Monday 11 November 2013

Remembering 11 November 1918


This day in 1918 according to The Sydney Morning Herald.....


SUMMARY.
A German official message states that the Kaiser has decided to abdicate.
The Crown Prince has renounced the Throne, and a Regency is to be established.
Public jubilation prevails in London over the official announcement of the Kaiser's abdication.
The Paris correspondent of the "Daily Chronicle" gives a graphic story of the armistice meeting.
The German delegates met Marshal Foch at a stately chateau nestling in the woods of the Aisne.
After formally requesting an armistice the Germans asked for a temporary suspension of hostilities, which was refused.
Marshal Foch then took from the table a large typewritten sheet, saying quietly: "These are our conditions."
He read the document in a clear voice.
The terms were terribly hard, and the Germans, with set teeth, listened impassively.
Marshal Foch announced the time limit—72 hours—and the interview ended without discussion.
The inclusion of Herr Erzberger at the last hour in the German delegation indicates that Germany is in grave peril.
The German delegation will decide to accept or reject the armistice conditions at Marshal Foch's headquarters.
In Paris it is regarded as certain that Germany is about to capitulate.....

From the AWM Research Centre:

CABLEGRAM FROM LONDON TO GOVERNOR GENERAL ADVISING THAT ARMISTICE HAD BEEN SIGNED.

"Governor General Melbourne Most urgent armistice signed 5 AM this morning Long"

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