The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-02-28
AUSTRO-GERNAN RELATIONS GROW VERY STRAINED Dual Monarchy Continues Firm in Stand Not to
 Renew War on
 Russians

Washington, February 27.-Further evidence of the growing strain in re- lations between Germany and Austria over the refusal of the latter to par- tfcirate in the renewed attack upon Russia is given in an official dispatch received here today from France. It quotes the Austrian premier as for mafiy refterating on February 22 that Austria-Hungary will take part in military action against Russia Ru- mania and will not send her troops into UIrninia.
 The dispatch refers to the meeting between Emperors Charles and William February P, and says there seems lit < tie doubt that serious conflict has arisen between the two nations which Germany is determined 10 settle by vio- lent measures if necessary.
 TEXT OF DISPATCH
 The dispatch follows:
 "Charies I paid visit to William IT. the 22d of February. Ludendorff was present at the interview. If we are to judge from the tone of the interview it must have been lacking in. cordiality
 There seems to be little doubt but what ;. 8 serious conflict has broken out dur < ing the week between the courts of < Vienna and Berlin and which Germany is determined to settle if need be by violent measures.
 The International situation of the dual monarchy is such that the Vienna gov- ernment in order to avert catastrophe has been obliged to distinguish by mea ns (af jf ia arati itc that of Germany. The report that at the conference of February 14 Won Hertling and Ludendorff had decided to pay no attention to the Russian demobilization and to prepare to begin again the con- 2 flict on the east front caused a great stir throughout Austria. It was not sim ply the dissenting nationalities, the Czechs, the Slovenes, or the Poles. who do not desire to fight any more, but it is the mass of the population of Ger man origin who refuse to sacrifice them- selves any longer to assure the triumph of Prussian imperialism.
 AUSTRIA'S NOTE
 "An official note of the 18th had an- i announced that Austria for her part would x continue to consider the war as ternin- K ated with Russia and would abstain z from taking part in the operation planned < Ly the German command. second note sSof the 18th repeated the same statement. slVhen asked to give further particulars < along the sitting of the chamber on the 2zd the Austrian premier formally stated:
 The words uttered by different dcp- *auties have proved that the explanation which has been furnished up to present by me has not been sufficiently explicit AS< repeat, therefore, that Austria Hum < galT will participate in no way in the @military action which is now being car s3ried on by Germany against Russia. | repent that there is no question of hav- scing our troops penetrate into Ukrainia with whom we are at peace. l repeat that the armistice exists between Austria Hungary and Rumania and that we are lonly considering entering as early as pos lsible into peace conversations with this country.
 eThese declarations are serious. With out a doubt in his speech on the 18th of IFebruary Seydler pledged his fidelity to the alliance. But more and more Ger many runs the risk of seeing Austria, and after her Bulgaria and Turkey, take positive attitude and, practically withdrawing from the struggle. witness as spectators the continuing of hostili- ties"