Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1918-02-28
AUSTRIA AND
KAISER NEAR
Open BREAK?
Emperor Charles Refusal to
Aid in War On Russ
Anglers Germany.

Washington, Feb. 2S.-Further evil
dence Of the growing strain in rela-
lions between Germany and Austria
over the refusal of the latter to partici-
nate In the renewed attack upon Rus
siatis given in an official dispatch re-
eeiyed here today from France.
It quotes the Austrian premier
Baron Won Seydler) as formally re-
,terating on Feb. 90 that Austria-Hun-
nary will take no part in military &C
ton against Russia or Rumania, and
will not send her troops into Ukrainia.
The dispatch refers to the meeting
on Feb. %. between Emperors Charles
and William (rulers respectively Of
Austria Hungary and Germany and
saws there seems little doubt that
serious conflict has arisen between the
two nations which Germany is deter
mined to settle by violent measures, If
necessary.
Full Text Of Dispatch.
The dispatch follows:
Charles | paid visit to William II
on Feb. o. Ludendorff (quartermas-
ter general of the German army was
present at the interview. 1t must have
been lacking in cordially.
There seems to he little doubt but
what a serious conflict has broken out
during the week between the courts Of
Vienna and Berlin, which Germany is
determined to settle, if need be, by
violent measures.
1.-THE international situation Of the
dual monarchy is such that the Vienna
government in order to avert catas-
trophe, has been Obliged to distinguish
by means Of public declarations its
own policy from that of Germany.
Decision Stirs Austria.
"The report that at the conferences
OF Feb. IA, Hertling German imperial
chancellor) and Dudendorff had de-
cded to pay no attention to the Rus
sian rehabilitation and to prepare to
begin again the conflict on the east
front caused q great stir throughout
Austria.
ut is not simply the dissenting ma
tionalities, the Czechs, the Slovenes or
the Poles, who do not desire to fight
any more, but it is the mass Of the
population of German origin that re-
fuses to sacrifice itself any longer to
assure the triumph Of Prussian i'm
perialism.
Makes Formal Statement.
IAN official note of the 18th had
announced that Austria for her part
would continue to consider the war as
terminated with Russia and would abb
stain from taking part in the opera
tons planned by the German COM
mand.
"A second note OF the 10th repeated
the same statement. When asked to
give further particulars at the sitting
OF the chamber On the 22nd the Aus
trian premier formally stated
1.-THE words uttered by differen,
deputies have proved that the explana-
ton which has been furnished up to
the present by me has not been suffi-
GENTLY explicit
VIII Keep Out of Way.
At repeat. therefore. that Austria
Hungary will participate in no way In
the military action which is now being
carried on by Germany against Rus
STA.
"I repeat that there is no question
Of having our troops penetrate into
Ukrainia. with which we are at peace
~ repeat that an armistice exists
between Austria-Hungary and Ru
mania and that we are only consider
Ing entering as early as possible into
peace conversations with that coun
try
Others Likely to Quit.
These declarations are serious
Without doubt in his speech on Feb
, u Seydler pleaded his fidelity to tint
alliance But more and more German!
runs the risk OF seeing Austria, ant
after her Bulgaria and Turkey, TAXI
positive attitude and, practlcall!
Withdrawing from the struggle. wit
ness as spectators the continuation o
hostilities."