New-York tribune., 1918-01-26

after the war, but also on several con-
crete questions, and differences which
still exist do not appear to me to be so
great that conversation regarding
them would not lead to enlightenment
,Hnd rapprochement
"This situation, which doubtless
arises from the fact that Austria Hun
gary on the one side and the United
States on the other are composed of
states whose interests are at least at
variance with one another, tempts one
to ask if an exchange of ideas between
the two powers could not be the point
OF departure for a personal CONVERSE
tion between all states which have not
yet Joined in peace negotiations.
II now return to the most important
point Of the declaration which ] have
made-the negotiations with Russia,
and particularly with the Ukraine
wish to use the peace with those Rus
sian states which possess foodstuffs
available for export to assist our popu-
lation. | do not wish, out Of any hys-
terical anxiety to conclude a peace
some days or week earlier, to have to
give up this advantage for our popu-
lation.
ut is necessary to ascertain whether
the Ukrainian negotiators can send US
goods. and, if so, what goods. and how.
The Ukraine, for her part, does not
wish to conclude an agreement after
treaty of peace has been concluded,
but at the time Of its conclusion. but
the uncertainty Of the position in which
the new states find themselves nat
urally has caused some delay in the
negotiations.
No Advantage in Haste
"lf you attack me in the rear, if you
compel me to conclude an agreement in
great haste, then we shall derive. no
economic advantage, and our popula-
which they might derive from the con-
cluson of peace.
IF you create the totally erroneous
impression among our enemies that we
must absolutely conclude peace immc-
dlately-a peace at any prce-then we
shall not have a single bushel of wheat
! repeat for the tenth time that it is
not question of imperialistic aims
or of annexationist plans. 1t is a
question OF assuring for our popula-
ton the reward they have deserved for
their energetic resistance.
Our associates are good calcu!ators
and Will observe carefully whether or
not you take away my liberty of ac-
ton. If you spoil peace, if you wish
TO DO without imports of cereals, then
1T is logical that pressure should be
brought to bear by speeches, strikes.
resolutions and demonstrations. If
not, 1t is mistake and utterly false
TO say that we are in such a situation
.hat we ought rather to conclude a
bad peace without economic ad-
Vantages to-day than good peace to-
morrow. with its attendant advantages.
!he transport organization diff
culties will be surmounted. The strikes
make the crisis more severe, and the
arrival of food and coal more difficult
mat is to strike a blow against one
sell, and those who believe that thew
are fastening peace by such methods
are deceivlng themselves terribly"
Discusses Strikes
Count Czcrnin mentioned the rumor
that the government itself was not
unconnected with the strikes, and said:
AS the government wishes exactly
the same thing as the majority in the
monarchy-that is, to obtain as quickly
rs possible an honorable peace without
annexatlonlst aims-it is folly to at
tack it from behind and TO embarrass
and perplex it. Those who try TO do
that are not fighting the government,
I'' "o - oiihu, are llSnllnS inc people
whom they pretend to aid and them
selves"
Count Czernin finally asked for a
vote of confidence, and concluded:
Nothing but feeling of duty and
confidence in the Emperor and the ma
Jorlty delegation is keeping ME to nv
post. No Minister of Foreign Affairs
can conduct negotiations of this i'm
portancc If he does not know. if the
whole world does not know, that he is
supported by the confidence of the ma
Jorl'y OF the constitutional organs.
Now. If you have confidence in me
70 conduct peace negotiations, then
you ought to assist me. If YOU have
not that confidence, then you ought to
dismiss me. There is no third way."
Count Czernin said that Article 4 of