since time immemorial. That cheer must have warmed the hearts of all who heard it, and when the Prime Minister added that if any German application were made a British naval representative will be associated with Marshal Foch in conference, the delighted plaudits rang out again. “Whatever the reply” – such was Mr. Lloyd George’s closing sentence – “the associated Powers await the issue with perfect confidence.” The Versailles Conference evidently was determined to leave nothing to chance and judging by the long list of military demands imposed on Austria, it forgot and overlooked nothing. As to Germany, she is faced with area land deadly“e ink re isungs po litik” at last. The Prime Minister, in a few eloquent words, wished Parliament to join him in the expression of hearty congratulations and gratitude to the Italian army and the Italian people on the magnificent victory with which their valour and steadfastness had just been rewarded, and he added a few words of nobly-earned compliment to General Lord Cavan and the British troops which have taken part in the Italian triumph. Altogether it was a memorable half-hour – a happy forerunner of a greater scene still to come. There was only one discrepant note. While the terms of armistice were being read, one of the pacifist members kept hissing out in a low tone the words, “Brest-litovsk! Brestlitovsk!” But the House was much too happy to take notice of that sibilant voice. The following are the main points of the armistice granted to Austria: Immediate cessation of hostilities by land, air, and sea. Total demobilisation of the Austrian army and withdrawal of all Austrian troops from the Western front. Austrian army to maintain a maximum of twenty divisions at pre-war strength. Evacuation of all territory invaded since the beginning of the war, and withdrawal of all Austro-hungarian forces behind lines fixed by the Italian Commander-in-chief. The Allies to have the right of free movement over all road, rail, and waterways in Austrohungarian territory, and the use of all necessary means of transport. The armies of the Allies to occupy such strategical points in Austria-hungary at such time as they may deem necessary to enable them to conduct military operations or maintain order. Complete removal of all German troops within fifteen days, both from the Italian and Balkan fronts and from all Austria-hungary. Internment of all German troops who remain after that date. Immediate repatriation without reciprocity of all Allied prisoners of war, naval or military, and all interned persons. Surrender of fifteen Austro-hungarian submarines and of all German submarines. Other Austrian submarines to be paid off. Surrender, with complete armament and equipment, of three battleships, three light cruisers, nine destroyers, and six monitors. Freedom of navigation to the Allies up the Adriatic and Danube.

ALLIES’ CONFERENCE.

Paris, Tuesday.

The Petit Journal states that the Portuguese Minister and representatives of the Inter-allied Naval Committees were present at the Conference at Versailles yesterday, which lasted till seven in the evening. The Conference concluded its labours yesterday, complete agreement; on all points having been established. – Reuter. Paris, Monday.

Professor Benes, the Czecho-slovak Minister of Foreign Affairs, has been taking part in the deliberations of the Conference at Versailles as the representative of the Czecho-slovak Government. – Reuter.